COURIER FRAUD: How taxi drivers are vital in protecting the over 70’s being targeted

Taxi drivers play an important role in identifying suspicious activity and helping to protect individuals from losing further money and high-value goods in courier fraud. This is because they are often one of the few people who encounter victims whilst the fraud is in progress. This article aims to equip you with the valuable opportunity to build your knowledge and confidence to recognise potential victims and intervene appropriately where necessary helping to prevent significant financial harm.

What is Courier Fraud?

Courier fraud involves offenders contacting victims, usually by telephone, falsely claiming to be from the police, a bank, or another trusted organisation. Victims are persuaded they are assisting in an investigation and are instructed to withdraw large sums of cash or purchase high-value items, which are then handed over to a “courier” who is part of the criminal network.

Report Fraud Statistics (2025)

• Those aged 70 or above make up the majority of courier fraud victims, with those aged between 76-96 years accounting for roughly 62% of all courier fraud reports.

• 46% of courier fraud victims in 2025 were women.

• Courier Fraud reports rose nearly 10% from 2024 to 2025, increasing from 1,721 reports in 2024 to 1,891 reports in 2025.

• From 2024 to 2025, the total financial loss to courier fraud victims who reported rose from £19.5 million to more than £21 million, with the average amount stolen per victim now around £15,311.08.

• London and surrounding regions account for around 65% of all courier fraud victims, with strong transport links enabling offenders to operate across neighbouring counties including Hertfordshire, Essex, Surrey and Kent.

The Vital Role of Taxi Drivers

Taxi drivers can help to disrupt courier fraud. Victims of courier fraud often use local taxis to travel to and from the bank, bureau de change and jewellers as well as their homes.

Likewise, couriers also rely on taxis as they may arrive to towns and cities via train and hire a taxi from a rank to travel to a victim’s home in order to collect cash or valuables before returning shortly after to the train station. This means that taxi drivers are one of the few groups of people to witness unusual patterns of behaviour, in real time, leading to them being able to identity and help prevent an ongoing courier fraud.

How Taxi Drivers Can Help and Warning Signs to Look Out For

1. Remain vigilant for journeys involving potential couriers or vulnerable passengers.

2. Contact the Police on 999 if you believe you have picked up a suspected courier involved in fraud and state that you think a courier fraud is in progress – this will be treated as a priority.

3. Raise awareness among elderly passengers and note any unusual or repeat fares to banks, bureau de change, jewellers or similar businesses.

4. Look out for elderly or vulnerable passengers who appear anxious or distracted.

5. Look out for passengers speaking on the phone throughout the journey, especially if they are being instructed on what to do.

6. Look out for requests to wait outside premises briefly whilst large transactions take place.

7. Look out for passengers requesting for quick return trips to stations.

Questions To Support Passengers

If you have concerns, you are encouraged to sensitively ask:

1. Has anyone claiming to be from the police, your bank, or a fraud team asked you to withdraw or spend this money?

2. Have you been told you are assisting with a police or fraud investigation?

3. Has anyone advised you what to say or do while making this transaction?

4. Has someone arranged to collect money or items from you later?

5. Have you been asked to post money or valuables?

If a customer answers “yes” to any of the above questions, they could be a victim of courier fraud.

Where appropriate, please remind customers that the police and banks will never ask members of the public to withdraw money, purchase goods, or assist with an investigation in this way.

If you believe a fraud is actively taking place and an offender may be nearby, call 999 immediately and state that you suspect a courier fraud in progress.

Working Together to Prevent Harm

Your role on the frontline of the community makes you a powerful ally in protecting the public, particularly those most vulnerable, from this devastating crime.

We greatly value your support in helping to deliver clear and trusted messaging, and in safeguarding those most at risk.

Thank you for your support.

If you would like further support, information or guidance, please contact Business.Engagement@cityoflondon.police.uk.

Article by: Khaqan Mumtaz - Report Fraud Protect Services (City of London Police)