Police said the scam, known as courier fraud, relies on deception and often targets older or vulnerable individuals. Cumbria Police said: "We are encouraging people to talk to older relatives, friends and neighbours about courier fraud, as a simple conversation could help prevent someone from becoming a victim. "Courier fraud is a manipulative crime that relies on deception and often targets older or vulnerable people. "They may then be told to hand over cash, bank cards or valuables to a courier sent to collect them. Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by courier fraud should report it to police by calling 101 or visiting reportfraud.police.uk.