Over 70s targeted as national courier fraud losses total £21 million

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.

While reports and losses have reduced in Suffolk, nationally figures show reports increased by nearly 10 per cent year-on-year, rising to 1,891 between April 2025 - March 2026 in comparison to the previous financial year when there were 1,721 reports. 

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, underlining the significant financial harm caused by each offence.

In Suffolk there were 38 reports with £114,628 lost to courier fraud from April 2025 to March 2026. This compares with 43 reports and £364,763 lost in between April 2024 and March 2026.

Lauren Speirs, Suffolk Constabulary’s Fraud Protect and Prevent Officer said: “Courier fraud is a cruel and manipulative crime, often preying on trust and targeting elderly and vulnerable people at their most exposed. By talking openly, checking in on loved ones, and sharing simple prevention advice, we can all help protect those who may not realise they are at risk.”

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.

Detective Superintendent Ollie Little, from the City of London Police, said: “Offenders are becoming more organised and persistent, sometimes maintaining contact with victims for days or weeks to maximise what they can steal.

“Criminals are also evolving their tactics, increasingly using messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and courier services to facilitate collections. These changes are making fraud harder to detect and emphasise the need for greater public awareness, particularly among those most at risk and their families.

“It’s vital that people know the warning signs and feel empowered to stop, question and verify before taking any action.”

London remains the primary hotspot for courier fraud, playing a central role in the national increase in both reporting and total amount stolen. The capital and surrounding regions account for around 65 per cent of all victims, with strong transport links enabling offenders to operate across neighbouring counties including Hertfordshire, Essex, Surrey and Kent.

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. For a crime in progress, or in an emergency, you should always call 999.