Thames Valley courier fraud victims lose £2m

More than £2m was lost by victims of courier fraud in the Thames Valley in the past year, new statistics have shown.

Data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) found the region's police force received 135 reports, the second most in the UK after the Metropolitan Police.

The scam involves fraudsters, usually pretending to be police officers or bank employees, urging victims to withdraw funds or purchase items as part of an investigation.

Victims hand the cash or items to a courier, who promises them reimbursement before taking off with the goods.

The NFIB data showed that courier fraud amounted to almost £22m of losses nationwide from April 2024 to March 2025 - with each victim losing £16,000 on average.

Alongside the Met and Thames Valley Police, Cheshire Constabulary, Hampshire Constabulary, and Essex Police had the next highest number of reports.

Det Insp Duncan Wynn, from Thames Valley Police, said: "Any telephone call out of the blue should be treated with caution, especially if it is framed as an emergency where you are required to act quickly."

He said the police, or banks, would "never ask you to assist with an undercover investigation, move money, withdraw cash, share your one time password or ask you to grant them access to your computer".

"We would also never send a courier or anyone else to pick up items or ask you to post anything."

He said the force would "continue to be relentless" in its "pursuit of those who prey on vulnerable victims".

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, added: "We are warning people to be vigilant and aware that criminals are employing new tactics and putting pressure on victims to make quick decisions and preying on those who rightly trust institutions such as the police."

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