Police are urging people to remain vigilant and help protect vulnerable members of the community from fraudsters who are targeting victims over the phone, following a number of reports received in the past week.
Courier fraud is a calculated crime that exploits trust and often targets vulnerable people, especially older residents.
Offenders may pretend to be police officers or bank staff and use personal information to convince victims they are legitimate.
Fraudsters will often ask seemingly innocent questions to obtain any missing information they need before persuading victims to transfer money or withdraw cash.
Their tactics are designed to create a sense of urgency and alarm, pressuring people to act quickly rather than take time to consider whether the request is genuine.
In some cases, victims are instructed to hand over cash or valuable items to a courier who is sent to collect them, which is where the term "courier fraud" originates.
While the financial losses can be significant, the impact often extends far beyond money. Many victims, particularly older people, are left feeling distressed and less trusting of others.
Genuine police officers, bank staff and other trusted organisations will never ask people to withdraw money, transfer funds to a "safe account", share security codes or hand cash and valuables to a courier for collection.
Police across the county continue to work closely with communities and partners to raise awareness of this type of fraud and help prevent more people from becoming victims.
Detective Chief Inspector, Amanda Sykes said:
"We do a significant amount of work with our partners and communities to reach and protect those who are most vulnerable to fraud, but unfortunately these criminals are highly persuasive and continue to target people across the county.
"Fraudsters are skilled at manipulating and deceiving their victims, often convincing elderly and vulnerable people that they have already been the victim of a crime and need to take urgent action. In some cases, they are so convincing that when genuine police officers arrive to help, victims struggle to believe that they are speaking to the real police.
"The reports we have received have involved victims from across both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness. There is no single area being targeted, which is why we are asking everyone across the county to remain alert to these scams and share our advice with those around them.
"A simple conversation with an older relative, friend or neighbour about courier fraud could be enough to prevent them from becoming a victim.
"We would encourage everyone to look out for older relatives, friends and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to these scams and may not see police warnings or advice.
"People should be cautious of any unexpected phone call asking for personal information, money or urgent action. If something doesn't feel right, hang up immediately.
"If you are unsure whether a caller is genuine, wait at least five minutes before making another call, or use a different phone, then contact your bank using a trusted number or call police on 101.
"If you don't have your bank's number, you can call 159 from a mobile or landline and be connected directly to your bank."