Accoring to police, the man was reportedly posing as a police officer and linked to fraudulent activities in Southampton.
He has been interviewed, and his device has been seized.
The arrest is part of a targeted initiative by the City of London Police and the Met to combat courier fraud, which has cost victims more than £21 million over the past financial year.
The initiative focuses on Hatton Garden, the capital’s jewellery quarter, where fraudsters target vulnerable individuals.
These individuals are persuaded to purchase high-value gold and jewellery under false pretences, which are then collected by criminal couriers posing as officials.
Detective Inspector Alexander Eristavi said: “Fraudsters are manipulating people’s trust and exploiting their victims to steal millions in precious metals and jewellery.
“These criminals operate with sophistication and cruelty — and this intensification in Hatton Garden is about cutting off their access to traders and holding them to account.”
The initiative follows a successful earlier enforcement, which saw 13 arrests, eight charges, and the seizure of more than £250,000 in criminal cash.
The authorities are now increasing patrols and engaging with the Hatton Garden business community to raise awareness and identify suspicious behaviour.
Retail units and local taxi firms are also being visited to increase awareness.
Victims often fall prey to sophisticated phone scams and are manipulated into believing they are aiding investigations.
They are then left financially and emotionally devastated.
One such case involved an 84-year-old woman from Sussex, who was targeted by scammers impersonating a police officer.
She was persuaded to withdraw cash and travel via taxi to a bullion dealer in Slough to buy gold.
The fraudsters remained on the phone throughout and attempted to arrange a courier pickup.
Fortunately, her family intervened before the assets were handed over.
Detective Inspector Eristavi urged jewellers to be vigilant for “red flags” such as nervous buyers making unusually large purchases under pressure or citing unknown third parties.
He also encouraged them to report any suspicious transactions.
Data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau reveals that 1,797 reports of courier fraud were received in the last financial year, with an average loss per victim of just over £12,000.
The Metropolitan Police Service, Thames Valley Police, Cheshire Constabulary, Hampshire Constabulary, and Essex Police reported the highest total losses.
People are advised to stay safe by remembering that their bank or the police will never call them to verify personal details or PIN by phone, or offer to pick up their card by courier.
They will also not contact them out of the blue to participate in an investigation or send a courier to collect bank cards, cash, or other valuable items.
Any requests to do so are a scam.
The public are reminded not to trust caller ID displayed on their phone, as it is not proof of identity.
Staying cautious and sceptical can go a long way in protecting oneself from courier fraud.
People are advised to take the time to verify information, seek advice from trusted sources, and never rush into making financial decisions under pressure.
If anyone thinks they have been a victim of fraud, they are urged to contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040, or call Police Scotland on 101.
