17/06/2026
Courier fraud continues to evolve across the UK.
New figures show reports increased by nearly 10 per cent year-on-year, rising from 1,721 in 2024 to 1,891 in 2025. Over the same period, total losses climbed from £19.5 million to more than £21 million, with the average amount stolen per victim now standing at £15,311.08, underlining the significant financial harm caused by each offence.
A key feature of this threat is the disproportionate targeting of older people, particularly those aged 70 and above. This group makes up majority of victims, with those aged between 76 and 96 alone accounting for around 62 per cent of all reports.
Fraudsters often deliberately focus on older victims, exploiting trust in institutions such as the police and banks, as well as using pressure tactics, fear and urgency to manipulate them into complying with instructions.
The fraud occurs when criminals contact you by phone and convince you to hand over money or your debit/credit card under false pretences. You might receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer or from your bank. They may know basic details about you, such as your name and address, to gain your trust.
Once they have your trust, the criminals might claim:
1. There's been a fraudulent payment on your card, or it needs replacing due to expiration.
2. An investigation requires you to withdraw money and hand it over to a courier or police officer, promising it will be returned later.
3. You need to buy expensive items to hand over to a courier for inspection.
4. Money has been taken from your account by corrupt bank staff, and you need to withdraw funds for evidence.
5. A business like a jeweller or currency exchange is operating fraudulently, and you're needed to help gather evidence.
Find out how it happens, spot the signs, protect yourself, and report it: https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/courier-fraud/
