West Mercia Police - Economic Crime Unit - Weekly Fraud update 05/10/2026

West Mercia Police - Economic Crime Unit - Weekly Fraud update 05/10/2026

WHO ARE YOU REALLY TALKING TO?

The Internet is a fantastic innovation and has, in many ways, made life more convenient, provided more choice, and for many, made it easier to meet and communicate with friends old and new.

There was a time before we had Facebook and other social media sites, when we had to meet people in person or write letters.

However, Social media platforms, online dating sites and apps abound, as do chat facilities when people are doing other things like online gaming, and the world of communication has changed. 

The key thing about meeting up used to be that we knew who we were talking to because we could see them, right there in front of us. If it was a phone call, we could hear their voice.

The internet has changed all of that because these days, we just don’t know who we’re talking to. 

There are many people who we meet and strike up conversations – or relationships – with online who are genuine and just want to enjoy our company and friendship. 

On the other hand, there are others who have been scammed by Fraudsters and Identity Thieves who gain your trust online over a period of time whilst engaging with you as “friends”.

Then comes the “Sting” – the request for money arises as they suddenly appear to be a victim, needing help to pay for a sick relative, to pay for a journey, or one of many other apparently plausible requests. 

So now you are perhaps asked for bank details, or set up a Bitcoin account, maybe even use Gift Cards to send money to someone you have never even met! On top of that, they may have inveigled more personal and confidential details from you.

These criminals who are very convincing, can be individuals or organised crime gangs. They can be physically located anywhere in the world, be it here in the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia or beyond. 

They can appear more genuine by posting profile photos of other people (who might have an attractive appearance or even resemble celebrities), and increasingly, using AI (Artificial Intelligence) to generate fake voices, scripts and even video chats.

How can you protect yourself or a vulnerable friend or relative?

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours

If you have fallen for a fraud, 

Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via www.reportfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudulent caller’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major 

UK banks.