The Fraud & Scam Bulletin - September 2026

West Mercia Police have shared their Fraud & Scam Bulletin for September 2026, with advice on courier fraud and fake letters.

Courier fraud is when criminals phone and claim to be from the police or a bank, then try to get your PIN, card or bank details. They often target older people. They may ask you to call your bank back while keeping the line open, send a courier to collect your card, ask you to withdraw cash, or tell you to move money into a “safe account”.

Protect yourself: your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN over the phone or send a courier for your card. Hang up. If you need to check with your bank, wait at least five minutes or use another phone. Ask door callers for clear identification. If you think you have been defrauded, call 159 to reach your bank’s fraud team.

There have also been fake letters that look like they come from banks or the National Crime Agency. If you get unexpected mail like that, check with the organisation using a number you find yourself, not the number on the letter, then report it.

Report fraud to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) on 0300 123 2040 or at www.reportfraud.police.uk. Forward scam texts to 7726. Forward fake emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Please share this with friends, relatives or neighbours who may be vulnerable.