HAMPSHIRE Police have issued a warning about rising rates of courier fraud after six cases were recorded over the past two weeks, including two in Winchester.

Residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been asked to remain vigilant as crooks target the elderly.

On October 29, a man in his 70s from Winchester received a call from a man claiming to be a police officer. The man claimed he was conducting an investigation on counterfeit and foreign money.

He told the man his card had been used in a fraudulent way and asked him to withdraw cash so he could investigate if it was counterfeit. The man withdrew a total of £10,000 and it was collected from his home.

READ MORE: Winchester residents urged to be vigilant as new scam reported

Some of the crooks have been posing as police officers (Image: PA) This type of fraud typically sees a victim receive an unexpected call from someone who pretends to be either a police officer, a staff member from their bank, or an employee from an internet or phone provider.

In another case on November 2, a woman in her 80s from the Winchester area received a call from a man claiming to be a police officer who was investigating a suspicious financial transaction on her account.

The woman was told to withdraw cash so they could investigate if it was counterfeit. She withdrew £4,000 and the cash was collected from her home.

They then tell the victim that their account has been subject to fraudulent activity and request that the victim helps with the ongoing investigation.

Victims are usually asked for details about their financial accounts before being sent to their bank to withdraw money. They are then told to hand over money or an expensive item to a fraudulent courier, who will typically come to their home to collect it. 

Since 29 October, officers have received six reports of courier fraud, with five cases  reported in the last week. The total loss is £23,000. One victim was scammed out of £10,000. 

Aside from Winchester, courier fraud cases have been reported in Alton, Farnborough, Southampton and the New Forest.

Officers are urging people to not engage with these type of calls. Victims are typically elderly and officers are asking anyone with an elderly relative, loved one, friend or associate to please make them aware of this scam. 

SEE ALSO: Police warn about courier fraud after elderly Hampshire residents lose out on more than £6,000

Detective Constable Michael Dumbleton, from the Economic Crime Unit, said: “These fraudsters are heartless individuals who prey on some of the most vulnerable people living in our area.

“Victims of courier fraud can be any age, but are typically in their 70s, 80s and 90s. I urge anyone who has an elderly relative to make them aware of this type of fraud as soon as possible. 

“These incidents can often have a huge impact on victims as they come to terms with the fact they have fallen for a scam, and the financial losses that come with it. 

“If anyone receives a call of this nature, they should not engage with the caller and hang up. We are wholly committed to investigating offences of this nature and will take steps to identify and bring those individuals responsible to justice.”