Man charged after multi-county courier fraud spree

A man has been charged in connection with a series of courier fraud offences.

Police said the man had encouraged people to withdraw the cash and hand it over as part of a "fictional law enforcement operation" in Dorset, Hampshire, Kent and Norfolk.

Detectives from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, working closely with police in Hertfordshire and Norfolk, carried out warrants in London, Hatfield and Norwich.

A 30-year-old man from Wembley, London, was charged with eight counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and was expected to appear Norwich Crown Court on 7 March.

Another man and a woman arrested as part of the investigation remained on police bail, pending further inquiries.

Officers seized several digital devices and documents.

Norfolk Police issued a warning in January after several courier fraud attempts were reported.

All involved residents in Great Yarmouth, Downham Market and north Norfolk.

Courier fraud happens when someone contacts a victim claiming to be a police officer, bank or from a government department, among other agencies.

A number of techniques will then be used to convince the victim to hand over their bank details or cash, which may then be passed on to a courier.

If you have been affected by a scam or fraud, BBC Action Line has links to organisations that may be able to help. You can find out more about how to stay Scam Safe here.

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