FRAUDSTERS posing as officials have tricked victims into handing over bank cards and cash.
Cheshire Police have issued a warning about a courier scam in which criminals impersonate a member of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to convince people to part with money and personal items.
The scam begins with a phone call followed by a WhatsApp message, often containing an image of the FCA logo to appear more legitimate.
Victims are then instructed to withdraw cash, hand over valuable items, or provide bank cards and PIN numbers, which can then be collected from their homes by fraudsters using an Uber taxi.
So far, fraudsters have been successful on three occasions, with total losses believed to be around £10,000.
Detective Constable Gareth Yates, from the Economic Crime Unit at Cheshire Police, said: "It is important to note that the fraudsters can be extremely convincing.
"They are persistent and often target elderly or vulnerable people.
"Many people may think they would never be a victim to this kind of crime; however, this really can happen to anyone.
"We react very differently when under stress and these criminals are very sophisticated and use a whole host of tactics to persuade people to follow their instructions."
Cheshire Police have reminded the public that public officials would never ask anyone for money or to hand over valuable items.
Mr Yates said: "If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be a public official, anyone asks you to hand over money, bank details or purchase anything to pass across to them, please contact us immediately.
"The quicker we are told, the more likely officers can identify those responsible."
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by courier fraud should contact Cheshire Police on 101, using a different phone from the one used to communicate with the suspected fraudsters.
Information can also be reported online at cheshire.police.uk/tell-us.
You can report to Report Fraud via reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
In emergencies, or if a fraud is currently taking place, people should call 999 immediately.
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