What is Cyber-crime?
There is a wide range of offences that can be committed through communication technology. Cybercrimes are commonly considered as falling into one of two categories:
- New offences committed using new technologies, such as offences against computer systems and data- crimes such as hacking or breaking into computer systems to steal or alter data
- Traditional offences committed using new technology, where networked computers and other devices are used to facilitate the commission of an offence – Crimes such as the transfer of illegal images or fraud.
While the focus is often on online fraud or child protection, there is a significant number of other offences committed through the internet, such as harassment, threatening behaviour and other anti-social activity.
What is Fraud?
Fraud is an act of deception committed for personal gain or to cause loss to another party.
Derbyshire Constabulary have created an essential guide to help prevent fraud. The guide covers a variety of scams that are reported to us, including doorstep scams, romance fraud and scams that take place through online messaging applications like WhatsApp. To access the guide click here.
Derbyshire Constabulary have also created a leaflet detailing their ten top tips to keep you and your devices secure. Click here to learn more.
Victim of Fraud – Colin
Colin was targeted by online fraudsters.
In this video, Colin shares his experience as a victim of fraud, offering insights into the challenges he faced and the steps he took to move forward. Highlighting the crucial role of reporting such crimes to the police, he also shares his experience with support services offered through DVS.
Through his story, Colin hopes to empower others with the knowledge and confidence to report incidences of fraud, showing that help is available and that no one has to face fraud alone.
Can you tell if a call is an AI scam call?
In this video, Derbyshire Constabulary share a call that one of their cyber officers received.
Remember to always consider who you’re talking to. The voice in this call isn’t someone called Jo, it’s a voice created with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make you think you’re talking to a real person.
#SockItToTheScammers
Derbyshire Constabulary have also created a series of videos to raise awareness of commonly reported fraud in Derbyshire and how to stop them. These can be accessed via our own dedicated #SockItToTheScammers page here.
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: Advice about fraud | Derbyshire Constabulary (cds.co.uk)
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.
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.