Sometimes criminals say that they are from your bank and the person calling might be able to confirm some easily obtainable information about you such as your full name and address and after gaining your trust, the criminals might say something like:

• Their systems have spotted a fraudulent payment on your card, or maybe that the card is due to expire and needs to be replaced. They will make you input your card PIN details over the phone.

• They may say that there is an investigation which will require you to withdraw money and hand it over to a courier, they will say that as soon as the investigation is complete they will return the card to you. They will ask you to purchase expensive items that you need to hand to a courier for examination.

• Some money has been removed from your bank account and that corrupt staff at your local bank branch are responsible. You’re advised that someone at the branch has already been arrested but the “police” need you to withdraw your money for evidence.

All these scenarios are cases that have actually happened to people, the criminals who are pretending to be your bank will often tell you not to speak to anyone else about the investigation and then say that you will get your money back.

They will ask you to lie to your bank or bypass security measures – it is essential that you follow any warnings from your bank and never lie to your bank. They may offer to send a courier to collect your money, or bank card and PIN. They will ask you to write down your PIN and place it in a separate envelope to that of your card.

Steps to protect yourself from Courier Fraud:

1. Please don’t hand your bank card over to anyone. Your bank or the police will never ring you to tell you they are coming to your home to pick up money or your card.

2. Never input your PIN or card details on your phone.  Your bank will never ask you to input your card or PIN details onto your phone and if you are asked to do this you need to hang up immediately.

3. Take Five and stop and think. Criminals are experts at impersonating banks, trusted organisations or the police. They will try to rush and panic you into responding to their requests, so please reject, refuse or ignore these requests.

4. Always speak to your bank securely. If you’re contacted out of the blue, you can always call your bank back on a number you know to be correct such as a number on your banks website or on any documents you have received from your bank. Hang up and wait five minutes before you call your bank, as criminals may stay on the line. Alternatively, use a different line altogether to call your bank back.

How do I report?

Report to Action fraud if you suspect you have become the victim of a courier fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.

For more fraud prevention advice visit GMP’s crime prevention webpage on Advice about fraud | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk).