We are seeing recent increase in the number of reported fraud in the West End (Harbour, and Heysham North) area. 

The main types of fraud being reported to us are: 

Online shopping via Facebook Marketplace, Ebay and other sites.

Deposits asked in advance or items never sent.

Advance Payment Fraud -  receiving a text message or emails demanding or requesting money. 

These can be in the form of “mum send money” messages via whatsapp or email. Or texts/emails saying they are from HMRC, Parking fines or similar demanding urgent payment or fine will go up more.

Financial Investment - Mix of Crytocurrency and trading platform scams. 

Many offer to support the setting up of account by sending you a link to a screen sharing app.

Companies call you out of the blue – this could driven by you clicking on a link or reponding to a text message or email

They will add pressure and urgency – they might call you repeatedly and rush you to make a decision.

It seems to good to be true

They’re not registered on the FCA website 

They often ask you not to share the information – keep it quiet, make you feel that you are on the inside of a great deal

The are also many other types of scams out there, for more information you can visit our website LANCASHIRE POLICE - Lancashire Constabulary or the Action Fraud website Action Fraud