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Hartford and Greenbank Residents, Cheshire Police are urging residents to be cautious as a spate of Courier Fraud attempts have been reported across the county and North West. Courier Fraud is where a criminal will contact the individual pretending to be from a trusted organisation such as the police or banks, order to deceive victims into handing over money, bank cards or high value goods. What to look out for: Unexpected calls or messages. Fraudsters may call claiming to be from the police or your bank often stating there has been suspicious activity on your account.Requests for personal information or money. Fraudsters may ask for passwords, passcodes or cash to be handed to a courier for safekeeping or investigation.Pressure tactics. Criminals will use urgency or threats to cause panic and fear. When you are under stress you are less likely to think clearly about your actions.Fake couriers. A person may visit your home claiming to collect money, bank cards or documents. What you should do: Stay calm. Genuine police and bank staff will never ask for passwords, passcodes or for you to withdraw money to send with a courier.Verify the caller. Hang up, wait ten minutes to ensure the phoneline is clear. Contact the organisation directly using a trusted number. Eg from the back of the bank card or a statement. Do not use numbers provided by the caller.Report suspicious activity. If you think you have been targeted, report to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
If the fraud is ongoing, or you feel threatened, call 999 immediately. Help us to stop these criminals by staying alert and share this message with family, friends and vulnerable neighbours. |
