Stop! Think Fraud

Fraud is the most common crime in the UK, accounting for almost 40% of all crime in England and Wales. In just one year, 1 in 17 adults in England and Wales were victims of fraud (that’s almost 3 million people).

Nobody is immune from fraud. The criminals behind it target people online and, in their homes, often emotionally manipulating their victims before they steal money or personal data.

But there is something we can do. By staying vigilant and always taking a moment to stop, think and check whenever we’re approached, we can help to protect ourselves and each other from fraud.

WhatsApp Scam

Receiving messages on WhatsApp from friends or family members urgently needing help or requesting assistance to pay a bill? Stop to think, is this really them? Does this request seem unusual?

• Try contacting the person via their old telephone number, fraudsters will often contact you claiming to be this person on a new number.
• Try calling their landline or their spouse/another family member to establish if this request has genuinely come from them.
• Do not make any payments until you have spoken to your friend or relative via telephone or in person. Do not rely on a text message.

Bank Fraud

Beware of anyone contacting you claiming to be the bank. They may ask you to verify your account activity or move your money to a ‘safe account’.

If you receive any messages or calls claiming to be the bank, hang up. Call the number on the back of your card and contact the bank directly.

Never hand over your one time passcode or move money to a ‘safe account’.

Delivery text

Are you expecting a delivery? Beware of scam texts claiming to be a reputable courier such as Royal Mail or DPD.

Fraudsters will send text messages and emails claiming that you have missed your delivery and will guide you to a link to re-book or pay for a re-delivery.

• Stop and consider, are you expecting a delivery?
• If you are expecting a parcel, contact the company you ordered from directly.  
• Never click the link or enter your details.

Holiday

Holiday fraud relates to paying for travel or a holiday online, and finding out that the holiday you booked doesn’t exist.

• Remember to book a holiday or travel through reputable agents or directly with the airline or hotel.
• Make sure you don’t click on a website which is cloned. Do your research to ensure you are visiting the official website.
• Check if they are a member of the Association of British Travel Agents.
• Beware of any ‘bargain’ deals.

Ticketing fraud

Buying tickets for a concert or festival? Beware of fraudsters selling fake tickets.

Only buy tickets from the venue box office, official promoter or a well-known ticket site.

Be wary of anyone selling unwanted tickets at a discount price. Fraudsters will try to appeal to us by offering unbelievably good deals.

Remember, if it seems too cheap or too good to be true, it probably is.

If you have been a victim of any fraud or suspect you may be, please contact Dyfed-Powys Police.