Bank Courier Scam: How Criminals Trick Residents Into Handing Over Their Bank Cards

• bank scam
• courier scam
• fraud prevention

Learn how the ‘Bank Courier Scam’ works, who’s targeted, and the key signs to spot. Protect yourself and your loved ones from this rising fraud.

What Is the Bank Courier Scam?

Local residents are being warned about a dangerous new scam known as the ‘Bank Courier Scam’. In this scheme, scammers pose as representatives from your bank or a government agency and claim your account is at risk due to a supposed ‘security breach’. Their goal? To trick you into handing over your bank cards, PINs, and even money—right into their hands.

How Does the Scam Work?

• Initial Contact: Scammers call you, often knowing your name and some card details, and claim your bank account has been compromised.
• Building Trust: Using personal details (real or fabricated), they convince you there’s an urgent threat to your finances.
• Card Collection Ruse: The scammers say they’ll ‘send a courier’ to your home to collect your cards for investigation. This is the heart of the scam—your bank will never do this.
• Pressure and Manipulation: You’re urged to reveal sensitive details like your PIN, passwords, or one-time codes. Some victims are kept on the phone for hours or even days as the scammers pressure them to transfer funds or provide access.
• Seniors Targeted: Older people living alone are especially vulnerable, as scammers exploit trust and fear to isolate them from support.

Red Flags: How to Spot the Bank Courier Scam

• Your bank NEVER sends anyone to collect your cards.
• Your bank NEVER asks for your PIN, online banking password, or security codes.
• Your bank NEVER tells you to move money to a ‘safe’ account or to ‘catch a hacker’.
• Unexpected calls about security breaches that pressure you to act quickly or keep the call secret.
• Being asked to reveal or write down sensitive banking information.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

• Hang up immediately if you receive a suspicious call—especially if someone asks for card or account details.
• Never share your PIN, passwords, or one-time codes with anyone over the phone—even if they claim to be from your bank.
• Set daily limits on your cards and online banking to reduce the risk of large losses.
• Discuss scams with elderly family, friends, and neighbours. Awareness is a key defence.
• If in doubt, call your bank back using a trusted number (from your card or their official website)—never the number provided by the caller.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

• Contact your bank immediately to freeze your cards and review your accounts.
• Report the incident to local police and Scamwatch.
• Seek support from family or a trusted person if you feel pressured or unsure.

Final Word

Banks and genuine agencies will never send a courier to collect your cards or ask for confidential details over the phone. If you get a call like this, hang up straight away and contact your bank directly. Staying alert and sharing information can help keep your community safe from these sophisticated scams.