Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
We are urging people to be vigilant following a number of reports of suspected courier fraud attempts in the Winchester area.
Since Thursday 10 October, we have received seven reports of this scam locally.
In the majority of cases, the fraudsters have claimed to be police officers from either the local area or from London. They claim that the victim’s account has been subject to fraudulent activity. Victims are then asked to help with the investigation and provide financial details or go to a bank to withdraw money to be picked up later by a courier.
Fortunately, in these seven cases, no money was handed over. Those called either realised it was a scam and reported the call to us, or, as in one case, bank staff have intervened when a victim attempted to withdraw money.
We are urging people not to engage with these types of calls. While anyone can be a victim, often elderly people are targeted and officer are asking anyone with an elderly relative, loved one, friend or associate to please make them aware of this scam.
Please remember that:
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, report it to us by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.
You can make yourself aware of this type of scam and how to protect yourself by visiting the Action Fraud website (https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/) or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.