Derbyshire Constabulary have created a series of videos to raise awareness of commonly reported fraud in Derbyshire and how to stop them.
The key message is Stop! Think Fraud. If you suspect a scam, or something just doesn’t feel right, take a moment to consider before doing anything else.
- Stop before clicking a link, giving your information or following the instructions from the caller.
- Think about what they’re asking for, and why they say they need it. Banking and personal information is very valuable so consider carefully before giving any details.
- Tell another person or organisation. If you’re still not sure about this request, talk to someone you trust – if you’re ever in doubt, try and verify what’s being asked and look for further advice here.
Tell someone you trust and discuss your concerns if you’re still not sure. If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam report it.
Derbyshire Constabulary have also created a leaflet detailing their ten top tips to keep you and your devices secure. Click here to learn more.
Select a topic below to jump to that section:
Courier Fraud
Courier fraud is where a fraudster will phone and pretend to be calling from either the bank or, more recently, claiming they are a police officer.
In this short film, an elderly woman called Helen is contacted by someone claiming to be PC Stevens, who is investigating fraudulent activity at her bank and urgently needs some of her details.
But before the scam goes any further, Claude emerges in a quite surprising way to share his fraud prevention tips and to tell Helen to stop, think, and tell.
Romance Fraud
In this video, Claude interrupts two women who are chatting about an army sergeant one of them has been messaging online.
The scammer has nearly tricked her into sending him £3,000 to unlock his pension, so he can finally leave the armed forces, jet over to Derbyshire and sweep her off her feet. Claude delivers his words of advice and three simple tips: Stop! Think! Tell!
Online Seller Scams
In this video, Claude prevents a thrifty student from being left out of pocket by bogus buyers by reminding him of three simple tips: Stop! Think! Tell!
‘It’s me’ Scams
“Hi Dad, it’s me. I’ve broken my phone and have got a new number. I desperately need to pay my rent, can you help me out?”
If you receive a message like this, chances are you’d rush to help your family member or friend. But this is what the scammers rely on.
This video focusses on this type of messaging scam, which is often seen on WhatsApp, and has cost some Derbyshire victims hundreds of pounds.
Spear Phishing Scams
Spear phishing is when scammers do their research on a target and personalise a message, to trick the victim into clicking a link or providing personal details.
In this video, Claude pops back up to warn against ‘too good to be true’ deals.
What should I do?
Most incidents of fraud or cybercrime are random and not personally targeted towards the victim. Sometimes people choose not to report an incident because they are embarrassed – remember that fraud is a crime and fraudsters are constantly looking for new ways to strike. Your information might help protect someone else.
How to report it?
If you’ve been a victim of fraud and you are not in any immediate danger you can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Action Fraud is the UK’s first national fraud reporting centre which takes crime reports from victims of fraud and provides a crime reference number.
What to expect?
Your report will be fed into the police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau to gain a more complete national picture of fraud. You will also be directed to a wealth of resources to protect yourself in future. For more information please see the organisations below.
The Police and Crime Commissioner funds organisations that provide support services for victims and witnesses in Derbyshire. These are free of charge and are available to anyone who lives in Derbyshire. For cyber crime and fraud these support services are provided by Derbyshire Victim Services.
DERBYSHIRE VICTIM SERVICES
If you have ever been the victim of crime, or have been affected by a crime committed against someone close to you, Derbyshire Victim Services can provide all the help and support you need. Their local team offers a friendly, free and confidential service to anyone living in Derbyshire. It doesn’t matter if you reported the crime to the Police or not they are here to help you with any practical advice and emotional support.
0800 612 6505
TEXT ‘DVS’ TO 82228
support@dvssupport.org
Below are a list of other organisations that may be able to provide advice and support:
Action Fraud
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cybercrime. The site also gives advice on protecting against fraud and provides a list of useful organisations.
www.actionfraud.police.uk
0300 123 2040
Think Jessica
Think Jessica is a registered charity supported by countless agencies, organisations and police forces nationwide and is committed to making people aware of the danger and financial implications caused by postal and telephone scams, educating professionals and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society from illegal practices.
Get Safe Online
The Get Safe Online website provides practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobiles device and your business against fraud, identity theft, viruses and other problems encountered online.