North Yorkshire Police, are today launching their Freeze on Fraud campaign to raise awareness of online fraud and help reduce the risk of people falling victim to this ever increasing type of crime. Over the next few weeks, we will be releasing a series of short videos about fraud, featuring top tips from DI Hodgeon, Head of Fraud at NYP, and also some real life victim stories. For further details, please visit our ‘Alerts’ page.
Tag Archives: scams
Scammers collect £5.5 million in 2 weeks!
The Consumer Association (Which?) reports that ‘in less than two weeks, we’ve recorded over £5.5m lost to bank transfer scams. Over 650 people have shared their story – with one person reported to have lost a whopping £395,000. The £5.5m is just the tip on the iceberg.
This is the harsh reality of bank transfer scams and something the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) will not be able to ignore. Banks must better protect customers who are tricked into transferring money to a fraudster’. If you would like to support Which? in trying to protect people from becoming victims, please consider signing the ‘Safeguard us from Scams’ campaign.
Can you spot a scam e-mail?
Following on from our forum meeting on Thursday, why not test your ability to spot a scam e-mail. To access the Consumer Association’s (Which?) quiz, follow this link and then scroll down the page and click on the ‘Take our quiz’ tab. There is also the option to support the Which? campaign to safeguard people from e-mail scams.
Concerned about safety and avoiding scams?
At its next meeting, the Harrogate District Over 50s Forum, which represents the views of older people across the Harrogate District, will be addressing the topical issue of personal and financial safety. This is an important matter and we should all be aware of the dangers and protect ourselves.
During the meeting, we will explore the many different types of ‘scam’, how to avoid them and how to report them in order to safeguard others – as well as help catch the scammers. We will also consider ways in which we can enhance our personal security and increase self-confidence. See our ‘Forum Events’ page for further details.
Scams, scams and more scams
The Metropolitan Police Service has produced its latest edition of ‘The Little Book of BIG Scams’. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the myriad of scams and phishing techniques which are used by criminals. For further details see our ‘Alerts’ page.
Scams, scams and more scams!
Never underestimate the ingenuity of the criminal mind when it comes to scams. The art of deception comes in a myriad of forms. Offers which seem ‘to good to be true’ – usually are! Anyone approaching you (on the telephone, by post, on your doorstep or in the street) to offer you a ‘great opportunity’ whether it’s to make or save money (or anything else) should be viewed with suspicion. Every day someone becomes a victim of scammers, but it is possible to keep yourself safe – arm yourself with information. This article from the BBC provides a comprehensive overview of scams. There is also further information in relation to ‘pension scams’ on the ‘Topical News‘ page. Don’t let the scammers win – stay safe!
HMRC tax refunds scam
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning about a scam involving telephone calls and e-mails requesting a payment or offering a rebate. HMRC states that it would not use e-mail communications for payments or refunds.
For information about other scams click here.
Keeping safe!
Firstly, a presentation from North Yorkshire Police about managing ‘cold callers’, safeguarding one’s credit card and financial details, and avoiding scams. This was followed by a talk about the charity ‘Supporting Older People’, which highlighted their services which aim to reduce loneliness and isolation. Continue reading
Alert! Beware bogus Government websites
Alert!
A warning has been issued about websites purporting to be Government organisations but which are charging extra for services which should have a fixed fee. The services include renewal of driving licence, passports etc.