Scam Crime Prevention Advice

Scam Crime Prevention Advice

Latest Scam Prevention Advice

We are seeing an increase in fraud and scam reports, particularly as we approach the Christmas shopping season, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Criminals are using increasingly convincing methods, including AI-generated messages, fake websites and impersonation scams.

⚠️ Common scams currently being reported include:

Fake parcel delivery messages claiming there is a fee or issue with a delivery.

Fraudsters posing as banks, police officers, government agencies or well-known companies such as Amazon.

Online shopping scams advertising goods at heavily discounted prices that either never arrive or are counterfeit.

Investment and cryptocurrency scams promising unrealistic returns.]

Emails, texts and social media messages designed to steal personal or banking details.

✅ How to protect yourself

Stop and think before clicking links or opening attachments.

Verify any unexpected requests directly with the organisation using a trusted phone number or website.

Never share banking passwords, one-time passcodes or remote access to your devices.

Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Use secure payment methods and avoid bank transfers when purchasing from unknown sellers.

If in doubt, seek advice from a trusted friend or family member before making a payment.

📱 Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726. ☎️ If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank, hang up and call them back using a trusted number or 159. 📢 Report fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website.

Remember: Criminals rely on creating urgency and panic. Take a moment to stop, think and verify before acting.

#FraudPrevention #ScamAwareness #CyberProtect #SaferNeighbourhoods #TakeFiveToStopFraud

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Message Sent By
Donna Allan
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Barnehurst Ward)