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in the heart of Cheshire
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Cheshire Constabulary
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Fraud Scams Stay Safe Tips


Tips to prevent fraud
1.Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying they are who they say they are.
2.Many frauds start with an email. Remember that financial institutions and banks will not email asking you to confirm your bank details by clicking a link. Always question whether an email could be bogus.
3.Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your card details on and post with your name and address on. Identity fraudsters don't need much information in order to be able to clone your identity.
4.If you have been a victim of fraud, be aware of fraud recovery fraud. This is when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a law enforcement officer and tell you they can help you recover the money you've already lost.
Common forms of Fraud:

Phishing emails
Phishing is a method criminals use to steal your identity. Usually these types of scams are sent via email and direct you to websites where you are asked to supply personal data or account information. Be wary of any emails asking for personal information.

Spoofing
A ‘spoofing’ scam involves redirecting the user to a duplicated website, with the intention of stealing their personal information. For example, a fake online banking website made to look like the authentic site (including logos, colour and text) would allow scammers access to your bank details. Be wary of any emails or websites asking for bank details.

Viruses and spyware
Viruses and spyware are when criminals attack your computer and try to steal personal information such as usernames and passwords.

Scareware
Rogue security software, also known as ‘scareware’ is the method of luring a user into downloading fake anti-virus software.

Online auction scams
Online auction scams (eBay, Gumtree, Buy or Sell Facebook groups etc.) are where the seller asks you to pay by money transfer or direct to their bank account and bypass the sites' own payment channels.

Reporting Fraud
If you're a victim of fraud that is a crime in progress and you need an immediate police response dial 999.

If it is a non-emergency situation,
Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

You can also report fraud or find further advice and information on the Action Fraud website.



Message Sent By
Wendy Leason (Police, Community Support Officer, Saughall)

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Cheshire Constabulary
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Tv Licence Email Scam


Cyber crime monitor Action Fraud said fake TV licence emails regarding payment issues had been sent out to try to collect bank details. The emails use headlines such as "correct your licensing information" and "your TV licence expires today" in an attempt to convince people to click on the link in the email.
The fake TV Licensing website asks victims to provide their payment details, including their account number, sort code, and card verification value (CVV) code on the back of their card.
The website may also ask for a victim's name, date of birth, address, phone number, email and possibly even their mother's maiden name.
A TV Licensing spokeswoman said: "TV Licensing will never email customers, unprompted, to ask for bank details, personal information or tell you that you may be entitled to a refund.
Action Fraud said it was working to "stop fraudsters in their tracks".
If you think you have received an email from fraudsters, you should report it to Action Fraud

 Message Sent By
Wendy Leason (Police, Community Support Officer, Saughall)

 

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Action Fraud (NFIB)
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Drivers Targeted With Fake Fines


What you need to know

Action Fraud have received an increase in reports and intelligence where elderly victims are being targeted by individuals purporting to be police officers or traffic wardens. The victims are being approached whilst parked in a car park and are told by the suspect that they have parked illegally or broken a speed limit and a photo has been taken of their car for ‘evidence’.

Victims are advised that they will face a substantial penalty fine unless they pay a smaller upfront fee immediately. Victims, who opt for paying the smaller penalty, will be directed to a parking meter and asked to enter their card and PIN. These parking meters have been tampered with by the suspect in order to retain the card.

Once the victim inserts their card and are asked for their PIN, the victims are shoulder surfed for their PIN by the suspect. Once victims input their PIN, the card is retained by the machine and victims are told by the suspect to seek help from the company who operates the parking meter or their bank.

What you need to do
  • If you are suspicious about the authenticity of the fine, do not pay it until you have verified it with your local council.
  • Always shield your PIN from view when using an ATM machine, andnever share your PIN with anyone.
  • If your bank card is retained by an ATM machine, contact your bankimmediately to inform them.

Message Sent By
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

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Action Fraud (NFIB)
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Fraudsters Targeting Social Media Influencers


The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has received intelligence to suggest that fraudsters are contacting social media influencers, based in the UK and abroad, offering them the opportunity to market a bogus product, service or investment opportunity.

Fraudsters will present professional and credible pitches to the social media influencers and try to convince them to feature the opportunity for a fee on their social media profiles in order to entice unsuspecting followers of the influencer to sign up or make a purchase.

Additionally, fraudsters are using the names of well-known public figures, implying that their opportunity or product is endorsed by the figure when it is not.

The public should be aware that any apparent endorsement by celebrities, influencers or personalities does not necessarily mean that an investment, product or service is genuine. The public is urged to exercise a cautious approach to any such offer of investment, product or service with the same caution they would at any other time.

What You Need To Do
  • If you are purchasing goods from a company you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, or ask friends or family for advice before completing a purchase.
  • Professional-looking websites, adverts or social media posts do not guarantee that an investment opportunity or product is genuine. Criminals can exploit the names of well-known brands or individuals to make them appear legitimate.
  • Avoid paying for goods or services by bank transfer unless you know and trust the person or company. Payments via bank transfer offer you no protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use your credit card or payment services such as PayPal as they offer you greater protection if you become a victim of fraud.

Message Sent By
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Detectives are urging Cheshire residents to be vigilant on the back of several fraud offences having been reported to police since the start of the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Between Friday 28 May and yesterday, Tuesday May 28, Cheshire Constabulary was notified of scammers targeting people across the county.

The fraudsters claimed to be representatives of a bank, a building society, HM Revenue and Customs, the police and a Facebook lottery and told victims a range of lies in a bid to convince them to part with cash.

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