A series of drop-ins are going ahead across Cumbria to help people have a fraud free Christmas.
Cumbria police’s economic crime experts will provide essential tips at the events to help people steer clear of fraud during the run-up to the festive season.
Officers and staff will visit venues to offer face-to-face advice on how people can protect themselves and their money from those seeking to cash in at others’ expense.
Advice will be given on different kinds of fraud, such as scam texts, fraudsters cold-calling by phone to prey on vulnerable people, efforts to defraud people online and bogus tradespeople targeting homes door-to-door.
It comes as part of the force’s Economic Crime Unit’s campaign, ‘don’t make their Christmas, fraudsters aren’t fussy, they will pick on anyone.’
Detective constable Claire Keyes and Fran Henderson, who specialises in preventing fraud, are among those from the unit visiting different parts of the county to speak to people.
Cyber crime experts will also attend some events.
As well as offering advice in person, information leaflets will be handed out at the events.
DC Keyes said: “Fraud is something that can touch anyone.
“Whether it is identity theft, a business falling victim to a scam or someone losing money in an online fraud, these crimes can have huge consequences.
“People can sometimes be reluctant to report due to embarrassment because they believe have been ‘scammed’ or ‘taken in’ by the fraudsters.
“But people should know that anyone can be a victim of economic crime, from any walk of life, and fraudsters operate in a professional manner designed to deceive.”
Cumbria’s Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “I’d encourage anyone who has experienced fraud or is potentially at risk to attend one of the below events.
“Here in Cumbria we have a dedicated team to protect you from fraud who will support you every step of the way.
“This is particularly important over the festive period where many criminals will attempt to impersonate friends and family and trick you into handing over cash or security details.”
The events are being held on the following dates:
- Sunday November 30 – Westmorland Shopping Centre, Kendal – at Kendal Christmas Celebration and Market – 11am to 2pm
- Tuesday December 9 – Rheged entrance hall, near Penrith – 11am to 2pm
- Friday December 12 – The Beacon, Whitehaven -10.30am to 2.30pm – MP Josh MacAlister is attending
- Tuesday December 16 – Lakes Home Centre, Cockermouth – 11am to 2pm
DC Keyes added: “We visit places such as banks and community groups all-year-round to offer advice to customers or those attending.
“These events are an extension of this at a point when we know people are busier than usual – and perhaps more likely to be less focussed on security.
“So we like to be out-and-about in the community for anyone who wants face-to-face advice.”
Tips on avoiding fraud in the run-up to Christmas
- Don’t rush to respond to a text message or email address. Fraudsters deliberately rush us and want us to click on links and share personal information.
- Are they really who they say they are? Just because someone says they are from your bank, the police or other organisations, it doesn’t mean they are.
- Challenge them. Should you receive a call you have doubts about, take their details, hang up and call them back on a trusted number for that organisation. Don’t trust the number showing on your phone as this can be manipulated. Wait five minutes as they can stay on the line. Legitimate agencies will not have a problem with this.
- Shopping Online? Watch out for copycat websites where retailers’ branding is used to appear legitimate. Purchase scams are where you buy an item online and are either sent nothing in return or an item that doesn’t fit the description. These are often pushed via ads on social media.
- Expecting a parcel delivery? Beware scam texts impersonating delivery organisations or companies that tell you messages such as: ‘Your parcel has been temporarily held due to an unclear or invalid delivery address’.
- Celebrity/company endorsements – Beware clicking on endorsement sites spread through social media ads, fake news articles and mass emails. Fake endorsements are often used to promote scam cryptocurrency or investment opportunities. Be sceptical of too-good-to-be-true offers and watch out for signs of manipulation and use of pressure tactics. Verify the source by checking whether the celebrity or company has posted the endorsement on their own verified social media accounts.
- Make it harder for fraudsters to get into accounts. Passwords go a long way to keeping you safe online. Go for three random words or a memorable phrase using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. It is important your email account is very different to any other password and should be changed periodically. Avoid using your name, phone number, birthday, names of family members or pets.
- Add an extra layer of security to your devices and transactions online. Two step verification verifies your identity beyond your password. The second step is something only you should have access to such as a code from an authenticator app or a biometric scan like a fingerprint.
