Postal fraud warning after regional arrests

Officers are urging the public to remain vigilant after three suspected parcel fraudsters have been arrested across the region after victims lose almost £20k.

On Friday (March 28), officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) arrested a 23-year-old man in Newcastle believed to be linked to postal fraud after £5,000 cash was intercepted in the mail following police intelligence.

Postal Fraud occurs in a similar way to Courier Fraud, where criminals contact victims and manipulate them into believing they’re police or from their bank.

Then unlike courier fraud where a criminal would attend a victim’s home address to collect cash, in postal fraud the victim is persuaded to withdraw cash from their bank account, package it up and send it to a specified address.

The latest police activity comes after further arrests on March 13 in the Durham area, where two men, 27 and 28, were also arrested on suspicion of fraud offences. During the arrests £25,000 in cash was seized and £13,000 in assets frozen while the investigation continues.

Victims in various locations across the country including Lancashire, Dorset, Hertfordshire, Birmingham and Londonderry lost almost £20,000 in total with many victims being over the age of 80.

The 27-year-old has been remanded into custody and the 23 and 28-year-old men have since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Work at the NEROCU continues to pursue fraudsters and bring them to justice, but officers are also determined to make sure the public feel confident and capable of challenging scammers to help catch them in the act and report them in real time.

Following the arrests, Detective Inspector Tommy Maughan, NEROCU Economic Crime, said: “We want to empower victims and raise awareness of the complex scams being used to dupe people out of their hard-earned cash.

“These criminals are experts in manipulating people and copying the methods of communication used by banks, HMRC, the police and other reputable organisations to appear legitimate.

“They will also put pressure on you to act quickly to avoid you asking trusted friends and family or your bank for advice.”

NEROCU officers also work with banks and community groups to educate staff and the public around spotting the signs and how to report it.

DI Maughan added: “No reputable organisation will mind if you take your time, challenge them, or ask for proof and hang up.

“If in doubt, speak to someone you trust, drop into your local bank or call the number given on your official bank statement. If you’re sent a link by text or email don’t click it, report it.”

For help and advice visit the Action Fraud website.

If you need to report a crime or suspicious activity please speak to your local police force via their website or calling 101. Remember, in an emergency, always call 999.