New alerts issued as figures show over half a million pounds lost to courier fraud in the West Midlands

We’re issuing a renewed warning to people across the West Midlands about courier fraud as criminals continue to use increasingly sophisticated and persistent tactics to financially exploit victims.

New national figures released by the City of London Police show that reports increased by nearly 10 per cent year-on-year, rising from 1,721 in 2024 to 1,891 in 2025. Over the same period, total losses climbed from £19.5 million to more than £21 million, with the average amount stolen per victim now standing at over £15,000.

In the West Midlands, we received 70 reports of courier fraud across the region over the last year, with the amount stolen from victims totalling just over £577,619.

Courier fraud occurs when criminals contact people under false pretences – commonly impersonating police officers or bank officials – and after gaining their trust, convince them to hand over money or other high value items.  Fraudsters often target older people, with those aged over 70 making up the majority of victims.

Matt Dyer from our Economic Crime Unit said: “Courier fraud is about exploitation and manipulation. Criminals often single out older people who tend to be very trusting of the police and other institutions like banks. They ruthlessly take advantage of that trust for their own monetary gain with absolutely no regard for the financial harm and emotional distress they cause their victims.

“Fraudsters also use messaging platforms like WhatsApp, as well as official courier services, to facilitate collections. We’re working hard to counter these new and evolving techniques, but we also need to spread the word about courier fraud so that people know what it is, can spot the signs and are able prevent it from happening to them.

“We’ll be out and about across the region this week providing advice to people about protecting themselves against courier fraud and other scams.”

Theft of jewellery and gold is increasingly becoming a feature, with victims being persuaded to visit multiple jewellers to purchase expensive items over a period of time before handing them to a courier.

This method often results in the highest amount stolen and can involve repeat victimisation, with offenders maintaining contact to extract as much money as possible.

For advice on how to spot courier fraud and how to protect yourself, please visit: Courier fraud | West Midlands Police.

You can also watch this video we produced:  Courier Fraud Warning: Stay Wise, Don't Compromise.

If you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website: reportfraud.police.uk.