Posted on the 16th June 2026 in PHTM News

CUMBRIA CABBIES ENLISTED TO BATTLE PHONE SCAMMERS TARGETING VULNERABLE PASSENGERS

Cumbria Police has launched an urgent appeal to the public and local transport services to help shield vulnerable residents from "heartless, cold and ruthless" phone fraudsters.

As part of a major awareness campaign, officers are putting taxi drivers on the front line of defence against "courier fraud," a deceptive crime that heavily relies on local transport to succeed.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have been deployed directly to taxi ranks across the county to distribute warning literature, while formal alert letters have been sent to local drivers. Authorities hope cabbies can spot the warning signs and engage their customers in conversation before it is too late.

According to police, victims frequently use taxis to travel to banks, post offices, or jewellers to withdraw large sums of cash or purchase expensive goods under the direction of fraudsters. Crucially, the scammers themselves have also been caught using local taxis to travel directly to victims' homes to collect the stolen cash and valuables.

Fran Henderson, a fraud prevention specialist with Cumbria Police, explained that the criminals are highly manipulative. "They target some of the most vulnerable in our society," Henderson said. "They are also very friendly, persuasive, and persistent. They sound completely believable."

She warned that the scammers often pose as bank staff or senior police officers, tricking victims into handing over high-value goods on their doorsteps. Henderson expressed deep gratitude for the frontline support, adding: "We’re extremely grateful for the assistance provided by local taxi drivers, Boots, Wiltshire Farm Foods and everyone else who helps us."

The impact of these scams is devastating for the community. Victims in Cumbria lost more than £1,300 to fraud last year, but police emphasise that the damage goes far beyond the financial toll, often causing elderly victims to completely lose trust in others.

"Courier fraud is a cruel and calculated crime that targets trust," a police spokesperson said, "often focusing on vulnerable people, such as older members of the community."

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, praised the initiative to involve local businesses and transport, stating, "I’m pleased to see the Constabulary getting out to businesses and raising the alarm with them to help combat courier fraud." He urged residents to trust their instincts, noting: "If you have a gut feeling that something is suspicious or wrong, it usually is."

Police have issued strict guidance reminding the public that official agencies or banks will never ask anyone to withdraw money, or send bank cards and personal property via a courier or taxi.

If anyone suspects a fraudulent call, Henderson advises putting the phone down immediately, waiting five minutes for the line to clear, and dialing the secure 159 hotline to safely verify the call with their bank.


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