Dorset Police news site

Detectives investigating fraud incidents in Bournemouth are issuing a warning to residents and urging anyone with information to come forward.

It was reported that between 2pm and 2.30pm on Friday 22 November 2024 a woman aged in her 80s from Bournemouth received a call from someone claiming to be from the police, who asked her to assist in identifying counterfeit Euros as part of an investigation.

She was asked to withdraw cash in Euros from her account and put them in an envelope for a courier to collect.

A woman attended her address on two occasions over the next two days to collect cash to the value of more than £15,000.

She was described as tall, slim and having long, straight dark hair that was tied back. She was wearing a dark-coloured trouser suit and a face mask. On the second occasion she was also wearing a dark-coloured raincoat.

A woman aged in her 70s, also from Bournemouth, reported that on the morning of Saturday 23 November 2024 she had received a call from someone claiming to be from the police who stated they were investigating illegal activity on her card.

The caller requested her bank details, claiming they needed to check her accounts as part of the investigation.

The woman did not give any details and subsequently contacted the police.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Hodgson, of BCP CID, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into these incidents and I would urge anyone with information that could assist our investigation to please come forward.

“We would also urge anyone who is contacted in a similar manner to please report it to us.

“The police will never ask for your bank details over the phone and we would urge members of the public to be vigilant of this potential scam and to ensure they raise awareness among elderly relatives and neighbours, who we often sadly see targeted by this type of activity.”

Dorset Police has shared advice for anyone who suspects a call may be fraudulent:

• Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN.
• Neither the police nor the banks will send a courier to collect money from you.
• If you're asked to telephone a bank, always make the call on a different phone to the one you were contacted on.
• Do not rush into complying to the scammers demands.
• If you have already given your bank details over the phone or handed your card details to a courier, call your bank straight away to let them know and request that they cancel the card.

The Fraud Protect team are keen for residents to share advice with friends and members of their family and local community to ensure they are aware of these scams and feel confident spotting the warning signs.

If you suspect you may have been a victim of courier fraud, report the incident to Action Fraud UK online: www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phone 0300 123 2040.

Anyone with information can also contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240180752. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

For more information about fraud, please visit: https://www.dorset.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/personal-fraud/door-to-door-courier-fraud/