Courier fraud mobile phone scam

In recent weeks we have had several reports of courier frauds involving unaccounted for mobile phones, bank cards or other high value items being delivered to addresses in Derbyshire.

In some cases, victims have received parcels containing iPhones, which include a contract taken out in their name and address without their knowledge or consent. After the phone is delivered a second uniformed ‘courier’ arrives stating that the parcel has been delivered in error and needs to be returned.

We know that an initial deposit is paid for the phone by fraudsters, and future payments are then attributed to the victim whose identity has been stolen.

In other cases, victims have received a bank card which they haven’t ordered, or been notified of, from a bank they don’t have an account with.

We believe there are likely to be other victims across the county and would encourage people to be vigilant.

If you receive a package you cannot remember ordering, do not hand it over if a courier requests you to. You should check their credentials and call the company that they represent, to check if they are legitimate. If they prove not to be contact us, using the below reporting methods.

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

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/.

Contact us

 If you need to seek further advice you can contact us via one of the following methods:

• Facebook: send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter: direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website: complete the online contact form police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone: call us on 101.

Please share this warning with friends and family so we can prevent anyone from falling victim.