Residents across Wiltshire are being urged to stay alert to courier fraud after dozens of offences were reported in the county, leaving victims more than £155,000 out of pocket.
A total of 25 courier fraud crimes were reported in Wiltshire last year. Across the South West, 417 reports were recorded between February and May 2025, with victims losing almost £2.9 million.
The fraud often targets older or vulnerable people and can have a serious financial and emotional impact.
Courier fraud usually begins with an unexpected telephone call. The person on the other end may claim to be a police officer, bank employee or fraud investigator.
Victims are then told that their money, bank account or identity is at risk and that they need to help with an investigation.
They may be instructed to withdraw large amounts of cash, purchase gold, jewellery or other expensive items and hand them to a courier who arrives at their home.
The caller and courier are working together as part of the fraud.
Once cash or valuables have been handed over, they are unlikely to be recovered.
Spotting the warning signs
Friends, relatives, neighbours and members of the community are being encouraged to look out for anyone who appears worried or under pressure while making an unexpected withdrawal or purchase.
Warning signs can include someone:
- Receiving instructions over the telephone while withdrawing cash or buying expensive items
- Appearing nervous, worried or under pressure
- Following instructions or a script given by someone on the phone
- Saying they are helping the police or bank with an investigation
- Withdrawing unusually large amounts of money or purchasing valuable items unexpectedly
There are also some simple rules which can help people recognise a courier fraud.
The police will never:
- Ask someone to withdraw money
- Tell someone to buy gold or jewellery
- Send a courier to collect cash or valuables from their home
Banks will never:
- Ask for a PIN
- Ask a customer to withdraw cash as part of an investigation
- Send a courier to collect money, bank cards or valuables
Anyone who receives an unexpected call of this nature is being urged to take a moment and question what they are being asked to do.
Ask whether someone claiming to be from the police or a bank has requested money, whether they have said the victim is helping with an investigation, whether they have instructed them what to say, or whether someone is being sent to collect cash or valuables.
A conversation with a family member, friend or neighbour could be enough to prevent the fraud from succeeding.
If a courier fraud is taking place or a suspected courier is nearby, people should call 999 immediately and tell the call handler that they suspect courier fraud.
Anyone who has been targeted or knows someone who has can report the incident to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or through the Report Fraud website.
Police are also asking family members, friends, neighbours, taxi drivers, shop staff, delivery drivers and community groups to remain alert and share information about the warning signs.
With relatively simple checks potentially preventing significant financial losses, residents are being encouraged to talk about courier fraud with older relatives and anyone who may be particularly vulnerable.
