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In the Thames Valley area, losses to courier fraud have been significant. 135 reports were recorded last financial year with over £2 million lost - among the highest in the UK - underscoring the need for vigilance locally. Criminals are sending convincing SMS and email messages that urge recipients to click a link (for example, to “resolve a bank issue”, “rearrange a delivery”, or “verify an account”). The link leads to a fake website designed to steal personal and banking details. Victims are then contacted—often by a caller spoofing a bank or the police—and persuaded to hand over bank cards, PINs, cash, foreign currency, or high‑value items to a courier for “examination” or to transfer funds to a so‑called “safe account”. Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, Head of Central Fraud Unit at Thames Valley Police, said: “Courier fraudsters are exploiting phishing texts and emails to harvest personal and banking details before calling victims while pretending to be police or bank staff. Neither Thames Valley Police nor any financial institution will ever ask you to move money, share your PIN or one-time passcode, withdraw cash, buy high‑value items, or hand anything to a courier.If you receive an unexpected message with a link, don’t click it. If in doubt about a call, hang up and dial 159 to reach your bank safely.Please report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam texts to 7726.If you’ve lost money or personal data report it at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Share this advice with relatives and neighbours - your pause and scepticism can stop a scam at the front door.” How this scam worksThe hook (SMS/email): You receive an unsolicited message with a link. The goal is to capture your credentials or payment details. The follow‑up (call): A fraudster impersonating your bank or a police officer calls, using details you may have just entered, and creates urgency to make you comply. The handover (courier): You are told to withdraw cash, buy items (e.g., gold or jewellery or gift cards), hand over cards/PINs, or transfer to a ‘safe’ account; a courier is sent to collect. No bank or police service will ever ask you to do this. Red flags to watch forUnsolicited links in texts/emails, or requests to “verify”, “reactivate” or “update” details.Pressure and urgency: “act now”, “within 2 hours”, “final warning”. Impersonation of authority (bank/police), including caller ID spoofing. Requests to hand over cards/PINs, withdraw cash, buy high‑value items, or send a courier.If you receive a suspicious SMS or emailDo not click links. Navigate to the organisation’s official website or app independently. Report it: - Forward emails to report@phishing.gov.uk (NCSC).
- Forward texts to 7726 (free) to alert your mobile provider.
Delete the message and block the sender once reported.If you’ve clicked the link or given detailsContact your bank immediately via 159 (a secure, spoof‑resistant number that routes you straight to your bank), or use the number on the back of your card. Change passwords for any affected accounts and enable 2‑step verification. Report the phishing message (see above) and monitor accounts for unauthorised activity. How to report a financial loss or attemptReport Fraud (Action Fraud): reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 (online reporting available 24/7 for England & Wales). Key reminders to share with family, friends and neighboursBanks and police will never ask for your PIN, full password, to transfer money to a ‘safe’ account, to withdraw cash, or to hand anything to a courier. If asked, it’s a scam—hang up.Stop, Challenge, Protect: take a moment to stop, challenge unusual requests, and protect yourself by contacting the organisation on a trusted number (or by dialling 159 for your bank). You can report to Crimestoppers, 100% anonymously – call free on 0800 555 111 or use their online form below: Give information anonymously The Crimestoppers role: To raise awareness of the tactics used by the fraudsterEncouraging the public to report suspicious activity 100% anonymouslyOffering a safe and confidential way to share information What can you report? Names & descriptions of suspects.Apps or methods used to recruit couriers.Suspicious behaviour from passengers or customers.Retailers knowingly accepting fraudulent payments. “Fraudsters prey on creating pressure which is designed to make you act quickly but Stop! Think Fraud empowers us to collectively join together to help stop fraud in its tracks.” If you’ve lost money or provided your financial information to someone, notify your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Emotional and further practical support is available from Victims First who may be contacted on 0300 1234 148, or via Victims First Online Referral Form or Live Chat. | 
