West Mercia Fraud Update

Residents who receive means-tested benefits will shortly be receiving their next £300 payment. So once again the criminals will see this as another opportunity to target those claimants with false      e-mails claiming to be from the Department of Work & Pensions or HMRC.

These will ask claimants to pass over personal information so their payment can be processed. However, in reality, you do not need to do anything as the payments come through automatically so please ignore the messages, and never give out your personal details or click on any links in emails and texts from someone you do not know.

                                     SHARING IMAGES ONLINE

Every month we see victims who are being blackmailed by people that they have met online through Dating Websites.

They are unwittingly groomed, and then encouraged to share intimate and personal images of themselves by these criminals, believing that they are in a genuine relationship. But then their world is turned upside down when the fraudster threatens to share these images online, or through social media with the victim’s family and friends unless a payment is made.  More often than not further payments are then demanded.

The simple rule is do not share any sort of personal image that you would not want your family or friends to see, especially with someone online who you have met never met.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours.

                               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.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk