We’re seeing a rise in the North East in scams where elderly victims are told to post cash to UK addresses by fraudsters claiming to be bank staff or police officers.

Since January 2024, there have been 24 reports of victims asked to withdraw cash and post it to addresses in the UK.

Victims are approached over the phone by fraudsters impersonating banks and police fraud squad officers claiming to be investigating their branch or unusual transactions on their accounts.

They are asked to go to their bank, withdraw thousands in cash and post it to addresses. In some instances, the victims are told elaborate details of how to package the cash. 

North East victims have lost a total of £47,210 - with an average loss of £3,631. 

This could have been higher as some withdrew the money from the bank but did not send the cash following intervention from a family member or bank/post office staff.

The average age of the victims is 79 years and in some instances the victims are called many times and badgered by the fraudsters until they send the cash.

We are urging the public to speak with elderly friends and relatives and warn them of this fraud type.

Remind them no bank official or police officer will ask for personal financial details or for them to withdraw or transfer money.

They should contact police and Action Fraud if they receive any concerning phone calls.