The police have said for people to report any suspicious activity related to the scam

A Courier fraud warning has been issued by police after a series of incidents locally.

West Mercia Police have issued the alert about the form of scam after a number of elderly people have fallen victim to the con in nearby Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Courier fraud is usually when fraudsters phone victims and claim to be from their bank or law enforcement authorities such as the police.

They then pressure and trick their victims into revealing their PIN and credit or debit card information.

The con artists could also ask victims to part with cash or buy expensive items which they will be then told to give a ‘courier’.

In recent weeks, West Mercia Police have received several reports of such instances of courier fraud.

On Friday, August 28, an elderly man in Hereford withdrew money from his bank account to give a courier after being pressured.

He was also coerced into purchasing “high value items” for the courier and told to transfer a large sum of money to another account.

In another incident, police said an elderly victim in North Herefordshire was coerced into transferring a large amount of money to another account by someone claiming to be a police officer.

Talking about the scam, Detective Inspector Mel Reynolds said: “Please continue 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. Make sure they are aware of this scam.

“Always remember, 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.”

The DI added: “In recent incidents fraudsters have claimed to be the ‘Chief Police Officer of Hereford’ or that they are from the MET police.

“If you have a call like this, 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.”

For more information about door-to-door and courier fraud, readers can visit Door-to-door and courier fraud | West Mercia Police .

Additionally, 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 .