Welcome to our latest fraud prevention newsletter. We're using this edition to ask you to help us spread the word about a particularly nasty fraud trend ongoing nationally - and Cumbria is no exception, with victims here as well. It can involve older and more vulnerable people being targeted. We issue warnings about this type of fraud all the time on social media and through the local media. But sometimes it can be hard to reach people who are not as digitally-minded and perhaps don't read newspapers or watch TV. So we're asking you to spread the word about the type of fraud and let any older people among your friends, family and neighbours know about this. The details are in our top article below. Elsewhere we're showcasing again our handy online fraud prevention toolkit, with an excerpt from one of its advice sections. As always, please pass on anything you think might be helpful to other people - or get them to sign up to this newsletter. Details at the foot of this edition.

Fraudsters are targeting people in Cumbria – and we need your help to warn any older and more vulnerable friends, neighbours and family who may not see our messages on social media.

The fraudsters sometimes impersonate officials such as bank staff and police officers.

One of the latest criminal tactics being used nationally is to convince older people that their bank accounts have been compromised.

They are then encouraged to help a fake police investigation by withdrawing cash or buying high-value items that are then handed over to the fraudster.

Officers are raising awareness of this among people such as businesses, banks, taxi drivers and jewellers.

But we also need you to pass this on.

Sometimes people may live alone and not pick up on messages in the media or online – so please spread our advice to those who might need it.

The vital things to remember are that your bank, other agencies and the police would:

• Never ask you for your bank account details or PIN number over the phone. 
• Never ask you to withdraw money and send it to them via a courier, taxi, bank transfer or by any other means.
• Never ask you to send your bank cards or any other personal property to them via courier, taxi or by any other means.

• If you have any doubts about the identity of the person that you are speaking with, put the phone down and attend the bank or police station in person, wherever possible, to discuss the call you have received, or call a trusted number for the bank or police using a different telephone than the one that you have been contacted on.
• It’s recommended you wait at least five minutes and make sure you can hear a dialling tone before you call, as there have been cases of fraudsters keeping the line open after a victim has hung up.

 If you think you have been the victim of a fraud you can report this to police on 101 and to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 – or by visiting their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk

Protect your personal information

Criminals will try to get hold of your personal information as it makes it possible for them to take out financial products like loans, credit cards or services in your name, leaving you liable for the cost.

• Treat your personal information like your house or car keys and never hand it over to strangers, recent acquaintances or anyone asking for your details where it is not strictly necessary.
• Always be mindful about what personal information you share online such as through any social media accounts.
• Only give out your personal information after very careful consideration. It is OK to reject,
  refuse or ignore any requests while you think it through.

We've got loads of tips like the above on our online fraud protection toolkit. Read more about it below . . .

Check out our fraud protection toolkit - it could help protect and inform you

Our officers have put together a range of advice, tips and reference points for more information - all on the types of fraud you may encounter.

It covers threats such as attempts to get your personal information, your cash - and what may happen if you are contacted by phone, online or on the doorstep.

You can visit our one-stop advice toolkit for straightforward tips on minimising your risk of falling victim to fraud here: Fraud Prevention Toolkit | Cumbria Police

What to do if you have been the victim of fraud

The first thing you should do if you’ve been a victim of fraud is to contact Action Fraud. You can report a fraud via their online fraud reporting tool, or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.

Online Reporting Tool

If there is a crime being committed right now or if you are in danger you should call the police on 999.

If debit or credit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, your first step should be to contact your bank or credit card company.

If you have any friends or family who you feel would benefit from receiving this newsletter, please direct them to our website where they can sign up.