Courier fraud attempts made against two people in Blackburn

Police say that in the past week alone, they have received two reports of attempted courier fraud in the town in which both victims received a phone call from someone who introduced themselves as a police officer.

The fraudster has then gone on to say that someone has tried to use their bank card and steal money from them.

Thankfully, neither victim lost any money, and both incidents were reported to the police and are currently being investigated.

DC Eve Maderson, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “These are two cases of attempted courier fraud, which could have ended far worse than it thankfully did.

“These two individuals’ suspicions were raised by the phone call they received and they reported it to us. Doing so saved them from the probable loss of thousands of pounds."

The police are now seeking to remind people of some key advice when it comes to protecting yourself from fraud:

1. The police, or your bank will NEVER ask you to assist with an investigation over the phone, withdraw or transfer money or buy high value items
2. The police, or your bank will also never send someone to collect cash, items, PINs, cards or chequebooks from you, from any location.
3. You can always call the police on 101 to verify that the person you are talking to is genuine.
4. You can also ask police to confirm an officer’s name or collar number is legitimate.
5. Make sure you verify who you are talking to.
6. Clear the line, and phone the police on 101 from a different phone, or wait at least five minutes to contact them, or a trusted person.

Lancashire police are also advising the public to be vigilant of these scams, make their loved ones, especially those who may be more vulnerable, aware of what these scams may look like, and help officers to protect them from these kinds of callous scammers.

If you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank on their genuine number to secure your finances.

If you have any concerns, ring 101 or contact Action Fraud.