Lancashire Police Be Fraud Aware

WELCOME ...

to the first “Stay In The Know” post by Lancashire Constabulary’s Fraud Triage Team.  This will be a regular event, the intention of which is to keep you informed of everything fraud related that you may come across daily via emails, phone calls, post, cold callers, advertising etc.  Unfortunately, the many ways of depriving people out of their money by unscrupulous individuals continues to increase.  The hope is that we can help you become more aware and cautious about divulging your personal information to people who are not who they say they are. 

 

Let your mantra be “IF IN DOUBT – DON’T.”

 

THE FRAUD TRIAGE TEAM

The Fraud Triage Team (FTT) is part of the Economic Crime Unit (ECU) and was set up in September 2021.  It’s based at Lancashire Constabulary’s HQ and consists of one Sergeant - DS Dave Wainwright, three Constables - DC Adam Kelsall, DC Rob Kirkham and DC Christine Maffitt, Helen Grimshaw (Fraud Safeguarding Officer) and myself Anne Townson (Fraud Safeguarding Support).

 

It’s the role of the FTT to assess all fraud reports received and when doing so several factors will be considered, including the nature of the fraud type, resources available and the potential strength of any evidence.  However, one of the most important considerations will be the vulnerability of the victim and the impact of the crime on that individual.

 

As you’re no doubt aware, the perpetrators of fraud use many aliases, change mobile numbers and email accounts frequently, and in most cases aren’t even based in the UK.  Action Fraud send through to Lancashire Constabulary, on a weekly basis, a list of all victims who live within the Lancashire area (approximately 150 a week), so that the Fraud Safeguarding personnel can assess the most vulnerable and check on their wellbeing.  We can assist by giving advice, referring to other partner agencies (eg Age UK, Citizens Advice, Victim Support etc), organise a visit in person or by a Police Community Service Officer (PCSO) or Neighbourhood Police (NHP) to ensure that they are suffering no long-term ill-effects.

 

Remember – the police, or your bank will never:

·         Ask for your personal details

·         Ask you to withdraw money

·         Ask you to transfer money

·         Ask you to purchase high value goods

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU’VE BEEN A VICTIM OF FRAUD

If you have any suspicions that you might have fallen foul of a fraudulent act then log it with Action Fraud either by phone 0300 123 2040, or if you are hard of hearing by textphone 0300 123 2050 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.  If the fraud involves your bank details, then also inform your bank immediately.

 

ACTION FRAUD

Contrary to popular belief Action Fraud will never pursue any investigation.  They disseminate a crime report to the constabulary where the fraudster resides, if known, to potentially pursue an investigation.  A protect dissemination will be sent to the constabulary where the victim(s) reside for safeguarding purposes only.  The Action Fraud Crime Report provides the crime number for the individual who submitted the information.  Scotland does not recognise Action Fraud as such, so they will have no dealings with Action Fraud.  If information is known regarding a fraudster in Scotland, then direct contact should be made with Police Scotland.

 

BANKING PROTOCOL

I know that we are all getting frustrated by the questions asked by banks when we’re trying to do a transaction involving our money, myself included, but this is necessary to safeguard unsuspecting victims. In addition to standard checks a banking protocol (BP) has also been introduced for some situations.  This allows a member of local banking staff to make a call into Lancashire Police that is deemed by them to be “protecting” a vulnerable victim.  The situation might be that a victim has gone into a bank and requested that a large sum of money be withdrawn or transferred for fraudulent purposes eg a dating scam.  If this is unusual activity, then a BP dictates that a 999 call is made, and a unit deployed by the Force Control Room.  The victim will receive a personal visit either in the bank by a police officer or at home if they have left the bank, to have a discussion as to the reason for the transaction and to verify that it is for legitimate reasons. The bank can ultimately freeze the account if fraudulent activity is suspected, both to protect the victim and themselves.   

 

THIS MONTH’S FRAUD

Unfortunately, there are many different frauds out there:

 

·         Romance & Companionship Fraud

·         Investment Fraud

·         Prize Draw Fraud

·         Fraudulent Catalogues (Fake & Expensive)

·         Doorstep Workmen

·         Money Laundering / Money Mules / Vouchers

 

to name but a few.  Each month we will focus on the one that seems to be prevalent in Lancashire.  This month’s is RENTAL FRAUD.

Rental fraud happens when would-be tenants are tricked into paying an upfront fee to rent a property.

 

In reality, the property does not exist, has already been rented out, or has been rented to multiple victims at the same time.  The victim loses the upfront fee they have paid and is not able to rent the property they thought they had secured with the payment.

 

Rental fraudsters often target students looking for university accommodation.

 

Rental fraud is a type of advance fee fraud.  How to protect yourself:

 

Do not send money to anyone advertising rental properties online until you are certain the advertiser is genuine.

If you need to secure accommodation in the UK from overseas, seek the help of the employer or university you are coming to, or get a friend, contact or relative to check the property exists and is available.

Do not pay any money until you or a reliable contact has visited the property with an agent or the landlord.

Ask for copies of tenancy agreements and any safety certificates such as Gas, Electricity or HMO Licence.

Do not be pressurised into transferring large sums of money.  Transfer funds to a bank account having obtained the details by contacting the landlord or agent directly after the above steps have been followed.

Be sceptical if you’re asked to transfer any money via a money transfer service like Wester Union!

 

USEFUL LINKS

The following sites are very helpful in answering questions regarding many different scenarios and contain a wealth of useful information:

 

www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk

www.actionfraud.police.uk

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

www.ageuk.org.uk/lancashire

www.cifas.org.uk/individuals

www.victimsupport.org.uk

 

A comprehensive source of scams can be found in the “Little Book of Scams” put out by Metropolitan Police via the link below.  Please take the time to read it.  Knowledge is power!

Little Book of Big Scams (Fifth Edition) (nbcc.police.uk)

 

Information regarding cyber scams is also available:

The Little Guide to... preventing fraud and cyber crime | Metropolitan Police

  

IN SUMMARY – PLEASE BE VIGILANT

Sadly, fraud will only become even more sophisticated in the future, so we are having to focus on prevention (by providing guidance, education, and information) as well as protecting the welfare of the victim if they reside in Lancashire.

 

If you have any questions or suggestions as to how we can better promote avoiding fraud, then please do get in touch.

 

I hope that you find this information helpful.

 

Until next time stay safe, be alert!

 

Kind regards,

Fraud Triage Team