POLICE in Barnsley are urging residents to remain vigilant with their online banking after it became easier for criminals to commit courier fraud.

The most common way that courier fraudsters operate is by calling their intended victim on the phone and claiming to be from their bank, the police, or another trusted authority.

Once they have established a veneer of trust, the fraudsters will claim that an unusual payment has been spotted on your bank card, or that another party has been arrested for using your card details illegally.

They will then attempt to get your personal financial information which should never be given out over the phone such as your PIN.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “Online and over the phone banking has made life much easier for many people.

“Instead of having to go in store to manage your finances, it can be done from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere in the world, as long as you have phone and access to the internet.

“However, there are also risks attached to online financial management that, if you are not aware of, can leave you vulnerable to courier fraud, and sadly it is often the elderly who are most impacted by this pernicious style of scam.

“To ensure that you are wise to courier fraud, we are encouraging people in South Yorkshire to bank safely.”