Reports of courier fraud increased nearly 10% year-on-year, rising from 1,721 in 2024 to 1,891 in 2025, according to figures from Report Fraud. Total losses climbed from £19.5 million to over £21 million during the same period, with elderly people, particularly those aged 70 and above, being disproportionately targeted.
How Courier Fraud Works
Courier fraud typically begins with an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or a bank representative. The caller may falsely inform the victim that they are at risk of fraud, then ask for their help in catching the criminals. In some cases, fraudsters have even visited victims' homes displaying fake warrant cards. The goal is to gain the victim's trust so they agree to withdraw money, make purchases, or disclose sensitive information. The 'courier' element involves a person arriving to collect the money or items, after which they disappear.
One reported case involved a victim who was persuaded to stay on the phone while traveling to London's Hatton Garden, a renowned jewellery district, where they purchased a Rolex watch.
Protecting Yourself from Courier Fraud
Your bank or the police will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account. They will also never send a courier to your home to collect bank cards, cash, or valuables such as jewellery. Always contact the organisation directly using verified contact details from official websites, the back of your card, or by calling 159 for your bank. Be aware that Caller ID can be spoofed and is not proof of identity. Report suspected scam calls by texting 7726 with the word 'Call' followed by the caller's number. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Other Common Scams
Courier fraud is just one of many scams targeting the public. Last week, Santander issued a warning about a Father's Day scam involving a 'Hi Dad' impersonation, where fraudsters contact potential victims via WhatsApp, text, or AI-generated phone calls, pretending to be their child requesting money or payment.
Chris Ainsley, head of fraud risk management at Santander UK, said: 'As a parent myself, I know how busy life gets - juggling kids, work and a social life – and fraudsters often target people when they know they might not have time to properly consider what they’re being asked to do.'
Ticket Fraud on the Rise
Big events also provide opportunities for fraudsters. According to Confused.com, Brits lost over £10.8 million to ticket fraud in the last year, as scammers targeted fans seeking tickets for concerts, festivals, and sporting events. Ticket fraud often involves criminals advertising fake, duplicated, or non-existent tickets, leaving buyers out of pocket and unable to attend.
To protect against ticket scams, always buy from official sellers or reputable resale platforms. Be wary of heavily discounted tickets or sellers creating urgency. Avoid paying by bank transfer, as recovering money can be difficult. Check whether the platform offers buyer protection or refunds, ask for proof of purchase, and research sellers—avoid newly created social media accounts with little activity.
National Security Threat
A recent report from UK Finance revealed that criminals stole nearly £1.3 billion through payment fraud in 2025, a 4% increase. The industry body warned that fraud operates on an 'industrial scale' and constitutes a national security threat.
