Weekly fraud update from West Mercia Police – Economic Crime Unit – 06/08/2024

Reports of Internet Sales scams continue to appear and anyone selling items through Online or Social Media market places really needs to be aware of this type of scam.

How does it work?

•    You, the seller, will list an article for sale.
•    The scammer will make contact and negotiate a price and will then appear to send the money, often through a WISE account.
•    The scammer then tells the victim that, in order for the money to be released, a Tracking Number needs to be provided, but you cannot get a Tracking Number prior to sending the item
•    Once a Tracking Number is provided, this confirms to the scammer the item is on the way in the post, and there is little to nothing Royal Mail or any courier company can do to retrieve the item.
•    The money has in fact never been sent by the scammer in the first place, and so the victim takes a double loss: the loss of money from the sale AND the loss of the item.

How can you avoid being scammed?

1.    Research the buyer before you enter into any agreement or monies change hands. Check the website for any reports about the buyer you are dealing with
2.    Never dispatch any item you are selling before you have received the payment and it is secured.
3.    Take care not to provide unnecessary personal details that may give the Scammer access to your finances. Avoid giving out personal bank details to private buyers you do not know

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Please feel free to share this information with any relatives, friends or neighbours you think may be vulnerable.

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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 okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
•    Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

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 mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the scam caller’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.
For further information visit:

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/