Seven separate reports were received from elderly residents claiming to have been contacted by fraudsters purporting to be police officers. During the calls they were encouraged to withdraw large amounts of money from their bank.
 
One of the incidents occurred in Mill Street, Elsing, between 10.15 am and 10.30 am. No money or personal details were given.
 
According to Norfolk Constabulary, courier fraud happens when a fraudster contacts a victim by telephone claiming to be a police officer, bank or from a government department, among other agencies.
 
A number of techniques will then be adopted in order to convince the victim to hand over their bank details or cash, which may then be passed on to a courier.
 
Residents are reminded that neither your bank nor the police will ever ask you to withdraw money or purchase items.
 
Further advice includes:

• Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN, bank card or bank account details over the phone – never give these details to anybody.
• Neither the police nor the banks will send a courier to collect money from you.
• Always request photo ID and if unsure call the police.
• If you are asked to telephone a bank, always do it on a different phone to the one you were contacted on. Fraudsters will keep the line open and have been known to play ringtones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number. Ensure you can hear a dialling tone before calling police or use a friend or neighbour’s telephone instead.
• Do not rush into complying to the scammers demands/requests.
• If you have already given your bank details over the phone or handed your card details to a courier, call you bank straight away to cancel the card.

 
Police officers are particularly keen for members of the community to ensure they contact family and friends, particularly elderly relatives to ensure they are aware of these scams and the warning signs.
 
As a response to these incidents, officers will be conducting extra patrols within the areas in order to reassure members of the public.
 
If anyone has received a similar type of telephone call or has any information about these incidents. Contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting Operation Radium.
 
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
 
If you believe a crime is in progress, always call 999.
 
For further advice, visit the Action Fraud website or call 0300 123 2040.