Fraudster posed as detective on the phone to try and con someone from town on Shropshire border
Cops issue warning after multiple courier fraud attempts on West Mercia patch
A fraudster posed as a detective on the phone to try and con someone from a Shropshire border town out of money, police have said.
The bogus cop claimed to be “Detective Warren Mason” or “Detective Mason Warren” from “Brixon Police” when they called someone in Tenbury Wells - on the Shropshire/Worcestershire border.
No money or valuables were handed over, however West Mercia Police has had several reports of attempted courier fraud on its patch this week.
Courier fraud is usually when a fraudster phones their victim and claims to be from the police, another law enforcement authority or a bank.
They dupe them into revealing their PIN and credit/debit card details, or ask them to hand over cash or buy high value items, which are then to be handed over to a ‘courier’.
Fraudsters' most common targets are the elderly.
Detective Sergeant Polly Price said: “We are warning the public to remain vigilant around courier fraud and look out for vulnerable family or friends who are more at risk of falling victim to these con artists.
“Remember, courier fraudsters can seem convincing, but no police officer from any force will ever ask you to make a payment or purchase, withdraw or transfer money or ask for your bank details.
“If anyone does it will be a scam. Put the phone down and call the police or your bank from another landline or mobile to check, not the one you were called on.”
The force has had another three reports of courier fraud attempts in Herefordshire and two in Worcestershire in the last week.
A man was arrested on Thursday, August 20 on suspicion of attempted fraud in relation to an incident where someone was targeted in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.
Police also received a report on Wednesday of a person in Worcester who did transfer a large sum of money to someone they mistakenly believed to be a police officer. Enquiries are ongoing into this incident.
Anyone who thinks they may have been contacted by a bogus police officer should call 101 or report it via our website Report a crime | West Mercia Police . Always call 999 in an emergency.