March 2022 Meeting - How to Stay Secure

Ashley Jones MBE, Regional Fraud Protection

Advisor, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit spoke at our March meeting. Although once a police officer he is now a civil servant with his team supporting 5 police forces in the area.    Fraud is the most common crime and the one most people will come across in the UK. It cost £190 billion in 2020 with £7 billion loss to individuals eg pensions and finance. It is 42% of all crime in this country. 14,000 frauds are reported every day and this is on the increase mainly because we are doing more and more online – especially shopping and criminals take advantage of our lack of knowledge.

Unfortunately, it is also a hidden crime – 70% of frauds are committed over the telephone and 30% via the internet.  85% goes unreported due to embarrassment or the worry of older people that their family may decide to take way their independence! Victims need to inform the police is what they are after.

There are several types of fraud – Advance Free Fraud ie something for free such as a prize win, inheritance, gambling tips.  They will want you to send a fee to get something back and will even ask for your bank details so don’t do it! Investment Fraud where a website may be created that looks exactly like the real organisation website.  It all looks very legit but look carefully.  Usually have the best deal going.  These can also include emails.  They can literally hide behind legitimate numbers. Romance Fraud - 50% of all relationships now begin online through dating sites, chat rooms, social media.  It’s not always money but it is a crime against your emotion and can leave victims distraught.  Don’t do any financial favours. Finally, we have Courier Fraud – with shopping moving online and many goods being moved by courier fraudsters have moved to sending emails saying that an extra fee is needed to deliver.

The bottom line with all scams is if it sounds too good to be true it usually is.  Do not be pressurised to reveal personal details.  If they say you feel pressurised to do something within a certain time then think hard before you do it.  Never pay for something in a way that feels wrong eg bitcoin or gift cards. If concerned in any way ask advice from family or friends.

If you do think you have been scammed or a scam has been attempted then please report it.  Ring your bank and let them know as sometimes they are able to recover any money, then ring Action Fraud who can give advice or send a local officer to help. Make sure you keep security on your devices up to date and use call filtering services if you can.  It was a very helpful and informative talk – if you need to contact Ashley for further information/advice please email him on Ashley.jones@avonandsomerset.police.uk or phone 07889660015