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For the information of everyone to enable them to protect themselves, their families and the Council against the most current threats from fraud and cybercrime. Please feel free to distribute these messages to anyone you feel may benefit from them.
While a lot of fraud is now happening online as it is easier, cheaper, you can reach a lot of people quickly, and there is less chance of getting caught, please remember that fraud can happen in person, right on your doorstep. Treat unsolicited callers to your door in the same way I hope you are treating unsolicited telephone calls: a quick ‘no thank you’ and shut the door. |
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Scam of the month - ticket fraud
Action Fraud have reported that £6.7 million was lost to ticket fraud last year. Fraudsters are offering tickets for popular and sold-out events. These include music concerts, festivals, sporting events, and live comedians and performers. The tickets either do not arrive or turn out to be fake and you will not get a refund. They are often advertised by email or on social media but fraudsters also create fake ticket companies and websites that look genuine, they may even use a name or web address very similar to legitimate ticket sales websites.
Action Fraud advise:
- Only buy tickets from the venue’s box office, the promoter, an official agent, or a well-known, reputable ticket exchange site
- If you buy tickets from an individual such as on eBay or social media, never transfer money direct into their bank account but use a secure payment site such as PayPal
- Paying for tickets by credit card offers better protection that other payment methods. If you use bank transfers or money transfer services, you might not get your money back
What to look for:
- Check the details of the site you are buying tickets from; there should be a landline phone number and a full postal address. Do not trust PO box addresses and mobile phone numbers; these are easy to change and difficult to trace
- Before entering payment details on a website, make sure the web address starts with https (the ‘s’ stands for secure). You should also see a locked padlock icon in the browser’s address bar
- Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, or adverts offering ‘too good to be true’ deals; they probably are too good to be true
- You can check if a company is a member of the Society of Ticketing Agents and Retailers (STAR). These companies have signed up to strict standards and they offer a dispute resolution service. They have also published a guide to buying tickets safely.
If you think you’ve been scammed:
- Report it to Action Fraud or call them on 0300 123 2040.
- Report it to your bank as soon as possible
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Did you really miss a delivery?
Essex Police are warning that fake emails and texts about missed deliveries are still very common. Criminals want you to click on the link and provide your personal information, some of them ask for a payment. They can be very convincing and use legitimate companies’ logos. Being aware of this is the first step to protecting yourself.
- STOP: do you remember ordering something? If you did, check the information matches the original order. Check your order on the company’s website through your browser (NOT the link on the email/text)
- CHALLENGE: is it the same? Does it have the correct email address/domain?
- PROTECT: if you think it is a scam, report it to Action Fraud. If you think you’ve been caught out, report it to your bank
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ATM distraction thefts
Not all fraud and crime happens online. Essex Police are warning that criminals may try to distract you while you are at a cashpoint. The may start fake stories or tap you on the shoulder so that they can steal bank cards, cash, and personal items.
You may be vulnerable while you are focused on the cashpoint, always be aware of your surroundings when you are there and avoid being distracted.
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Transferring money
The banks are constantly devising ways to make it more difficult for fraudsters to operate and criminals are constantly looking for ways to avoid them. One of these techniques is to get you to move your money to another account in your name before sending it on to them. They will give you reasons for doing this such as ‘it goes through quicker this way’, in truth, it’s to avoid detection.
- Always check things out thoroughly before moving money
- Be extremely cautious if you’re told to move money through another bank account, even if it’s your own
- If you are contacted by anyone and told to move your money to keep it safe, STOP. This is always a scam.
- If you are investing in crypto, take extra care. This is high risk and crypto scams are common.
- If you are considering investing, thoroughly research the company first and consider getting independent advice.
- If you are worried, stop. A genuine company won’t mind you taking your time before taking action. If you are being pressured, it’s probably a scam.
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‘Tell2 over a brew’ is a communication initiative that empowers you to discuss crime prevention messages with others in your life, who otherwise may never know. Start with ‘tell2’ and ask them to do the same. An unbroken chain of 26 tell2’ers would reach 67 million people. It starts with YOU. |
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’Take Five’ is a national campaign to offer straight-forward, impartial advice that helps prevent email, phone-based and online fraud – particularly where criminals impersonate trusted organisations. Find out more at www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk. |
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If you suspect someone is trying to defraud the Council call the Counter Fraud and
Investigation Team on 01702 215254 or email us at counterfraud@southend.gov.uk.
If you or someone you know is vulnerable and has been a victim of fraud, please call
Essex Police on 101.
Report fraud or attempted fraud by contacting Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. |
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