ZEPHYR, the South-West’s regional organised crime unit, has been taking part in a regional event for over 50s to raise awareness of fraud and scams.

They’ve been at The +50 show ni Exeter to warn people of courier fraud, a crime which fools you into handing cards and PIN numbers to a courier on your doorstep.

The region has been targeted by unscrupulous fraudsters who are preying on vulnerable elderly people, many of whom have been duped out huge sums of money - some even life savings.

The number of people who have been victims of courier fraud has topped 300, with around nine out of 10 people contacted aged over 60.

The two-day event at Westpoint Exeter closes tomorrow (Saturday) at 4pm.

September).

Dec Insp Tony Hubbard said: “It’s vital we get the message out far and wide to warn more people about the threat of courier fraud.

“The more we talk about this scam and the more people who are made aware of it, the less likely that they are to become victims.”

A high profile publicity campaign was launched earlier this year to warn people about the threat of courier fraud.

In August, Zephyr detectives made a series of arrests following raids at properties in London as part of a joint operation with the Metropolitan Police. Two men have since been charged.

However, officers are aware that fraudsters continue to operate nationwide and they are taking the opportunity to visit events such as the 50+ show to continue to raise awareness of fraud and scams.

 

 

HOW TO SPOT COURIER FRAUD.

Broadly the same approach has been used by the fraudsters across the South-West and in other parts of the country. It started in the South-East of England but has spread much wider.

The perpetrators contact potential victims, who are normally elderly, by telephone.

They are then encouraged by the fraudster using an elaborate and convincing reason to withdraw large sums of cash, which they are then asked to send to London by taxi or via a courier, who will collect the money from their home.

The culprit claims the money is potential evidence for an investigation. The money is needed so that it can be ‘forensically examined’.

 

 

KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER.

*Your bank will never send a courier to your home.

*Your bank and the police will never collect your bank card.

*Your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN.

*If you receive one of these calls end it immediately.