Beware of a rise in courier scam calls in Rugby

Scammers are attempting to convince residents to hand over their physical bank cards along with their PIN numbers, often posing as bank staff or police officers, the council has announced.  

Rugby Borough Council is joining Warwickshire Police in warning residents of the rise in scam calls targeting elderly and vulnerable adults. However, anyone can become a victim of courier fraud. Ensure to remain vigilant when answering phone calls from unknown numbers.  

Typical courier scam calls begin with a fraudster claiming to be from the police or from a bank. Victims are then asked to hang up and ring back on what appears to be an official number. Unknowingly to the victim, the scammer is still on the line and then asks for the victim's personal account information. 

Fraudsters sometimes arrange for a taxi or courier service to visit the victim’s home to collect their bank card. Once this happens, the offender has full access to the victim’s account.  

David Burrows, Rugby Borough Council’s Assistant Director for Regulation and Safety, said: “Organisations such as the police or banks will never ask you to provide your bank card or PIN number. If you receive a call like this, end the call as soon as possible and report it to the police.  

“Rugby Borough Council has contacted licensed tax drivers in the borough to raise concerns about bookings where they are asked to attend a location to collect an envelope or small parcel from residents.” 

The bank and police will never ask for your PIN, either over the phone or in person. 

Anyone who believes they have been targeted or a victim of a courier scam should report it to Warwickshire Police by calling 101 as soon as possible.