Courier pickup scam: "we will collect your card"
Scammers posing as your bank, the police, or a government agency say your account is compromised and send a courier to your home to collect your card and PIN, cash, or gold for "safekeeping".
How this scam works
Once the courier leaves, the scammer uses your card and PIN or keeps your cash. Older adults are often targeted, and losses can be very large.
Common versions of the message
- A compromised card or account
- A courier coming to your home
- A demand for secrecy
What the message looks like
Text from Bank Fraud Dept.
This is your bank fraud department. Your card has been compromised. A courier will come to your home today to pick up your debit card and PIN for safekeeping. Do not tell anyone, the thieves may be watching.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Scare story: “Your card has been compromised”
Made to panic you into following orders
Scare stories about your account are made to make you obey.
- 2
Card pickup: “pick up your debit card and PIN”
No bank ever sends someone to collect your card
No bank or government agency ever sends someone to collect your card, PIN, cash, or gold.
- 3
Keep it secret: “Do not tell anyone”
Secrecy stops family from stopping it
Being told to keep it secret is how they stop family and bank staff from helping.
What to do
- Do not hand anything to a courier.
- Hang up and call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
- Tell a family member right away.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- Call your bank right away to block the card.
- Call your local police and report it at ic3.gov.
- If cash or gold was taken, give police any details about the courier and vehicle.
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