What is courier fraud?

Courier fraud is a scam where a criminal persuades you to hand money, a bank card or valuables to a collector. It often starts with someone pretending to be your bank or the police, claiming you are helping an investigation. The collection is part of the fraud. 12

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

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How it works

  1. An unexpected caller claims to be bank staff or a police officer. 12
  2. They ask you to withdraw cash or buy valuables for an investigation. 12
  3. A courier collects the money, cards or items. 12

Real UK example

Report Fraud's June 2026 warning described victims being sent to jewellers to buy gold or jewellery. Criminals then arranged collection by a courier.

The report said contact could continue over days or weeks. Banks and police do not arrange these collections. 2

Warning signs

  • A caller asks you to withdraw money for an investigation. 1234
  • Someone wants to collect your bank card and PIN. 1234
  • You are told to hide the reason from your bank. 1234
  • A supposed officer says you must keep the call secret. 12

What to do now

  1. Do not hand over cards, cash, PINs or valuables. 12
  2. End the call and verify through a trusted number, using another phone if possible. 12
  3. If a suspicious collector is at your door or you feel in danger, call 999. 125

UK reporting and support

  • If money has gone or banking details were shared, call your bank using the number on your card. Or use 159 if your bank participates. 346
  • Report fraud or hacking in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 45
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 5

How to protect yourself

  • Agree a pause-and-check plan with family members. 12
  • Keep the bank’s genuine number accessible. 1234
  • Remember that banks and police do not send couriers to collect these items. 1234

Frequently asked questions

Will my bank collect my card from home?

Report Fraud says your bank or the police will not send a courier to collect cards, money or valuables. 2

Is courier fraud the same as a parcel-delivery text scam?

No. Courier fraud seeks a collection from you. A parcel-text scam usually invents a delivery problem to get details or payment. 17

What if I already handed something over?

Contact your bank and report the fraud. Keep caller details and messages. Call 999 if you are in danger. 145

Matching kit

Helping an Older Relative Spot Scams · £9 · Digital download.

A family guide with a pause-and-check plan and who-to-call card. It does not promise that scams cannot happen.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. Report Fraud, Courier fraud - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Over 70s targeted as courier fraud exceeds £21 million in 2025, with London and Home Counties hit hardest - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. UK Finance, Authorised Push Payment Fraud Reimbursement | UK Finance. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Report Fraud, Report Fraud alert: Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. Stop Scams UK, 159 Phone number - Stop Scams UK. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  7. NCSC, Scam 'missed parcel' SMS messages: advice on avoiding malware | National Cyber Security Centre. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).