The Met is clamping down on courier fraud, following a targeted operation which has led to the seizure of more than £250,000 in cash and hundreds of bank cards and phones in recent weeks.
In just two months, officers have arrested 18 people believed to be behind sophisticated fraud scams, with the oldest victim affected being 101 years old.
The Met’s operation has also seen a 46% decrease in reported offences since it began in February 2025.
Courier fraud occurs when fraudsters contact victims by telephone, impersonating trusted authorities such as police officers or bank officials. They will deceive them into withdrawing cash or handing over bank cards.
Sometimes scammers trick victims into purchasing expensive items, such as jewellery, to hand over to someone they believe is a courier. The items are often handed over in person, but also by post.
As part of these scams, criminals often target vulnerable members of the community, with 80% of courier fraud victims being above the age of 65.
Using intelligence and proactive policing, Met officers working with the City of London Police have taken decisive action to bring suspected offenders to justice and clamp down on the organised crime networks sitting behind them.
Officers conducted a number of warrants across several London addresses, used covert tactics and intelligence to dismantle suspected organised crime networks.
Those involved in the operation also visited more than 100 victims to reassure them, educate them, and assist in recovering the stolen money.
Detective Superintendent Kerry Wood, Head of the Met’s Economic Crime Unit, said, “Met officers have worked extremely hard over the last few months to protect those vulnerable to this devastating crime, which can deprive vulnerable people of their livelihoods, pensions and hard-earned savings. The impact of these crimes can be long-lasting and cause significant emotional harm.
“We’ve arrested a number of individuals as part of our targeted operation, but the work doesn’t stop here, and our officers will continue to pursue those who ruthlessly target our communities via sophisticated scams. Our message to criminals should be clear – we will investigate, arrest and put you before the courts.”
As part of the Met’s mission to tackle economic crime and fraud, detectives continue to work closely with banks, businesses, community groups, the City of London Police, and Action Fraud.
