BRFM Officers arrest two people in connection with a courier fraud in Sittingbourne
Written by karen on 3 November 2017
Officers investigating a courier fraud in Sittingbourne arrested a 22-year-old man from London, and a 26-year-old-woman on Wednesday 1 November 2017.
A woman in her nineties reported that she had received a call from someone claiming to be a police officer who told her debit card had been compromised.
She alleged she was told to put her debit card in an envelope. The caller then asked if she had any valuables in the house and that these would also be safer at New Scotland Yard.
The woman placed approximately £20,000 worth of jewellery in a bag with her debit card and left it outside her front door for an officer to collect.
A few days later she then claims to have received another call from the officer and was asked to authorise two payments as part of the investigation. These transactions totalled nearly £4000.
Detective Sergeant Marc Cananur said: ‘Criminals who commit courier fraud offences prey on the most vulnerable members of society and care little if their victims are left penniless as a result of the lies that are spun.
‘We are keen to ensure people know how to spot the signs of a fraudulent phone call so their finances and valuables are not put at risk. I would encourage friends and family members to pass on fraud prevention advice to help protect residents who may not be aware of this type of scam.’
Protect yourself against courier fraud, remember:
- The police or your bank will never send a courier to your home to collect your bank card or other items and will never ask for cash, valuables, or your PIN.
- If you receive one of these calls end it immediately without providing information.
- If you wish to call your bank use a number known to you, not one provided by the caller. Call from another phone, or call a friend first to ensure the offenders have been disconnected from your line.
- If you’ve handed over any personal bank details to the fraudster, call your bank and cancel your cards immediately.
supplied by Kent Police
