A man has been arrested in connection with an attempted courier fraud incident in Andover on Monday evening, 9 June.
Police were called at 7.38pm by a woman who reported that a man had come to her door asking for her bank card. Earlier that day, she had received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the fraud team at Nationwide, who kept her on the phone for several hours while querying a supposed suspicious payment.
During the call, a man arrived at her address attempting to collect her bank card. The woman refused and contacted the police immediately. Officers attended the scene, and a 25-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. He remains in police custody while investigations continue.
Police Issue Warning About Courier Fraud
Courier fraud is a scam in which fraudsters contact victims claiming to be from a bank, the police, or another law enforcement agency. They often say they are investigating fraudulent activity and request the victim’s personal banking information or ask them to hand over their bank cards or cash to a courier.
- Hampshire Police have shared the following advice to help prevent this type of fraud:
- Police and banks will never ask you to disclose personal details or send someone to your home to collect cards or cash.
- If in doubt, hang up and verify the caller by contacting the police via 101, using a different phone line where possible.
- Take a pause – fraudsters often try to keep you talking and isolated. Speak to a trusted friend or relative if you’re unsure.
- Be wary of urgency – genuine professionals will not pressure you into immediate decisions.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by a similar scam, please report it to police on 101. If a crime is in progress, call 999.
You can find more information and advice on preventing courier fraud via Hampshire Constabulary’s official website: