Fraud Newsletter - July 2023 edition

"Each month we see many incidents of fraudsters targeting our residents in an attempt to defraud them. We’re working hard to prevent this and support vulnerable victims of fraud or scams. By following our tips and encouraging family, friends and colleagues to do so too, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim."

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Doyle, Surrey Police & Sussex Police Economic Crime Unit

Courier Fraud

Sussex and Surrey Police have seen a recent increase in reports relating to Courier frauds. These are becoming increasingly sophisticated with fraudsters telephoning their victims, claiming to be from the Police and encouraging them to assist them in a current investigation.

The reports suggest the fraudsters are most convincing and encourage their victims not to divulge information to anyone or talk to friends, family or bank staff about what they are involved in. An elderly couple from Camberley handed over £5000 cash to a courier who attended their home address.

They had received a call on their landline from someone purporting to be a detective from the Metropolitan Police investigating multiple fraud offences. He instructed the victims to withdraw the cash and hand it over which they did, believing it to be counterfeit.

Unfortunately it was not until the money had been taken that they realised something didn’t seem right and reported it to the police and their bank. A similar incident occurred in West Sussex where a lady was instructed by a fraudster on the phone to withdraw 8000 euros and place it into an envelope before handing it to a courier. She believed she was assisting police with an investigation relating to fake bank notes being in circulation.

Remember: 

• The police will not ask you to withdraw money from your account
  or purchase other valuables.
  
  
• Your bank or the police will never send a courier to your home to
  collect your bank cards, money or any other valuables.
  
  
• Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN number or bank
  card.
  
  
• Do not transfer money on the instruction of an unexpected caller.

'Are you Scam Savvy?' webinars and online safety updates

To stop individuals becoming victims of fraud and blackmail, West Sussex County Council are running two events in August, both online and in person at Horsham and Bognor Regis libraries.

The sessions are for anyone who wants to keep themselves, or friends and family, from falling foul of different types of scams, including telephone, courier and romance fraud, which have all become an increased concern in West Sussex.

You can book via the training & events page at:

www.westsussex.gov.uk/staying-safe-online.

Or via the direct Eventbrite links:

02 August 2023 10:00 – 11:30

15 August 2023 10:00 – 11:30

How Secure is public Wifi?

A Wi-Fi hotspot is a location that provides internet access through a wireless
network. These can be found almost anywhere – from airports to coffee shops
and even on public transport.

By signing into the wireless network, you can access the internet in the same
way as you would at home using your Wi-Fi connection. Your home network is
usually securely protected with a key or password, however anyone can access a public Wi-Fi network, meaning it is a lot less secure.

Wi-Fi signals can be easily intercepted meaning anyone with access to the
network can ‘see’ all the activity taking place on the network. If passwords, banking information or other private information is sent across a
public Wi-Fi network insecurely, it can be intercepted by criminals and used later.

Wifi Security advice:

• Be cautious when using Wi-Fi connections that are public.
  Think about your online activity.
  
  
• Think about your online activity.
• Be careful about entering personal information or undertaking financial
  transactions.
  
  
• If in doubt use your mobile connection rather than public Wi-Fi or wait
  until you get home.