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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Fraud, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Operation CallBack is an eight week intensification, running between 6th October to 28th November, to crackdown on courier fraudsters. The organised crime groups responsible are employing increasingly sophisticated technology and methods to execute their crimes, which require a targeted response from police.
The project is managed by the Economic Crime unit, but will bring together specialist units, BCUs and external agencies all working together to tackle this crime type.
Courier fraud
Courier Fraud involves criminals calling the victim on the phone impersonating police officers, bank officials or other trusted figures to deceive victims into believing their bank accounts have been compromised and that they must assist with a police, or other trusted agencies, with an investigation. They will then manipulate the victim into withdrawing money, or purchasing high value goods. Later they send a courier to the victims home to collect the money or goods.
With 80% of victims being over 65 years (average age is 78), older people within our communities are sadly at high risk of exploitation and loss of their hard-earned pensions and life savings.
Between January and July 2025 there have been 282 identified courier fraud offences in London.
Operation Callback: two pronged approach
The Emerging Threats Team will be working at an operational level, attending every courier fraud reported to the Met within this eight-week period. They will provide early intervention and management of each case after a report is recorded, follow investigative leads and look to arrest identified suspects. If you are currently investigating a courier fraud and have images or other identified suspects, please contact either Economic Crime Mailbox – Operation CallBack or 07741 407 566
The Fraud and Digital Assets Crime Prevention Team will be delivering education and awareness sessions around this fraud type; predominantly focused in Putney, Wimbledon and Blackheath. The team will be engaging externally with banks, businesses and community groups to increase understanding and training professionals who regularly encounter vulnerable and elderly people and encouraging them to pass on this awareness and knowledge within their sector. (Contact: SC Mailbox – Fraud Prevention for any awareness/education advice and resources.)
The team will also be running internal courier fraud knowledge and awareness sessions for all officers on Teams. The sessions will provide you with a good understanding of courier fraud, the warning signs to look out for and what to do if you encounter it. These sessions are the same and a variety of times provided for convenience.
 Fraud can affect anyone within the community, so we want to make sure you have the tools and knowledge to protect yourself from it. It comes in many different forms and across varying channels, whether that's through emails, phone calls or in person encounters. Some adults may be even more vulnerable to fraud or financial abuse, but it is something that everyone can be at risk of. If you’re concerned about someone you know, please contact your local social services and ask for Adult Social Care. Please see a few resources below to protect you and others from potential fraudsters: For more information and help and to report fraud, go to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. Lastly, if you think you’ve uncovered a scam, been targeted by a scam or fallen victim to fraudsters, please contact 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at Action Fraud. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
