Eastbourne residents warned of rise in courier fraud

Courier fraud is when a fraudster calls the victim pretending to be from the police or a bank and asks for money under false pretences.

According to police the most recent cases have involved the suspect taking the victim’s bank card and withdrawing money from their account.

In Sussex the average loss to victims since August this year has been £8,249 with 76 per cent of victims aged 75 and over.

Police constable Bernadette Lawrie, financial abuse safeguarding officer, said, “Criminals continue to exploit people through this appalling method and we are urging the public to be cautious of unexpected phone calls from people asking for personal information.

“If you have an older family member, we urge you to talk them through these tips for keeping safe from courier fraud.”

Sussex Police has told people:

• Act with care if you get an unsolicited call

• The police or your bank will never ask you to withdraw money or hand over your bank cards

• Never transfer funds into a new account on the instruction of an unexpected caller, even if they tell you that the account is in your name

• Always check your phone line has properly disconnected before making another call, wait five minutes after the suspicious call before making another

• Never share your PIN number or enter your PIN into a telephone

• Never give money or your bank cards to a courier or anyone who comes to your door

Anyone who believes they are a victim of fraud should call 101.

For more information and advice go to: https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wsi/watch-schemes-initiatives/os/operation-signature/