Financial scamming and fraud involves someone deliberately deceiving someone else for personal gain, usually money. Financial scams are a risk for everyone but it is usually older and vulnerable people who are targets of this type of fraud.
Difference types of financial scams have been taking place for many years, however an increase in internet use has meant financial scamming has increased and provided fraudsters with a global audience.
The impact of financial scams can be more wide ranging than financial loss and can cause long lasting damage to a person's health and wellbeing. People with dementia are particularly at risk of financial scamming which can impact on them, on their families, loved ones, and on the society around them.
NEVER - Provide bank account information, send money to or receive money from someone you’ve never met. Don’t give away your bank cards or PIN’s no matter how convinced or scared you might feel.
The Police, Banks & HMRC will NEVER call you and ask you to transfer money, withdraw cash or purchase goods. Hang up!
NEVERclick on any links or attachments. Even 'unsubscribe' links before verifying the email as a trusted source
Use your Spam filter and DELETE all marked as spam
Watch out for strange spelling like the examples below
Telephone:
- Telephone Preference Service (TPS): Free opt-out service to help stop unsolicited calls. Tel: 0845 070 0707 or visit: www.tpsonline.org.uk
- True Caller: For smartphones you can download the True Caller app. Regularly update to reduce nuisance calls.
- Call Blocker phones: BT 4600 Cordless Nuisance Call Blocker phone is an example of what nuisance call blocking aids are available.
- Phone number ex-directory: To avoid having your number listed online & in local telephone directories, contact your provider to have your number made ex-directory.
- Gift Voucher Scams: NO legitimate debt can be paid in iTunes vouchers / STEAM cards – Hang-up on that call.
Hang up, ensure the line is disconnected & call the company back on a genuine number. If possible, call from a different phone.
Don’t trust your ‘Caller ID’. Fraudsters use a technique called ‘spoofing’, which means they can choose which number you see calling you. They often use genuine bank’s numbers.
A money mule is a person who transfers money acquired illegally, through a courier service or electronically, on behalf of others. This is money laundering.
For more Fraud tips & Scam Alerts follow us on Social Media:
Twitter: @NottsFraudCops
Instagram: @NottsPolice
Facebook: Nottinghamshire Police