Warning after couple loses £5,000 to fraudsters

We are warning residents to stay vigilant following report of Courier Fraud which has seen a couple conned out of £5,000.

The warning comes after our colleagues at Northumbria Police received a report of courier fraud involving an elderly couple living in the Heaton area of Newcastle.

It was reported the couple received a phone call from a man purporting to be from an out of area police force and claiming they were investigating corruption at their local bank.

They were asked to withdraw £5,000 so that the bank notes could be examined. The person then introduced another man on the phone call, saying that he was a Chief Superintendent.

The victims were then asked to go to a bank to make the withdrawal and when they returned home, two men visited their address and took the cash.

A full investigation has been launched into the report and several lines of enquiry are being followed up.

We're asking friends and families of those with elderly relatives to reach out and take a little bit of time to speak to them so that they are aware of these type of scams.

Fraudsters are experts at targeting and manipulating victims by posing as convincing employees of a company or organisation, which often panics people into making quick decisions.

We urge everyone to assume that all cold calls are not genuine. No reputable organisational will be offended should you want to check details so that you can verify their call is correct and proper.

If you are in doubt about a call or email from an individual or organisation purporting to be your bank which you feel may not be genuine, visit a branch or call a number shown on an official statement.

Please do not provide any information or hand over cash or bank cards to anyone who you do not know.

For further help and advice, or to report fraud, visit the Action Fraud website or call 0300 123 2040.

Always call 999 if someone is on their way to your house to collect money and/or valuable items.