Operation Callback
Operation Callback is targeting courier fraud in London. We're running the operation alongside City of London Police.
Courier fraud
Courier fraud is when you're contacted by someone pretending to be official. They may claim to be a police officer or work at your bank.
They may say they need help with an investigation, and ask you to:
- transfer money to them, or to a 'safe account'
- take out money from a cashpoint for them to collect
- buy expensive items for them
They'll tell you that a courier will come to your house to collect the money or items and that they'll pay you back. But, you will not get the money or items back.
Older people are often the target of courier fraud. The average age of people in London affected by courier fraud is 77 years old.
How to stay safe
Banks and the police will never call you to check your PIN or ask you to withdraw money. They will never ask you to buy or send items for their investigations. Hang up if you get a call like this.
Call 159 on another phone line which will put you through to your bank. Or, wait five minutes if you're calling from the same line you received the suspicious call on. Criminals may stay on the line after you hang up.
Always check suspicious calls by using a trusted phone number to contact the organisation.
Never transfer money or make purchases for someone you don’t know.
Report it
You can report it online to Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can use textphone 0300 123 2050.
Contact your bank as soon as possible.
Call 999 now in emergency situations like these:
- there is an immediate danger to life
- someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent
- the fraud is happening right now and the suspect is still at the scene
If you have any information about a crime and would prefer to stay anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers.
Further support
The ‘Little Media Series’ is a set of books and videos explaining some of the most common types of fraud. They give advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
The information on courier fraud is on pages 22 to 24 of The Little Book of Big Scams.
For advice and information about getting your money back visit: