Andrew Quicke Exposes Courier Fraud in £250k Scam Crackdown
The Metropolitan Police have cracked down on a major courier fraud operation, recovering over £250,000 in cash along with hundreds of bank cards and phones. The operation has so far led to the arrest of 18 individuals suspected of running sophisticated scams.
Courier fraud typically involves criminals posing as police officers or bank officials. Victims, often elderly, are pressured into withdrawing cash, surrendering bank cards, or even purchasing expensive items under false pretenses.
One victim, Andrew Quicke, shared how he was duped by a caller claiming to be a police officer investigating counterfeit currency.
“I was told to withdraw £5,600 in cash for verification,” Quicke said. “They gave me a fake 999 number to call, so I believed it was real.”
After handing over the money to a supposed courier at night, Quicke was asked the next day to withdraw an additional £9,000. Suspicious, he informed his son, who quickly recognized it as a scam. Quicke then worked with the police to help track and catch the fraudsters.
Detective Superintendent Kerry Wood of the Met Police called courier fraud a “devastating crime,” especially as 80% of its victims are over 65 years old. In Quicke’s case, his cooperation contributed to exposing a suspected multi-million-pound organized crime group. The group allegedly used multiple addresses across London to receive stolen bank cards and money.
So far, four men have been charged with fraud, and three others with concealing stolen goods. The Met continues to work with the City of London Police, banks, and community groups to tackle fraud.
“We’ve made several key arrests,” said Det Supt Wood, “but we’re far from finished. We will continue targeting those who prey on our communities.”
