Nottinghamshire Police

Home > Appeals > Appeals > Courier scam hits three businesses

Courier scam hits three businesses

Posted on 6th June 2007

Police are warning businesses of a courier scam that has left three small companies in Nottinghamshire out of pocket.

Each business, one in Hucknall, one in Beechdale, and a third in Mapperley, received a phone call claiming to be from a nearby business, asking them to accept a couriered package and pay the postage.

A courier then arrived at the premises, requesting postage ranging from £12 to £60. In all three cases, cash was handed over in good faith, believing it to be a favour for a neighbouring business.

When they then contact them, no one knows anything about the parcel or the request to pay postage.

The first telephone call, followed by package delivery was made on Monday 4 June. Two further businesses were targeted yesterday (5 June 2007).

Sam Hancock, from Nottinghamshire Police’s Business Crime team, said: “Whoever is planning this scam is targeting small businesses who are likely to have contacts with other neighbouring companies.

“In each case the package has listed a car company, either AZ Cars or Calls Cars Ltd, on the outside. A dark skinned or black man has delivered the package.

“We would urge people to think twice about handing over any money to anyone claiming to be a courier, as it is unlikely that the cash will be seen again.

“Packages are usually correctly paid for before being sent out and if not, official courier companies will return to deliver the package at a more convenient time.” 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 0115 9670 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Back to appeals page