27/07/2026
Courier fraud criminals impersonate police and banks to steal money and valuables. Trading Standards is reminding residents to stay vigilant: hang up and verify details independently.
These criminals are professional fraudsters that cold-call residents whilst claiming to be from the police, a bank, or a trusted organisation. They often sound genuine, reassuring, etc. and may already know personal details such as a resident's name or bank, making the scam appear legitimate.
Some examples of courier fraud scams from previous reports by Bromley residents include:
• Requests to assist with a supposed "undercover investigation" by withdrawing cash, purchasing foreign currency, or buying gold, jewellery, or other high-value items. A courier is then sent to collect them.
• Claims that a bank account has been compromised and that funds must be transferred into a so-called "safe account" controlled by criminals.
• Requests for PIN numbers, card details, or banking information, followed by a courier being sent to collect and "replace" bank cards.
In some cases, the criminal may advise the resident to hang up and call 999 or the bank in order to appear genuine. But the fraudster doesn't disconnect and stays on the line, so even after dialling the real phone number, it is still the same fraudsters on the other end. Their aim is to gain trust, create a sense of urgency, and persuade people to hand over money or valuables.
Fraudsters also often instruct victims not to discuss the matter with anyone else and may encourage them to conceal the real reason for cash withdrawals from bank staff. It is therefore essential that residents follow any warnings from the bank and give full disclosure when asked about the purpose of any withdrawal.
Protect yourself:
• Hang up immediately if an unexpected caller claims to be from the police or a bank.
• Never transfer money to a so-called "safe account". Banks and police will never ask this.
• Never share PIN numbers, passwords, security codes, or one-time passcodes.
• Never hand over bank cards, cash, jewellery, or valuables to a courier.
• If a bank card has been cancelled, destroy it personally.
Call your bank on 159 to check your account is secure; leave it a good while before making the call or use a different phone. Also, consider speaking to a trusted friend, family member, neighbour, or bank employee before taking any action.
More information on courier fraud is available on the Report Fraud website and the Take Five to Stop Fraud website.
https://www.bromley.gov.uk/news/article/1017/trading-standards-alert-beware-of-courier-fraud
