A man from Carnforth has been targeted by scammers and had a ‘significant amount of money’ stolen.
The elderly victim was contacted by a person purporting to be a police officer from Scotland Yard.
The scammer provided a false name, collar number, and team, telling the victim he needed to provide his bank details and home address to aid an investigation.
The victim was then asked to authorise a bank transaction as part of the investigation and to provide his bank cards, which were subsequently collected from his home address.
He was told that if he informed anyone of the interactions with the scammers, he would be arrested.
Money from the victim’s account was then spent or withdrawn by the fraudsters.
Detective Constable Matthew Heath, of West CID at Lancashire Police, said: “An elderly man has had a significant amount of money stolen from him, and we are doing all we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“Courier fraudsters often prey on some of the most vulnerable people, and we’re now asking you to help us by being vigilant and knowing the signs to protect yourself and others from it.”
The police are asking the public to be aware of signs of courier fraud and to inform vulnerable loved ones about it.
They have reminded people that the police and banks will never ask for full passwords over the phone, request money withdrawals or transfers, or ask for high-value items to aid an investigation.
People should not hand over any item, including cash or bank cards, to anyone who comes to their address, as neither the police nor banking staff would take bank cards or cash from them.
If someone comes to a property purporting to be sent from the police or the bank, the police should be contacted on 999.
Unexpected deliveries or items sent to an address that have not been ordered should not be handed over to anyone and the police should be contacted.
People should not agree to go into a bank or use online banking to transfer or withdraw funds at the request of another.
If any such requests are made by a third party, the cashier should be notified.
Scammers often tell a victim that the investigation is covert and not to disclose information.
People should make sure to verify who they are talking to and not reveal any personal details.
They should clear the line and phone the police on 101 from a different phone, or wait at least two minutes to contact the police or a trusted person.
If anyone has been a victim of fraud, they should contact their bank on their genuine number to secure their finances.
Detective Constable Heath said: “Please also let your loved ones, especially those who may be vulnerable to courier fraud, know the signs, to help us all make it harder for these cruel scammers to work.
“If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it to be, or if you believe you or someone you know could have been a victim of courier fraud, please get in contact with us.”
People can report to the police on 101 or alternatively, they can contact Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.