Fraud

Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage. It can involve stealing property, goods or money from another person. Many people are taken in by fraudsters – criminals that use clever tactics to manipulate people.

How to report Fraud:

If you would like to report fraud, you can do so on Action Fraud’s website. Please note that Action Fraud are a reporting centre only and will be unable to update you on the progress of a case. All reports are sent to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, run by the City of London Police, to assess.

If you or someone you know is vulnerable, you can report directly to Operation Signature at Surrey Police online or by calling 101. Operation Signature is a Surrey Police campaign to identify and support vulnerable victims of fraud. You can find further advice and information on the Surrey Police Website.

Different types of Fraud:

Telephone Fraud
Fraudsters target the vulnerable, engaging with them in phone conversations before convincing them to part with money. They use various tactics that appear plausible to trick, dupe, and scam their way into a victim’s bank account.

Courier Fraud
This consists of telephone calls being made by someone pretending to be from the police or bank, asking the victim for bank card details, including PINs in order to prevent fraudulent activity. The criminals will then arrange for a courier to pick up the cards. The cards will then be taken away for ‘evidence’ or to have it ‘destroyed’. Fraudsters will access the bank account and take money.

Pension Fraud
Pension scammers promise to convert pension funds into cash before retirement, or in some cases they may suggest people can take more than 25% of their pension pot as cash. What fraudsters are offering is too good to be true.

Recovery Fraud
When someone who has been a victim of fraud in the past is contacted again by fraudsters. They pretend to be a government, police or law agency that can help recover the money that was lost, but ask for a fee to get it back. The fraudster will disappear with the fee.

Investment Fraud
A cold call from someone pretending to have an opportunity to invest in a variety of schemes or products that are either worthless or don’t even exist. Investments in Energy, Rare Earth Metals, Diamonds, Artwork and Wine are often suggested with fraudsters pointing you in the direct of professional-looking websites and brochures in order to convince you.

Romance Fraud
A person uses a fake profile to build a friendship or relationship with you for fraudulent, financial gain. They spend significant amounts of time talking and engaging with you to gain your trust and create a relationship with you before they ask for money.

Protecting Yourself:

Please find below resources from Surrey & Sussex Police to help protect yourself from fraud

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