Higher value courier fraud on the rise - how can you stay safe?

Cases of higher value courier fraud are surging - and older people are being disproportionately affected.

According to TSB, more cases were recorded between January and March 2026 than in the whole of last year.

And almost nine in ten (89%) victims are aged 70 or above.

What is higher value courier fraud?

Scammers are impersonating banks and the police to persuade unsuspecting victims to send their cards or pins though the post.

Some scammers, meanwhile, are sending couriers to collect cash from people’s homes, or even collecting them in person.

Fraudsters will then use the cards to fund lavish spending sprees.

On average, victims of higher value courier fraud are losing £15,500.

How to stay safe from fraudsters

TSB is reminding people that a bank won’t ask a customer to:

• transfer funds
• hand over cash
• or hand over their card and pin

“If you’re ever asked, it’s definitely a scam,” said George Hulland of TSB.

What can I do if I get a suspicious message?

If you get a call and you’re not sure if it’s genuine, contact your bank or the police independently.

Alternatively, you can use the Dial 159 service to get in touch with your bank’s fraud department to confirm if it’s legitimate or not.

“Courier fraud relies on criminals abusing trust and pressuring victims into handing over cards, cash or high value items in person,” said Detective Chief Inspector Andy Thomas of the London Proactive Economic Crime Team.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant.”

How to report fraud

If you believe you may have been a victim of fraud, report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.