Working in partnership to combat scams
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has joined Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit, to speak to members of the Torfaen Sporting Memories group about online and telephone scams.
Torfaen Sporting Memories is a group of residents, some of whom have dementia, who meet up to recall their memories of sport throughout the years. The group were concerned that members were regularly receiving scam texts and emails.
The team from Tarian ROCU, which is a is a multi-disciplinary team of police officers and staff working to tackle cybercrime, provided information about the many types of scams currently operating in Gwent, and gave advice on how to avoid becoming a victim.
Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “It was a great opportunity to work in partnership with Tarian to raise awareness of the many scams and fraudulent activities that are a consistent plight on our communities.
“Reporting these crimes is so important if we are to tackle them successfully. If you are concerned that you, or a friend or family member has been the victim of a scam, please report it.”
The Metropolitan Police have produced a booklet called the Little Book of Scams. Copies of the book were given to the group. Within the book are ten golden rules to help prevent fraud and beat the scammers:
- Be suspicious of all ‘too good to be true’ offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.
- Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision.
- Don’t hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s.
- Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comfortable with.
- Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.
- Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email.
- Don’t just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a company’s success.
- Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.
- If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help.
- Don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there’s no shame in being deceived. By reporting it, you'll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.
Always report scams and suspicious activity.
- Call 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726
Check if your data has been breeched
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or risk of harm always call 999