New Crimestoppers campaign launched

In 2021, over £15 million was lost to courier fraud in the UK, affecting over 3,600 victims.
 

• Around 60% of victims are over 70, and whilst the average loss per person is around £5,000, the highest single loss last year was £640,000.
• One victim was a woman in her 80s who was conned out of more than £30,000 after handing over her debit card and her driver’s licence.

For the vulnerable victims of this sophisticated scam, the emotional and financial impacts are devastating.

For the criminal gangs behind it, the profits fund wider serious crime that impacts communities across the country.
Courier fraud is a scam where criminals pretend to be the police or the victim’s bank, tricking victims into providing banking details, withdrawing cash, foreign currency or purchasing gold, watches, or other expensive items.

Crimestoppers have developed a six-month-long social media and PR campaign, working with City of London Police and Action Fraud, to raise awareness of what courier fraud is, and how we all have the power to stop it.

The response is to offer individuals in communities a way to speak up with information on the criminals behind courier fraud, 100% anonymously.

Educate. Solve. Support. Prevent

The Crimestoppers campaign takes a comprehensive approach to raise awareness and drive reporting on courier fraud, as well as working with partners to signpost to support avenues available for victims.

Their messaging seeks to help tackle courier fraud by targeting audiences who may have information on the crime gangs behind it.

By targeting awareness messaging and highlighting the warning signs at potential victims and those close to them, as well as professionals in industries that may be able to witness this scam, Crimestoppers seek to help prevent future victims from being defrauded.

As well as offering the opportunity to give information anonymously, the campaign signposts to Action Fraud and other available organisations that offer victims support and advice.

If you’ve seen or suspect crime and don’t want to speak to the police, you can tell us what you know on the phone on 0800 555 111 and online, 24/7, 365 days a year.