Fraud and Scam Bulletin March 2024
West Mercia Police have issued their March edition of the Fraud and Scam Bulletin; click here for a pdf copy.
In brief:
TELEPHONE FRAUD
The number of “Nuisance” calls has risen in recent years from 21% to 40% and according to OFGEN, nearly 40% of Scams start with a phone call.
These scams involve fraudsters trying to gain your personal and financial information, and are often referred to as “Vishing” – an amalgamation of “Voice” and “Phishing”.
Very often the fraudster has disguised their call identity by using an apparently legitimate number so appearing genuine; this is known as “Spoofing”. If you do receive a call from a company which is not expected than just hang up, wait for 10 minutes or so, or use another phone, and then call the real company back on a listed number from their website or letterhead.
The pdf outlines four typical types of phone call scams including:
- technical support scams – had a call telling you there’s a fault with your computer?
- Impersonation scams – someone calling from your bank to tell you your account has been compromised?
- Prize Draw scams – if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is!
- Financial Scams – invest all your money with me and watch it disappear!
Tips on how to stay safe:
- Never give out your financial information over the phone, and just hang up if you are unsure about the caller’s identity.
- Register for “TPS” – Telephone Preference Service – this prevents bona fide companies calling you so you will then know that any cold call is a fake.
- Scammers will often keep the phone line open after the call so even when you think you are calling a legitimate number you are still speaking to the fraudster. Wait for up to 15 minutes or make the call using a different phone line or mobile.
IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED OR DO NOT RECOGNISE THE CONTACT
Take Five To Stop Fraud
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- STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
- CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
- PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
If you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.
Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.
Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk
If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number – 159 – to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.
For further information visit:
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
