Fraud Alert

Cheshire Police are urging residents to be vigilant after a number of reports of courier fraud across Cheshire.

Cheshire Police says it has, over the last few weeks, received repeated reports of victims being contacted by fraudsters posing as businesses, banks, and even Cheshire Police officers, either over the phone or in person.

The fraudsters ask victims to withdraw or hand over cash or valuable items to buy Euros, or provide bank cards or PIN numbers. They then ask the victims to collect these from their home address, or at another meeting place by a courier.

Cheshire Police officers have seen an increase in this type of fraud offence and are reminding people that police officers would never ask anyone for money or to hand over valuable items.

DS Jordan Trentinisaid: "It is important to note that the fraudsters can be extremely convincing, are persistent, and often target elderly or vulnerable people. Many people may think they would never be a victim of this kind of crime – however, this really can happen to anyone."

Police officers further point out that these criminals are very sophisticated and use a whole host of tactics to persuade people to follow their instructions.

Their advice, If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be a police officer, or if anyone asks you to hand over money or bank details, or buy anything to pass across to them, please contact the police immediately.

DS Jordan Trentini adds: "The quicker we are told, the more likely officers can identify those responsible."

If you believe that you have been a victim of courier fraud, call Cheshire Police on 101 using a different phone to the one used to communicate with the fraudsters, or visit cheshire.police.uk/tell-us

Call 999 immediately in an emergency, or if you suspect a fraud is currently in progress.

You can also make a report to Action Fraud via actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

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