Cyber Crime Prevention

Cyber Crime Prevention

Fraud remains one of the most common crimes affecting people across the UK, accounting for around 41% of all recorded crime. It is estimated that only a small proportion of fraud offences are reported to Action Fraud or the police. During the first half of 2024, more than £570 million was lost to payment fraud alone.

Last week I delivered cyber crime prevention advice to members of the public, focusing on courier fraud and banking scams.

Residents were advised that courier fraud usually begins with an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank or the police. Fraudsters may attempt to convince victims that their bank account is at risk and instruct them to withdraw cash, transfer money, or hand over valuables.

The following key crime prevention messages were provided:

Members of the public were encouraged to remember: Stop, Hang Up, and Call 159 if they receive an unexpected call regarding their finances. The 159 service connects customers directly and safely to their bank and cannot be spoofed by criminals.

Cyber crime prevention leaflets and advice were provided, and residents were encouraged to share this information with family members, friends, and particularly elderly relatives who are often targeted by fraudsters.