Older people across the UK are being targeted by fraudsters who trick victims into handing over bank cards, pin numbers and large sums of cash.
The scams have led to major financial losses, with some victims losing around £8,500 after criminals posed as bank staff or police officers.
TSB has warned of a significant rise in courier fraud scams targeting elderly people, following an analysis of high-value card fraud cases.
The bank found notable increases in both the number of cases and the amount of money being stolen through the schemes.
Courier fraud scams typically involve criminals pretending to be from a bank or the police before convincing victims to send payment cards and pin numbers through the post.
In some cases, fraudsters send couriers directly to victims’ homes to collect cash.
According to TSB, older people are particularly vulnerable to these scams.
In one case, a customer in their 80s was contacted by a fraudster pretending to represent their bank.
The scammer convinced the victim to send their bank card and pin number to a London address, claiming it was necessary for security reasons.
According to TSB, older people are particularly vulnerable to these scams
| PAAfter receiving the card and pin number through the post, the fraudsters used them to withdraw £5,750 from cash machines and make additional transactions.
TSB said the case highlights how criminals posing as trusted organisations can manipulate elderly victims into handing over sensitive banking details.
The bank warned that scammers often create a sense of panic and urgency to pressure victims into complying with their demands.
In a separate case, another customer in their 80s was targeted in a police impersonation scam described by TSB as even more brazen.
Another customer in their 80s was targeted in a police impersonation scam
|GBNEWS
The scammer contacted the elderly victim claiming there had been suspicious activity on their bank account.
Shortly afterwards, a fraudster arrived at the victim’s home pretending to be a police officer and showed what appeared to be an official badge.
Believing the person was genuine, the victim handed over their bank card and pin number.
The fraudsters then used the details to spend nearly £8,500 at shops and technology stores.
TSB and the City of London Police are urging people to stay alert if they are contacted by anyone claiming to be from a bank or the police.
Neither a bank nor the police will ever request that you post or hand over your card
| GETTYGeorge Hulland, from fraud prevention at TSB, said: "Courier fraud is highly traumatic for victims, who can face scams that last for months, alongside intrusive visits to their home and even meeting fraudsters face to face.
"Neither a bank nor the police will ever request that you post or hand over your card, or cash so if you're ever asked, it's definitely a scam."
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Thomas, head of the London Proactive Economic Crime Team, said: "We urge the public to remain vigilant and remember that neither the police nor a bank will ever ask you to hand over your card, pin, cash or valuables.
"If something does not feel right, stop, take time, and contact your bank or the police independently before taking any action."