Cash for parcels? Police warn of growing criminal trap
West Yorkshire Police is warning people not to fall for a growing scam where criminals offer cash to accept parcels on their behalf.
What can look like an easy way to make a few extra pounds could instead land unsuspecting people in serious trouble with the police.
Criminals are increasingly targeting students and other vulnerable people, offering them money to receive and hold packages they don't want linked to themselves.But officers
warn those parcels could contain illegal drugs, weapons or stolen goods.
Accepting a package could potentially leave the recipient facing criminal investigation for offences including possession of controlled drugs, handling stolen goods or money laundering.
Chief Inspector Michelle Swift of West Yorkshire Police said the trend is becoming increasingly concerning.
“What may seem like an easy favour or a way to get quick cash, it could leave you facing a police investigation and a criminal record.”
Police say criminals may use Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to approach potential recruits.
Chief Inspector Swift urged anyone who receives a suspicious offer to trust their instincts and report it.
She also called on parents to speak to university-age children about the risks, warning that organised criminals can deliberately target people who may be looking for ways to earn extra money.
The message from police is simple: if you don't know what's inside a parcel, don't accept it for someone else in exchange for cash.
An offer that sounds too good to be true could come with consequences far more serious than losing a few pounds.