Author: News Team 1

A message from our safer neighbourhood team.

 

Dear Resident,

Most people you meet online are genuine, but sadly, some people aren’t who they seem. Dating sites and social networks are targeted by scammers who use fake profiles and take their time to build what feels like a genuine relationship.  They are very skilled at this; after all, it is how they make their money.  Men and women of all ages have been targeted.

As well as individual fraudsters, it is known that organised criminal networks based overseas are involved in Romance Fraud. These networks target UK victims and often develop profiles and stories to appeal to potential victims, such as saying they are divorced or bereaved. Fraudsters will take time to develop a relationship; they may develop several potential victims at once.  Indicators may include:

• They cannot physically meet you, especially if they’re overseas.
  •       A relationship moving quickly, possibly expressions of love or talk of marriage soon after first contact.
  •       They claim to be current or ex-servicemen or women, or they claim to be recently widowed to gain your sympathy.

Once they have won your trust, they will tell you of a problem they’re experiencing and why they need some money.  Any request for money should set alarm bells ringing.  Common tactics are:  a loved one needs money for medical treatment; or they want to visit you and need money to pay for flights; or there is a business opportunity.

Many victims have been asked to send money to African countries via money transfer services.  Recently, victims have reported being asked to send money to Turkey, and were given a Turkish IBAN (International Bank Account Number) to send funds to.  These scammers were claiming to be Americans or US Marines.

Never send money as part of an online relationship.  Once you do, the fraudster will keep inventing reasons why you need to send more.

For further advice about online relationships, please see our attached fact sheet.

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• Online Romance Fraud (283 KB)

Dear Resident,

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has alerted us that fraudsters are contacting social media influencers based in the UK and abroad, offering them the opportunity to market a bogus product, service or investment opportunity.

Fraudsters will present professional and credible pitches to the social media influencers to convince them to feature the opportunity for a fee on their social media profiles in order to entice unsuspecting followers of the influencer to sign up or make a purchase.

Additionally, fraudsters are using the names of well-known public figures, implying that their opportunity or product is endorsed by them when it is not.

Protect Your Money

Apparent endorsements by celebrities, influencers or personalities does not necessarily mean that an investment, product or service is genuine.  Exercise a cautious approach to any such offer, using the same caution that you would at any other time.

If you are purchasing goods from a company you don’t know and trust, do some research first, or ask friends or family for advice before completing a purchase.

Professional-looking websites, adverts or social media posts do not guarantee that an investment opportunity or product is genuine. Criminals exploit the names of well-known brands or individuals to make them appear legitimate.

Avoid paying for goods or services by bank transfer unless you know and trust the person or company. Payments via bank transfer offer no protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use your credit card or payment services such as PayPal as they offer you greater protection if you become a victim of fraud.

Kind regards,

Lee O’Brien PCSO 7562NW