Courier fraud is a serious scam where criminals pretend to be from the police, a bank or a fraud team, then pressure people into withdrawing money, buying valuables or handing items to a courier. Taxi and private hire drivers can play an important role in spotting warning signs and helping protect vulnerable passengers.
Courier fraud usually starts with a phone call. The caller may claim to be from the police, a bank, a fraud department or another trusted organisation. They then convince the victim that their money, bank card or valuables are at risk.
Victims may be told they are helping with an investigation, that their bank account has been compromised, or that they must keep the situation secret. They may then be asked to withdraw cash, buy foreign currency, purchase jewellery, buy gold, or hand over a bank card to someone who comes to collect it.
Taxi and private hire drivers may unknowingly be used during courier fraud. A passenger may be taken to a bank, bureau de change, jeweller, post office or another location to collect cash or buy valuables. In some cases, a taxi may also be booked to take a person to deliver items or return home after being targeted.
Older people and vulnerable individuals are often targeted because criminals use pressure, fear and trust to control the situation.
Repeated trips to banks, jewellers, currency exchange shops or post offices may be a warning sign, especially if the passenger seems distressed.
If a passenger is being instructed on the phone about what to say, where to go or what to buy, it could indicate a scam.
Not every unusual journey is fraud, but drivers, family members and passengers should stay alert if something does not feel right.
If a driver is genuinely concerned that a passenger may be at risk, simple and calm questions may help identify courier fraud.
If there is an immediate risk, or if a victim may be about to hand over cash, cards or valuables, treat it seriously.
Courier fraud can happen to anyone, but older people and vulnerable residents are often targeted. Families, neighbours and carers can help by talking openly about the warning signs.
Fraudsters try to rush people. Take a moment, stop the call and speak to someone you trust before making any payment or withdrawal.
Do not hand bank cards, cash, jewellery or valuables to someone who comes to your home claiming to be a courier.
Contact your bank or the police using an official number, not a number supplied by the caller.
The following official resources provide trusted advice about courier fraud, banking scams and how to report fraud.
Courier fraud is a scam where criminals pretend to be from the police, a bank or a trusted organisation and persuade someone to hand over cash, bank cards or valuables to a courier.
Taxi drivers are not usually involved knowingly. Criminals may use normal taxi journeys to move a victim to a bank, jeweller, currency exchange or home address during the scam.
No. The police and banks will never ask members of the public to withdraw money, buy valuables, hand over bank cards or give cash to a courier as part of an investigation.
Stop, do not hand anything over, and contact your bank or the police using an official verified number. If a crime is happening now, call 999.
The driver should stay calm, ask sensitive questions if appropriate, avoid confrontation and call 999 if they believe a courier fraud is actively taking place.
Yes. Families can help by explaining the scam to older or vulnerable relatives and reminding them that banks and police will never send someone to collect cash, cards or valuables.
Sussex Airports Taxis provides pre-booked local journeys, airport transfers and long-distance taxi services across Sussex. Passenger safety, professional drivers and responsible service are central to what we do.
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