Courier fraudsters have been reported operating across East Lancashire. All victims have been phoned by someone impersonating a police officer from Lancashire Constabulary. The caller has given a false name and collar number before telling them that either their bank accounts are unsafe, they have been a victim of fraud, or they need you to assist them in an investigation.
They have then been asked to withdraw a substantial amount of cash, buy high value items such as Rolex watches or exchange the cash to Euros. They have been given a false one-time-password, and a ‘courier’, who is also a fraudster, has picked up the cash or items from their home address, or neutral location, like a car park.
Please remember 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. The Police, or your bank will also never send someone to collect cash, items, PINs, cards, or cheque books from you, from any location.
If you have concerns or want to check if a police officer is genuine, you can call 101. Consider using a different telephone or mobile phone or wait 5 minutes and make sure the potential scam caller has terminated their call.
Further information can be found at www.lancashire.police.uk/news
