Courier Fraud: The Unseen Threat in the Taxi and Private Hire Industry

Courier fraud is a growing concern that’s affecting the taxi and private hire industry. With an alarming rise in cases, it's high time we shed light on this issue and arm y or your drivers with the knowledge to spot and prevent these scams. 

What is Courier Fraud? 

Courier fraud is a criminal practice that primarily targets the elderly and vulnerable. The offence involves organised crime groups cold calling elderly residents and pretending to be Police Officers or other figures of authority. 

The scammer calls the victim, posing as a bank official or a police officer, and convinces them that their bank account is compromised. The victim is then coerced into withdrawing large sums of cash, which is collected by a 'courier.'  
 
These couriers are commonly unknowing licensed drivers. This means taxi and private hire vehicles often become unwitting accomplices in these scams. 

This is not a new issue; courier fraud has been ongoing for many years. But a recent spate of scams has reignited attention in the issue.  

Back in 2020, Northumbria experienced a significant number of these cases. A representative at the time commented: 

“We know that these shameless criminals are operating across the country and preying on some of the most vulnerable people in our society. 

“Once a victim answers the phone and begins speaking to the voice at the other end, they are warned of fraudulent activity on their account and coerced into believing they must send vital evidence to the police via a courier. 

“We know from previous investigations that many of these organised criminals groups are operating from larger cities with most couriers arriving into our area by train before taking a taxi to their victim’s address to pick up the cash, cards and other valuables promised to them. 

“Often they will ask the taxi to wait while they collect their packages, before heading straight back to the station to take the first train home. 

“If we can educate taxi drivers about how these despicable fraudsters operate and encourage them to keep reporting suspicious activity to us – we will be able to build up a clear intelligence picture of who these criminals are, who they are targeting, and catch them in the act. 

“This is a disturbing crime which strips people of their self-confidence and we need the public to help us prevent more people from falling victim to it.” 

Tips for Taxi Drivers 

So, what can you do to help? First, be extra vigilant with elderly passengers who seem to be making frequent trips to their local bank. If something feels off, it probably is. Here are some quick tips: 

• Ask casual questions to gauge the situation. 

• If the passenger seems anxious or mentions anything about a police investigation, that's a red flag. 

• Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. 

As taxi and private hire drivers, you're in a unique position to spot these scams and help prevent them. If you come across a potential case of courier fraud, don't hesitate to report it. You can contact your local police station or use the online reporting forms provided by various councils.