Top News

A bank has seen a jump in courier fraud- with victims posting payment cards, PINs and cash to fraudsters. TSB said it had analysed its higher-value card losses relating to cases over £5,000 and found significant spikes in caseloads and losses.

Courier fraud involves criminals impersonating banks and the police, using persuasive tactics to obtain people's valuable items. Victims will either send their cards and pins through the post, or fraudsterswill send couriers to collect cash from their homes, TSB warned. Older people are often targeted, TSB said.

It said in one case, a customer in their 80s was targeted by a fraudster impersonating their bank. They demanded that their card and PIN be posted to an address in London"for security reasons". Upon receipt, fraudsters withdrew £5,750 using cards and cash machines.

Another customer, also in their 80s, was targeted by a police impersonation scam. A fraudster claimed their bank account was compromised.

The criminal then turned up at the victim's door, dressed as an officer and holding a police badge. The victim handed over their card and PIN, which were used to drain nearly £8,500 at retail and tech stores.

TSB and the City of London Police are urging people to be vigilant if someone contacts them claiming to be from a bank or the police.

George Hulland, from fraud prevention at TSB, said: "Courier fraud is highly traumatic for victims, who can face scams that last for months, alongside intrusive visits to their home - and even meeting fraudsters face to face.

"Neither a bank nor the police will ever request that you post or hand over your card, or cash - so if you're ever asked, it's definitely a scam."

Det Chief Insp Andy Thomas, head of the London Proactive Economic Crime Team, said: "Courier fraud relies on criminals abusing trust and pressuring victims into handing over cards, cash or high-value items in person.

"We urge the public to remain vigilant and remember that neither the police nor a bank will ever ask you to hand over your card, PIN, cash or valuables. If something does not feel right, stop, take time, and contact your bank or the police independently before taking any action."