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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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Social engineering
Social engineering is a technique used by fraudsters to manipulate their victims into making mistakes or giving away personal or financial information using psychology. The criminal may research their victim first for background information to make them sound genuine to the victim and identify weak spots.
Their main methods are:
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Emotional reactions: the fraudster applies pressure on time, decisions and emotions. They try to rush you to influence your decision making, often with a threat of a lost opportunity.
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Impersonating authority: people are more ready to respond to authority figures, even if this is through a phone call or email. It is easy to worry about getting into trouble and many people are keen to help the authorities.
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Enhancing credibility: a fraudster may try to convince their victim that they are legitimate by demonstrating that they know something about them. They might also make educated guesses, which is risky but can be rewarding if they’re right.
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Benefit: if you think you’re getting a good deal, particularly financially, it is easier to cooperate with the caller; this is the ‘hook’ that many frauds use. You are more vulnerable if you have a troubling financial situation.
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Technical ability: a lack of technical knowledge or confidence is a significant vulnerability that is often exploited. Fraudsters may convince you that you have been hacked or have a virus to gain control of your device and steal its contents, including personal and financial information.
Knowing how these criminals work is vital to spotting when something’s not right and raising suspicions. If you have any doubt:
STOP: think about what is happening before giving money or information
CHALLENGE: could this be fake? Refuse or ignore requests, hang up, it is ok to say no
PROTECT: if you think you’ve been scammed report it to Action Fraud via their website or calling 0330 123 2040 and report it to your bank immediately. Report attempted scams to Action Fraud
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Ticket fraud
Summer is now firmly on the horizon and with it the season of events, concerts, and festivals. Action Fraud are warning that ticket fraud is still a thing and on the rise. They report that £9.7 million was lost to ticket fraud in 2024; a rise of nearly 50% on the previous year. June and July have the highest levels of reporting.
They advise:
- Only buy tickets from official or established ticket providers
- Do not pay by bank transfer, particularly if you are buying from someone you don’t know, using a credit card gives you the best protection
- Use a different password to those you use for your important accounts, especially your email and bank accounts
- Be very wary of unexpected offers via email, text, or adverts offering too good to be true ticket deals
- Check if the ticket seller is a member of STAR which has strict standards, find out more about this on the STAR website where they also have ticket buying advice
Read the Action Fraud article on their website.
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Gmail scam
Which? are warning about a phishing email that appears to be a Google Security Alert stating that a ‘subpoena’ has been served and they need a copy of your Google Account content. The sender email address is ‘spoofed’ to look genuine and it includes a link to a ‘Google support case’ where you can see details or submit a protest.
It is likely that clicking on the link will either download malware or send you to a scam site aimed at obtaining your personal and financial information.
Read more about this on the Which.co.uk website, which includes a screenshot of the email.
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Getting your money back
While Action Fraud cannot assist you to get your money back if you’ve been a victim of fraud, they recommend the Which? advice page on this where they provide guidance for various situations, this also provides a video to assist you. Not everyone is able to get their money back, but the protections are getting better.
You can find this on the Which.co.uk website.
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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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