Spike in scam courier calls triggers a warning

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A new spate of courier fraud has triggered a warning from police. Victims are contacted by crooks purporting to be police officers, or bank officials and duped into handing over money, valuables or bank cards, which are collected from their home address, often by couriers.

The criminals use a variety of different tactics, often telling people that there is a problem with their account and they need their help to catch the criminals.

The victim may also be encouraged into handing over their bank cards and PINs, as well as high value items such as jewellery, watches and gold (coins or bullion).

Victims can also be coerced into going out and buying items such as gold and jewellery from legitimate retailers on behalf of criminals.