Scammers may have developed a new tact – posing as delivery drivers to pick up items they have had fraudulently sent to homes across the north-east.
A resident of Portlethen recently received a parcel from a well-known courier company – despite not ordering anything.
A few moments later there was a knock on the door from a fraudster dressed in hi-vis and with fake ID asking for the parcel back. They claimed the parcel had been delivered by mistake.
When the resident contacted their mobile phone provider, it was confirmed three new iPhones had been ordered on their account.
Police are now urging people to be vigilant, with crime reduction officer PC Mike Urquhart explaining there are a variety of “sophisticated” delivery scams in operation.
He said: “The scam involves criminals ordering and then attempting to intercept – or trick you into handing over – high-value packages. It normally happens when criminals manage to obtain your personal details to place the order.
“It can be one consequence of identity theft.”
Officers are urging residents not to hand over any parcels to couriers who come “unexpectedly”.
They also advise that residents should check the courier’s credentials and call the company they claim to be representing.
Residents who are worried after being approached unexpectedly by a courier should contact the police.
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