Students are being recruited by criminals in West Yorkshire to transfer illegal packages containing illegal drugs, prohibited weapons, stolen goods and dirty cash.
Organised criminals are using social media platforms including Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to recruit people to help them move illicit goods, particularly targeting students and vulnerable adults.
They offer cash to “parcel mules” to accept criminal packages in what West Yorkshire police has described as a new trend, which could see those not otherwise involved in crime landed with a criminal record.
Parents are being warned to speak to their university age children and advise them against becoming involved with the gangs moving criminal property around West Yorkshire.
The social media adverts typically contain phrases such as “Work from home”, “Easy money”, “No experience needed” and “Earn £100-£500 per week”.
Police are warning that the suspect packages could contain anything from illegal drugs to offensive weapons, as well as stolen goods, counterfeit items or fraudulently purchased products. Some may also contain criminal cash obtained through illegal activities.
Officers have warned that not knowing what was in the parcel may not always protect those handling them from criminal investigation, and ultimately receiving a criminal record.
Depending on what the parcel contains, they may face charges for anything from possession of controlled drugs or prohibited weapons to handling stolen goods or money laundering. Anyone receiving the parcels may also find themselves charged with conspiracy offences.
Officers have said that warning signs to look out for include being offered money simply for accepting deliveries, being asked to use your address without being told why, someone using multiple names or addresses, or being asked to accept a parcel but not being told what is inside it.
Police have also said to be wary of anyone saying “don’t worry it’s legal” without further explanation, anyone pressuring the recipient into making a decision, or saying they want to collect the parcels quickly after delivery.
Officers have said that criminals may talk their victims into accepting packages by saying things such as “it’s just because I’m not home during the day,” or “you’re not doing anything wrong,” or “nobody will ever know.”.
West Yorkshire police Ch Insp Michelle Swift said: “What may seem like an easy favour or a way to get quick cash could leave you facing a police investigation and a criminal record.
“Criminals will often use social media like SnapChat, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to recruit people to help them.
“If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report it to us.
“We hope by raising awareness of this type of crime, people will be alert to the risks and tactics used by organised criminals.
“We would particularly encourage parents to have this conversation with their university age children to make them understand this type of trend and the dangers that are associated with it.”
Earlier this year, Lincolnshire police issued a similar warning, advising people to beware of “anyone offering money or favours for accepting deliveries,” as well as parcels arriving addressed to unfamiliar names, and packages arriving from overseas with no clear sender.
The force warned that in some cases, individuals and addresses were being used without their consent, as part of organised fraud or delivery scams.
Anyone who suspects they may have been recruited as a parcel mule is advised to stop involvement immediately, keep messages, emails or screenshots and report their concerns to the police.
Anyone who has received a parcel not addressed to them is advised not to open it, and to contact the delivery company to arrange return or collection.
