As part of Courier Fraud Awareness Week, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, is highlighting the role we can all play in protecting one another from fraud both online and offline.

The awareness week, led by Action Fraud, aims to arm people with the knowledge to spot attempts at fraud on the phone and online.

Dr Billings says: “Criminals have developed such convincing tactics that it’s become harder to spot cyber crime taking place in recent years. Fraudsters will appear full of reassurance and lull victims into trusting them and giving out sensitive personal information.

“2021 saw a 7% increase in recorded cases of fraud on the previous year in South Yorkshire. The Coronavirus pandemic forced criminals to develop new ways to extort money from victims and as a result, fraudsters will pose as the bank, gain control of personal computers or convince victims to withdraw large amounts of money.”

This week, Action Fraud is warning the public to spot the signs of courier fraud and keep in mind the tactics often used to establish trust, including claiming to be from the bank or local police force informing you of fraudulent activity, but then asking for personal information or even PIN numbers to verify who you are.

If you’ve given your bank details over the phone or handed your card to a courier, call your bank straight away to cancel the card.

Tackling fraud in South Yorkshire

To help South Yorkshire residents spot the signs of fraud, those aged 60 and above are invited to attend a workshop at the Lifewise Centre, in Hellaby, to hear from South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Fire Service, Herbert Protocol and others on ways to detect fraud, ask advice and meet with other local residents.

The workshops are taking place over four days in July, with one for residents from each area of South Yorkshire between 10am – 3pm. Find out more and register for your free place by phoning 01709 832455 or email [email protected]

To report courier fraud contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.