Derbyshire Constabulary have reported that they have seen a recent increase in courier fraud-related scams across Derbyshire.
The constabulary said that victims have been receiving parcels, containing high value goods - such as an iPhone - followed by a second uniformed courier arriving shortly after, stating that the parcel has been delivered in error and therefore collecting it back. The fraudsters, on some occasions, have taken out mobile phone contracts using the victim's details, without their knowledge or consent.
Their advice is that if you receive a package from a courier that you cannot remember ordering, do not accept it, and certainly do not hand a package over if a courier requests you to. In both cases, you should check their credentials and call the company that they represent to check if they are legitimate, and if they aren't who they say they are, then call 101, or 999 if a crime is in process.
The next step would be to contact the retailer as soon as you can and arrange for the package to be sent back.
If you are targeted by this scam, it’s a good idea to tell your bank as your details could be compromised and you may be a victim of identity theft.
How to protect yourself against identity theft
If you want to protect yourself against identity fraud, Action Fraud recommends that you:
• Shred anything with your name, address or financial details before throwing it away.
• Do not reveal any security information - such as your password, login details or account numbers if you get an unsolicited email or call.
• Call your bank on an official number if you get an unsolicited call.
• Check your statements regularly and report any suspicious activity.
• Put your bills and financial details in a safe place out of view.
• Contact your bank if paper statements don’t arrive (if you’re expecting them).
• Redirect your post via Royal Mail, for a least a year, if you move property.
• Use a credit report checking service, to alert you to any key changes on your credit file.
What to do if you have fallen victim to this scam
We all make mistakes and these days the scams can be incredibly convincing. If you think you, or someone you know has been a victim of online fraud:
• Let your bank know what’s happened immediately.
• Report the offence to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Whilst this type of fraud is being reported by Derbyshire Constabulary, it’s a scam that exists nationwide.
And with still so many people working from home, it’s important that employees are aware of these scams that literally happen on their doorsteps.
Let’s all share the advice and report the scammers!
Reporting
Report all Fraud and Cybercrime to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).
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