Monthly Fraud & Scam Bulleting – November 2022

The Fraud & Scam Bulletin

November  2022

Your monthly update direct from West Mercia Police on the latest scams and frauds

SCAMnesty

 

Due to the success of the campaign in 2020 and 2021, the Friends Against Scams Team are again running a SCAMnesty (a scam mail amnesty) campaign aiming to encourage everyone in the UK to send in any unwanted scam and nuisance mail that they receive into the National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team completely free of charge.

 

If you, or someone you know is in receipt of scam or nuisance mail, the NTS Scams Team’s Investigators want to see it! They already use the mail that they receive from Scam Marshals to great effect through their disruption techniques but the team would like to see more and put a stop to these mailings landing on consumers’ door steps.

Postal scams are letters sent with the goal of obtaining your money using deception or fraud.
There are many different types of scam mail:

  • fake lotteries or prize draws
  • fake psychics
  • bogus health cures
  • investment scams

Whilst the current campaign is running through this December, you can forward any Scam Mail received now, or at any time to the following FREEPOST address at no cost:

NTSST, FREEPOST, MAIL MARSHALS

For more information visit : www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/scamnesty

Our second warning this month relates to LOAN SHARKS

 

There is serious concern that ruthless loan sharks will try to cash in on the festive period as many families struggle to cope with rising food, fuel and energy bills this winter.

·          Nearly one in ten people turned to loan sharks to cover the costs of Christmas last year.

·         More than half of victims turned to illegal money lenders in order to pay for essentials such as utilities, food and fuel in the first half of 2022.

·         New campaign #SleighNoToLoanSharks aims to protect communities from the devastating effects of illegal money lending in the run up to Christmas.

Experts have warned that unscrupulous lenders could try to cash in on the festive period as households struggle to cope with rising food, fuel and energy bills.

Loan sharks are targeting vulnerable people seeking credit and trapping them into a cycle of debt with exorbitant interest rates and threats of violence.

Follow these safety tips to protect yourself and loved ones from loan sharks:

1. If you’re struggling to make ends meet and need cash fast, the thought of a loan shark might seem tempting, but remember these lenders are not your friends. Debt can quickly spiral out of control – it’s important to think carefully before taking out a loan and consider other options.

2. Never send money or give credit card, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it from criminals who can use it to find and stalk you, harass you or threaten those you love.

3. If you’re thinking about borrowing money, it’s important to check that your lender is genuine. Loan sharks operate illegally without the correct permission from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Do your research first and check the firm or person you’re dealing with is listed on the Financial Services Register.

4. When exploitative loan sharks are preying on hardship, it’s vital for people to know there is an ethical, local, not-for-profit alternative available. Credit unions are a lifeline for many people, with their services helping members to save regularly, borrow responsibly and keep track of their finances. There are other community lenders who are mostly not for profit, and who reinvest any surpluses into serving vulnerable customers, which can be found on https://www.findingfinance.org.uk/

5. Getting trapped in a never-ending spiral of debt after borrowing from a loan shark can have devastating consequences, not only on your finances but also on most other aspects of your life, including your mental health, work and relationships with your family and friends. If you’re worried about a friend or family member, or if you need help yourself, Stop Loan Sharks can offer confidential advice and support.

Are you worried about a friend or family member who is being taken advantage of by a loan shark? Contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 for support or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

 

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 okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
  • Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

For further information visit:

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED

OR DO NOT RECOGNISE THE CONTACT

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 okay 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

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 For further information visit:

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/