Arrest made in courier fraud investigation
- LM News
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Yesterday (Tuesday 7 July) officers arrested a man suspected to be involved in a courier fraud offence.
Courier fraud occurs when a fraudster contacts victims by telephone claiming to be a police officer or bank official. The caller sounds plausible and may confirm the victim’s name and address, basic information which could be obtained easily.
In September last year an elderly woman was contacted by someone claiming to be a bank official who said he was investigating fraudulent activity on the victim’s bank card and that he needed to send a courier to collect the card.
The card was subsequently collected by a courier then used to purchase items.
The incident took place in Oxfordshire and was reported to Thames Valley Police.
The investigation was later transferred to Leicestershire when it was identified that the suspect may be residing in the area.
PC Clifford from the force’s Specialist Crime Unit, was the investigating officer, she said: “Following extensive enquiries we executed a warrant at two addresses in East Leicester and arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of fraud. He has subsequently been released on bail pending further enquiries.
“This type of offence is of great concern to us. Suspects are targeting elderly or vulnerable people. They sound genuine and gain the trust of the victims.
“The police or banks would not contact people in this way. If you get a call like this hang up. Don’t be pressured into agreeing to anything. Discuss the call and any requests made of you with a family member or trusted friend, even if the person on the phone tells you not to.
“Please consider contacting your bank on a known official number, preferably via an alternate number to verify any calls directly with your bank. Your bank cards are yours and neither the banks, nor the police would ask you to hand them to somebody for safekeeping.
“We are asking people to remain vigilant. If you have elderly neighbours or relatives who don’t access our website or social media sites, please advise them of these incidents.
“Telephone companies can assist with call blocking technology to help restrict these types of calls. We would recommend that people talk this through with their vulnerable or elderly family and friends to help prevent this activity.
“At times the fraudsters use local taxi firms to collect bank cards or transport potential victims to their banks. We would ask taxi companies to be mindful of this and if they have any suspicions to contact the police immediately.
“Further advice about the scam can be found on the Report Fraud website https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ and the steps people can take to protect themselves.”
Leicestershire Police News - Published: 10:15 08/07/2026
