We’re launching a new fraud campaign to warn against common scams in Staffordshire

Today, we have launched our Truth or Trap fraud campaign to highlight the techniques used by investment fraud, romance fraud and courier fraud scammers, in an effort to keep communities safer.

Scammers often use sophisticated techniques to get victims to part with their well-earned cash.

Figures released by watchdog Action Fraud reveal that from April 2024 to March 2025, in Staffordshire, there were 428 reports of investment, courier and romance fraud, with victims losing an average of £19,665. 

Out of this, investment fraud accounted for the highest number of reports (283), with a combined loss totalled at £7,465,527.

A recent case saw an elderly couple scammed out of £115,000 believing they were making a legitimate crypto-currency investment in a company that had been advertised on social media.

Before investing in the scheme, the couple took advice from someone purporting to be a credible financial advisor who convinced them it was a legitimate scheme. 

After initially sending £115,000, and making attempts to access their funds, the victims were told that the company had attempted to return the cash, but had been unsuccessful. 

The fraudulent financial advisor then asked for another £40,000 to allegedly enable them to release the funds already sent. 

We were alerted to the scam after the couple’s bank reported their concerns about a loan request of £40,000 to send to an online company. 

In cases like these fraudsters can be very convincing, so before making any investment decisions we’d always recommend that:

You can find more advice about investment, courier and romance fraud on our website: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/police-forces/staffordshire-police/areas/staffordshire-police/campaigns/campaigns/truth-or-trap/