Officers were called to a shop in Penrith town centre after staff became suspicious of people being encouraged over the phone to purchase expensive items, including mobile phones and gift cards. The store worker reported their concerns to Cumbria Police before any items or money could be handed over to the fraudsters. Courier fraud typically involves a caller pretending to be from the victim’s bank or the police. People can also dial 159 from any phone and state the name of their bank to be connected to a trusted contact number. "Remember, fraudsters are not fussy who they pick on, everyone is vulnerable to fraud," the spokesperson said.