Police are warning the public about a recent increase in courier fraud phone scams across Northern Ireland. The scams involve callers impersonating police officers, bank staff, or representatives from other trusted organisations to obtain money or personal financial information. The PSNI has received reports of such calls and is urging vigilance. Detective Inspector Peter MacCionáoith said that in most cases, a criminal calls claiming to be from a bank, the police, or another trusted company. The callers can sound believable and may create a sense of urgency or panic by claiming suspicious banking activity. They may ask for PINs or passwords, request bank cards or cash as evidence, ask victims to purchase high-value goods, or send couriers to collect cards, cash, or bank details. The PSNI stressed that genuine organisations and banks will never ask customers to transfer funds, withdraw cash, or disclose bank details, PINs, or passwords. People who receive unexpected or suspicious calls are advised to end the call immediately. If something feels wrong, the public should trust their instincts, hang up, and independently verify the caller by contacting the organisation through a number they have found themselves. It is also important not to feel pressured into acting quickly or sharing personal information. Talking to a family member, friend, or bank can also help before making any decision. The PSNI provided specific safety advice: do not share personal or financial details, do not transfer money or withdraw cash, and end the call immediately. Because fraudsters can keep the line open, the public should use a different phone or wait at least 10 minutes before calling 101 to verify. Caller ID can be spoofed, so the number shown on the handset should not be trusted. Anyone who believes they have been targeted or has lost money should report the incident to police without delay. Victims should also contact their bank immediately. Reports can be made online at the PSNI website, by calling 101, or via Report Fraud online or on 0300 123 2040. Further guidance is available from PSNI scams and fraud advice, ScamwiseNI, and Report Fraud.