Two Arrested In Connection With Courier Fraud

Officers investigating a courier fraud in Sittingbourne have arrested a 22-year-old man from London and a local 26-year-old-woman.

A woman in her nineties reported that she had received a call from someone claiming to be a police officer who told her that her debit card had been compromised. She alleged she was told to put her debit card in an envelope. The caller then asked if she had any valuables in the house and that these would also be safer at New Scotland Yard.

The woman placed approximately £20,000 worth of jewellery in a bag with her debit card and left it outside her front door for an officer to collect. A few days later she then claims to have received another call from the officer and was asked to authorise two payments as part of the investigation. These transactions totalled nearly £4000.

Detective Sergeant Marc Cananur, of Kent Police, told SFM News: "criminals who commit courier fraud offences prey on the most vulnerable members of society and care little if their victims are left penniless as a result of the lies that are spun. We are keen to ensure people know how to spot the signs of a fraudulent phone call so their finances and valuables are not put at risk. I would encourage friends and family members to pass on fraud prevention advice to help protect residents who may not be aware of this type of scam."

Kent Police advise that to protect yourself against courier fraud, by remembering:

• The police or your bank will never send a courier to your home to collect your bank card or other items and will never ask for cash, valuables, or your PIN.
• If you receive one of these calls end it immediately without providing any information.
• If you wish to call your bank use a number known to you, not one provided by the caller. Call from another phone, or call a friend first to ensure the offenders have been disconnected from your line.
• If you've handed over any personal bank details to the fraudster, call your bank and cancel your cards immediately.