COURIER frauds have cheated Cheshire victims out of thousands of pounds after posing as police officers and bank officials.

Detectives are warning the public to be vigilant after residents across the county have fallen prey to the elaborate scam.

People have been caught out in four incidents in Wilmslow, Handforth, Warrington and Crewe since November.

Courier frauds are mainly committed by organised crime groups.

A member of the group makes a phone call to vulnerable potential victims, posing as a police officer or bank official.

They then manage to get the victim to cooperate with an ‘operation’ designed to gather evidence or identify offenders responsible for a fictional offence.

The victims are asked to withdraw money from their bank, buy an expensive item and/or provide their bank details or card to assist with the operation.

Money, items or documents are then handed over to the ‘courier’, who attends the victim’s address or meets them nearby, promising that the money or item will be returned or compensation provided.

Sadly, money is never returned and victims have lost victims thousands of pounds.

Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques from Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit said: “In the last couple of months we have had reports of people being a victim of this type of crime.

“We want to warn others to prevent them from also becoming a victim and to also encourage people to tell elderly relatives and neighbours about it so they are aware of the signs.

“These scammers will stop at nothing to make a criminal gain and can be extremely convincing and very persistent.

“By using these methods they can often blindside their victims into believing them, before taking hard-earned money.

“It is important for the public to remember that police officers, banks and other services will never ask you to withdraw money or provide card details over the phone.

“Telephone numbers can be easily spoofed and you should never trust a number displayed on your telephone.

“Another concerning trend is that scammers have been asking victims to call back on 999, 101 or 162 to verify that they are genuine.

“This is part of the scam and they keep the line open so that the victim continues speak with the scammers believing that they are genuine officials."

Anyone who receives calls asking for money to be withdrawn and handed over to a courier should call 101 or report it to Action Fraud.

Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call either Cheshire Constabulary via 101 or online or you can contact Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.