TL;DR: On May 13, 2026, Leicestershire Police issued an alert after two people were targeted in separate courier fraud incidents on May 12. Both were contacted by someone posing as a police officer. In one case a Leicester woman handed over her bank card and PIN, and the same suspect later returned and took jewellery.
What happened
The Leicestershire Police alert says one suspect said he worked for “Leicester Police”. The card was later used fraudulently, and the suspect returned to her home saying he would keep her jewellery safe at the police station.
The release does not state a loss figure.
Why it works
Courier fraud works because a person turns up in person, which feels more official than a call. Taking the card and PIN first gives them access to the account before the victim realises.
Police and banks do not contact people this way, which is the key fact to remember.
Background: our explainers on courier fraud and fake bank investigators and how to protect elderly parents from phone scams. See also Kent Courier Fraud: 86 Victims Lost £766,544 in 2025 and Derbyshire Police Warn of Fake Police and Bank Fraud Team Calls. For wider numbers, see our data page on scam losses by age group.
What Leicestershire Police advise
- Hang up on any unexpected call claiming to be from the police or your bank.
- If someone visits claiming to be a police officer and asks for your bank card, do not hand it over. Close the door.
- Before calling your bank back, wait five minutes or use a different phone line.
- Never let anyone else use your bank cards, check on older relatives and neighbours, and ask your phone provider about call-blocking services.
If you have already sent money
Contact your bank immediately, using the number on your card or by dialling 159, and ask about stopping the payment and reimbursement, then report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Our guides on UK fraud reporting and APP reimbursement rules, UK bank impersonation scams and how to reverse a wire transfer scam explain what to expect, and what to do after a scam, wherever you live covers the first 24 hours. Scammers often start with details taken from past leaks, so run our free digital footprint check to see what of yours is already exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on May 12, 2026?
Two people were targeted in separate courier fraud incidents in Leicestershire by someone posing as a police officer.
What did the suspect take?
In one case, a bank card and PIN, and later jewellery taken from the victim’s home.
Do police or banks collect cards from homes?
No. Leicestershire Police say police and banks do not contact people this way.
How can families help?
Check on elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours who do not use the internet and make sure they know about these scams.
Sources
- Leicestershire Police: Alert issued after reports of courier fraud (May 13, 2026)
- Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk)
Related Reading
- Kent Courier Fraud: 86 Victims Lost £766,544 in 2025
- Derbyshire Police Warn of Fake Police and Bank Fraud Team Calls
- Maple Ridge RCMP Warn of “Card Pick-Up” Fraud at Your Door
- UK Scam News: October 2026 Roundup and Warnings
- Scam Losses by Age Group: US and Australia Data (2025)
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live