27/10/2026

PSNI Issues Warning After Recent Courier Fraud Reports

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has urged the public to stay vigilant after a spate of courier fraud phone scams, with callers impersonating police officers, banks and government departments.

Criminals can spoof caller ID to make a call look legitimate and may sound highly convincing. Genuine organisations and banks will never ask you to transfer funds, withdraw cash, or reveal your bank details, PIN or passwords.

Detective Inspector Peter MacCionáoith of the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: "In most cases, courier frauds are when a criminal calls you claiming to be from your bank, the police or another trusted company. Anyone can be targeted and these callers can sound very believable. They may make claims of suspicious banking activity to create urgency and panic, ask for PIN numbers or passwords, request your bank card or cash as 'evidence,' ask to purchase high end goods, or send 'couriers' to collect your card, cash or bank details.

"If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and hang up. Take a moment to check things independently by contacting the organisation through a number you have found yourself. Never feel pressured into acting quickly or sharing personal or financial information. Talking to a family member, friend or your bank can also help before you make any decision.
News Image
"Remember, the Police Service, government agencies, banks and trusted companies will never ask you to transfer money, withdraw cash, or disclose your bank details, PIN or passwords. If you receive an unexpected or suspicious call, end it immediately and if you believe you have been targeted or have lost money, please report it to police without delay."

Treat any unsolicited request for personal or financial information with caution. If you receive a suspicious call:

- Do not share personal or financial details

- Do not transfer money or withdraw cash

- End the call immediately

- Use a different phone, or wait at least 10 minutes, before calling 101 to verify (fraudsters can sometimes keep the line open)

- Do not trust the number shown on your handset, as caller ID can be spoofed

If you have lost money, contact your bank straight away. Report to Police online at www.psni.police.uk/report or call 101, or report to Report Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Further guidance and information are available at:

- PSNI scams and fraud advice: www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/scams-and-fraud

- ScamwiseNI: www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni (also on Facebook @scamwiseni)

- Report Fraud: www.reportfraud.police.uk/

Latest Northern Ireland News

27 October 2026
Kimmins Unveils Plan For Greener, Fairer And More Resilient Transport By 2035
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has set out plans for a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient transport network with the publication of the Transport Strategy 2035 and the launch of a consultation on the draft Eastern Transport Plan (ETP) 2035.
27 October 2026
PSNI Issues Warning After Recent Courier Fraud Reports
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has urged the public to stay vigilant after a spate of courier fraud phone scams, with callers impersonating police officers, banks and government departments. Criminals can spoof caller ID to make a call look legitimate and may sound highly convincing.
27 October 2026
£20,000 Reward In West Belfast Attempted Murder Case
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Major Investigation Team have renewed their appeal for information and issued video footage of a man they wish to identify as part of an attempted murder inquiry in west Belfast.
27 October 2026
NI Water Warns Of Bogus Callers As Clocks Go Back
As darker evenings return with the clocks going back, NI Water is urging householders to stay vigilant and 'clock' bogus callers targeting homes. Customers are reminded that if someone arrives claiming to be from NI Water, Water Service or the Water Board, they should always request identification.
27 October 2026
Cookstown Bypass Outline Business Case Approved
The A29 Cookstown Bypass has taken a further step forward with approval of its Outline Business Case, the Department for Infrastructure has confirmed.
27 October 2026
Operation Lockstream: PSNI Seizes More Than £200,000 In Cash
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has participated in Operation Lockstream, a UK-wide crackdown targeting organised crime groups exploiting road, rail and port routes. Detectives from the Organised Crime Branch, working alongside HMRC, undertook a series of intelligence-led, proactive activities.
27 October 2026
PSNI And NIFRS Issue Halloween Firework Safety Warning
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) have relaunched their Halloween safety campaign, stressing the legal and responsible use of fireworks. Emergency services expect a seasonal rise in calls linked to anti-social behaviour and fireworks misuse.
27 October 2026
Long: Improving Prisons Will Reduce Victim Numbers And Build Stronger Communities
Creating safer, more effective and rehabilitation-focused prisons benefits victims, communities and wider society, Justice Minister Naomi Long will tell delegates at Belfast's first Correctional Research Symposium.
27 October 2026
Plan To Bolster Consumer Protection Across Northern Ireland
The Consumer Council has set out a new Corporate Plan for 2026 to 2032, outlining its priorities to protect, represent and empower consumers across Northern Ireland over the next six years.
27 October 2026
£400,000 A29 Ring Road Footway Upgrade Under Way In Coleraine
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that a £400,000 scheme to improve the footway along the A29 Ring Road in Coleraine.