Courier fraud calls impersonating police and bank staff instruct victims to withdraw cash for 'safe keeping' before a collector arrives

What is this scam?

Humberside Police issued a fresh courier fraud warning on 10 September 2026 after a wave of reports across Hull, Beverley, and Driffield. Fraudsters call victims posing as police officers or bank officials, claiming the victim's account is at risk from corrupt insiders and that cash must be withdrawn immediately and either handed to a plain-clothes officer or posted to a 'secure address' for checking. In some calls the fraudster plays pre-recorded police or hold music to make the call sound genuine. No bank or police force will ever ask anyone to withdraw cash and transfer it to a third party for safekeeping — anyone who receives such a call should hang up and call 999 or their bank on 159.

Example scam message

Red flags to look out for

• The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
• Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
• You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
• It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
• The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.

What to do if you receive this

1. Do not transfer money — your bank will never ask you to move funds to a 'safe account'.
2. Hang up and call your bank directly on the number printed on the back of your card.
3. Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
4. If you've already transferred money, contact your bank immediately and ask about the APP fraud refund scheme.