The Northamptonshire Police issued an urgent public alert on 4 February 2026 after a rise in courier fraud reports targeting older residents in Northampton and surrounding areas. Scammers are calling people at home and posing as bank staff or police officers, then coercing victims into handing over cash, gold or bank cards to a courier sent to their door.
The criminals are targeting older people, particularly those aged 70 and over, with reported local clusters in areas including Abington, Kingsthorpe and Wellingborough. National data show victims can lose thousands of pounds to organised courier fraud groups; for example, City of London Police and national reporting centres have published multi‑million‑pound loss figures in recent years.
A common tactic is “phone line trapping,” where the fraudster stays connected so the victim cannot call out to check the story. Police advise that if you receive a suspicious call you should pause, do not follow instructions to immediately withdraw money, and to verify the call using a trusted number — by waiting at least five minutes or using a different phone before calling your bank back or calling 101 for non‑emergencies. Victims should also contact their bank immediately if they have handed over card details and report the incident to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or via the Action Fraud website) and to local police.
Officers remind the public that a legitimate bank or police force will never send a courier to collect cash, cards or PINs. Neighbours and relatives are urged to check on older people and make sure they know how to spot these fake calls. If anyone is asked to withdraw money or buy gold to “protect” it, hang up immediately and seek verification through trusted channels.
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