🚨 Courier Fraud Warning — New Alert After Latest Incident

Sunday, 02 August 2026

Police have issued a fresh courier fraud warning after the latest reported incident in Northamptonshire. This is one of the most damaging phone scams targeting UK families — and it specifically preys on older adults.

How the scam works

  1. The call. Someone claiming to be from your bank, the police, or a card company phones you — often spoofing a genuine number.
  2. The story. They claim fraud has been detected on your account, or that a "rogue employee" is involved, and you must help catch them.
  3. The ask. They persuade you to hand over your bank card, PIN, or cash to a "courier" who arrives at your door — sometimes within the hour.
  4. The loss. The courier is part of the fraud. Your money is gone, and because you authorised the transfer, recovering it is difficult.

Who is targeted

Courier fraud overwhelmingly targets older and vulnerable adults, often people who live alone. Victims are kept on the phone for long periods to stop them checking the story with family or their bank.

The one rule that keeps you safe

Your bank and the police will NEVER send a courier to collect your card, PIN, or cash. Hang up. Always.

If someone calls claiming to be your bank or the police asking you to hand over money or cards:

  • Hang up immediately — do not stay on the line.
  • Wait five minutes, then call your bank on the number on the back of your card (or use 159, the UK banking scam-checking line).
  • Never give your PIN to anyone, for any reason.
  • Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.

What to do if you've been targeted

  • Contact your bank immediately — they can freeze cards and flag the account.
  • Report to Action Fraud and your local police.
  • Tell family or a trusted friend — fraudsters rely on secrecy.
  • If you feel pressured, scared, or unsure: hang up and call 159.

Share this warning

Courier fraud succeeds because of silence. Forward this warning to an older relative or neighbour today — one conversation can stop a fraud.

— CyberAware UK · 🐾 GUARDED BY BULLY — DIGITAL THREAT RESPONSE UNIT