Telephone fraudsters posing as police officers or bank employees tricked victims in Kent out of more than three quarters of a million pounds last year.
The deceptive practice, known as courier fraud, typically begins with an unexpected phone call where scammers claim to be from a financial institution or law enforcement. Victims are falsely informed that their accounts are at risk or that their assistance is urgently required for a police investigation. Under this guise, targets are instructed to withdraw substantial amounts of cash, purchase high-value items, or hand over sensitive security data.
Once the victim has been compromised, the fraudsters arrange for a courier, frequently using a local taxi service, to arrive at the victim’s home to collect the property. This can include items such as jewellery, physical cash, bank cards, and secret PINs. The forces behind the scam ensure that anything handed over to the courier is permanently stolen. Kent Police is currently backing a nationwide awareness campaign launched by the City of London Police this week to highlight the severe threat of the crime. The initiative comes after 86 individual victims across Kent lost a collective total of £766,544.44 to the scam throughout 2025.
Detective Inspector Ian Sanderson of Kent Police said:
‘Fraudsters frequently target people who are elderly or vulnerable and may pretend to be from a trusted organisation before persuading them to hand over their valuables. They can also make contact by WhatsApp and pretend to be a relative in need of urgent cash.
‘Between 1 and 10 June this year, we received 30 reports of this type of offence of which 18 were to residents in the east of the county. The criminals were successful in only three of the incidents managing to steal more than £9,300.
‘We investigate reported frauds based on the evidence that is available and will always seek to track down those responsible and bring them to justice. We also have specialist staff who pay regular visits to banks and community groups to educate people on the warning signs. In this way, we hope victims will feel confident to stop, question and deter suspicious callers.’
Crime prevention advice
- Your bank or the police will never call you to ask you to verify your personal details or PIN by phone, or offer to pick up your card by courier. Hang up, wait a few minutes and call your bank on a number you know to be genuine (such as the one on the back of your card) or by calling 159.
- The police or your bank will not contact you out of the blue to participate in an investigation; or send a courier to your home to collect bank cards, cash, or other valuable items. Any requests to do so are a scam.
- Do not trust the caller ID display on your phone – it is not proof of identification.
Remember, staying cautious and sceptical can go a long way in protecting yourself from courier fraud. Take the time to verify information, seek advice from trusted sources, and never rush into making financial decisions under pressure. If you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and call Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website: reportfraud.police.uk