London, 29 May 2025 – Eighteen people have been arrested and more than £250,000 in cash seized after a Metropolitan Police operation targeting courier fraud across the capital. Initiated in February, the crackdown has seen reported offences plunge by 46% as detectives work to dismantle organised crime networks exploiting the most vulnerable in society.
Courier fraud, also known as “banking imposter” scams, involves conmen persuading victims to withdraw cash or hand over bank cards and PINs to bogus officers or couriers. Investigators revealed that the oldest victim recorded in this probe was a 101-year-old Londoner, underscoring how these heartless criminals prey on the elderly.
The multi-force operation, conducted jointly with City of London Police, utilised covert surveillance, intelligence gathering and executed warrants at multiple addresses in London. Officers uncovered evidence of sophisticated fraud rings co-ordinating bogus calls and dispatching couriers to defraud victims, often convincing them that their accounts were compromised.
Detective Superintendent Kerry Wood, head of the Met’s Economic Crime Unit, said:
“Met officers have worked extremely hard over the last few months to protect those vulnerable to this devastating crime, which can deprive people of their livelihoods, pensions and hard-earned savings. The impact of these crimes can be long-lasting and cause significant emotional harm. We’ve arrested a number of individuals as part of our targeted operation, but the work doesn’t stop here and our officers will continue to pursue those who ruthlessly target our communities via sophisticated scams. Our message to criminals should be clear – we will investigate, arrest and put you before the courts.”
Alongside enforcement, the police have teamed up with banks, businesses and community groups to raise public awareness of courier fraud. Over 100 victims have been visited by specially trained officers, who have offered financial guidance and support in recovering stolen funds. Leaflets and talks delivered in community centres and care homes emphasise never handing bank cards or cash to anyone purporting to be from a financial institution.
Financial institutions have also strengthened fraud-prevention protocols, introducing voice recognition checks and automated alerts for unusual transactions. Many banks now flag high-risk transactions for follow-up calls to customers, further deterring scammers.
According to Met figures, reported courier fraud offences dropped from 870 in February to just 470 in May, a decline attributed to both the police operation and enhanced public vigilance. Law enforcement sources believe that the arrests dismantled at least three organised crime groups operating across London boroughs.
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Experts warn that criminals continue to evolve their tactics, employing spoofed phone numbers that appear on caller ID as genuine bank lines, and exploiting times of high anxiety—such as during the cost-of-living crisis—to heighten fear. Counsel from Action Fraud urges people to treat unsolicited calls with suspicion and to confirm any alerts directly with their bank using contact details from official websites.
While the recent arrests mark significant progress, Detective Superintendent Wood emphasises that prevention is an ongoing endeavour:
“We rely on strong partnerships between the police, financial institutions and community organisations. Fraudsters will always seek new methods, but with continued vigilance and swift enforcement action, we can keep our communities safe.”
The Metropolitan Police encourage anyone who suspects they have been approached by courier fraudsters to contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or their bank immediately. Reports can also be made via the Met’s online portal, ensuring rapid intervention and support for potential victims.
As Londoners remain alert to the threat of courier fraud, the Met vows to maintain pressure on criminal networks and to safeguard those most at risk, from the very young to the centenarians among us.
