Police have issued a public appeal for information after a series of courier frauds saw victims in the West Midlands tricked into handing over substantial sums of cash and their bank cards.
CCTV Images Released in Investigation
West Midlands Police have now released clear CCTV images of two individuals they urgently wish to speak to in connection with the incidents. The force believes the pair may hold vital information that could assist their ongoing investigation.
The alleged courier frauds took place across three separate areas: Birmingham, Coventry and Sandwell. The crimes all occurred within a short, concentrated timeframe, between August 11 and August 13 last year.
How the Courier Fraud Unfolded
While specific details of each conversation have not been disclosed, courier fraud typically involves criminals impersonating police officers or bank officials. They contact victims, often by phone, and convince them that their bank account is under threat from fraudsters.
The victim is then persuaded to withdraw large amounts of cash or hand over their bank cards and PINs to a 'courier' – who is in fact a criminal associate – for 'safekeeping'. By the time the victim realises they have been scammed, the offenders have disappeared with their money.
In these three linked cases, the victims were successfully deceived into handing over both cash and their bank cards to the individuals who arrived at their doors.
Public Urged to Contact Police
Officers are urging anyone who recognises the people in the CCTV images to come forward immediately. A spokesperson for West Midlands Police stated: "Do you recognise these two? We would like to speak to them in relation to three courier frauds where victims have been tricked into handing over cash and bank cards."
Members of the public can contact the police directly by calling 101 and quoting the crime reference number 20/349695/25.
For those who wish to provide information anonymously, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111. The charity never asks for personal details and does not trace calls.
This appeal highlights the continuing threat posed by sophisticated courier fraud gangs, who prey on often elderly or vulnerable individuals. Police advise the public to be extremely wary of any unsolicited calls requesting money or card details, and to verify the identity of the caller by hanging up and contacting the organisation directly using a known, trusted number.
