Weekly Fraud Update from West Mercia Police – Economic Crime Unit 02/07/2024

Scammers can operate all around the world. So, it’s important to keep your card and card details safe when travelling. International card fraud losses for 2023 were £134.5 million.

BEFORE YOU GO OVERSEAS: 
•    Make sure your card company has your up-to-date contact details.
•    Ensure you have your card company’s 24-hour telephone number with you in case you need to contact them.
•    Only take cards you intend to use, leave the others securely at home.

WHEN YOU ARE OVERSEAS: 
•    Don’t let your card out of sight, especially at restaurants and bars.
•    Don’t give your PIN to anyone, even if they claim to be the police or your card company.
•    Shield your PIN when typing it in.
•    Check your bank transactions when you can to see if there’s anything unfamiliar.
•    Look after all your other belongings like passports, wallets, purses, travel and ticket information.

WHEN YOU GET BACK:
•    Check your bank and card statements for any unfamiliar transactions. If you do spot any, report them to your bank immediately.

SOURCE: TAKEFIVE
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Please feel free to share this information with any family, friends, or neighbours that you think it may be able to assist.
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Take Five to Stop Fraud

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 OK 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

ALWAYS REMEMBER:
•    Avoid disclosing security details
•    Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
•    Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number
•    Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests
•    Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams
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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.   You can also report scam phone calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the Scammer’s phone number

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.