News

City of London Police are issuing a renewed warning to the public as courier fraud continues to evolve across the UK, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated and persistent tactics that are driving significant financial harm to victims.

New figures show reports increased by nearly 10 per cent year-on-year, rising from 1,721 in 2024 to 1,891 in 2025. Over the same period, total losses climbed from £19.5 million to more than £21 million, with the average amount stolen per victim now standing at £15,311.08, underlining the significant financial harm caused by each offence.

A key feature of this threat is the disproportionate targeting of older people, particularly those aged 70 and above. This group makes up majority of victims, with those aged between 76 and 96 alone accounting for around 62 per cent of all reports.

Fraudsters often deliberately focus on older victims, exploiting trust in institutions such as the police and banks, as well as using pressure tactics, fear and urgency to manipulate them into complying with instructions.

A growing trend identified in 2025 involves the use of jewellery and gold to carry out high-value frauds. In many cases, victims are persuaded to visit multiple jewellers to purchase expensive items over a period of time before handing them to a courier. This method often results in the highest amount stolen and can involve repeat victimisation, with offenders maintaining contact to extract as much money as possible.

How to spot the signs of courier fraud

Courier fraud typically begins with an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or bank employee. Victims are told their account is at risk or that they are assisting with an investigation, before being instructed to withdraw money, purchase items, or disclose sensitive information. A courier is then sent to collect the items such as jewellery, cash, bank cards and PINs. In reality, this is the work of criminals and anything handed over is lost.

How to protect yourself from courier fraud:

Transferring money: Your bank or the police will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account.
Couriers: Your bank or the police will never send a courier to your home to collect bank cards, cash, or other valuables such as jewellery.
Check if it’s genuine: Contact the organisation directly using contact details you know are correct, such as those on official websites, the back of your card or by calling 159 for your bank.
Caller ID: Don’t trust the Caller ID display on your phone - it’s not proof of ID.
Report suspicious calls: You can report suspected scam calls by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ followed by the caller’s number.
If you think you have been a victim of fraud contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website: reportfraud.police.uk.