Scam Secrets

The Police Are On The Phone

Nov 20, 2025
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Hodgeon, an expert in economic and cybercrime, joins the discussion to unravel the chilling tactics of courier fraud. He explains how criminals impersonate police through fake emergency calls, luring victims into handing over their life savings. Hodgeon highlights the emotional manipulation tactics used, the risks of violent couriers, and critical safety advice, emphasizing that real police will never ask you to leave valuables outside. This eye-opening conversation sheds light on the evolution of scams and essential community awareness.
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ANECDOTE

Christmas Eve Call Led To Cards Collected

  • Jane received a call on Christmas Eve from someone claiming to be DCI Nelson and was told her accounts were compromised.
  • She put five bank cards in a bag outside her front door and a courier collected them minutes later.
INSIGHT

Fake 999 Verification Trick

  • The scammers played a dial tone recording and told Jane to call 999 so she believed the call was genuine.
  • That manufactured verification is a powerful psychological trick that legitimises the scam immediately.
INSIGHT

Rapid Remote Cash-Out Reveals PIN Use

  • The criminals withdrew cash hundreds of times miles away, implying they also had the PINs or equivalent access.
  • Victims may not realise how quickly remote cash-out can escalate once cards are handed over.
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