Fraud Newsletter - May 2024 Edition

Please find the May 2024 edition of the Surrey and Sussex Police Fraud Newsletter below. In this month’s edition, we focus on motor fraud, holiday scams and how to protect yourself against courier fraud. 

“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.”

T/Detective Chief Inspector Antony Leadbeatter, Surrey Police & Sussex Police Economic Crime Unit

WhatsApp Group Scams

WhatsApp group chat members are being warned they could be targeted by criminals: 

You may receive an invitation out of the blue,  to join a group on WhatsApp. Alternatively, a member of an existing group may receive a WhatsApp audio call from the fraudster, pretending or claiming to be another member of the group. 

The fraudster may tell the victim they are sending them a one-time passcode which will allow them to join an upcoming video call for group members. The criminal then asks the victim to share this passcode with them so they can be “registered” for the video call.

Another MO is where  you receive a message on WhatsApp from one of your contacts saying, “Can I ask a favour?” That’s all it says. Of course the temptation is to message back asking what they want but their phone has been hacked so it’s not them you’re contacting but some fraudster who’s controlling their phone and their WhatsApp account.

How to secure your WhatsApp account:

• Set up two-step verification (2SV)to give an extra layer of protection to your account. Tap Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
• CALL.If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person outside of WhatsApp to confirm their identity.
• Report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp.Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.

Mobile phone Delivery fraud

Across Sussex and Surrey we have recently seen an increase in reports of mobile phone subscription fraud, where a victim receives a high valued phone/tablet or sometimes both delivered to their home address without having ordered the devices. They then get a call claiming to be from the mobile network attached to the device where the caller claims it has been ordered in error and that a courier will collect and return the device.  

This call is from the fraudsters and once a collection time is agreed, a courier comes to collect the device.

Once the victim is aware this is a fraudulent order, they need to inform the mobile network of the fraud, where the account will be shut down.  If the victim is still in possession of the devices, they will arrange for these to be returned. The victim should check their credit file as the fraudsters may have opened bank accounts or credit card accounts in the victim’s name without their knowledge.  These will also need to be reported to the relevant financial institutions to be shut down, and the victim should not be held liable for any debt accrued on these accounts.

Top Tips

• If you receive a mobile device, you haven’t ordered call the phone network connected to the device to report as fraud, or visit relevant high street phone shop.
  
  
• Do not hand over the device to anyone who comes to your door.
  
  
• Check your credit file with Experian or Equifax to find out if bank or credit cards were opened without your knowledge.

Job Advert Scams

A job scam is a fraudulent offer for work that is intended to mislead people seeking legitimate employment. 

Sussex Police have received  an increase in reports relating to persons seeking work online.  In two recent cases victims have been contacted by a fraudster having already applied for a few jobs.  The website advertised answering 38 questions a day and in return cash would be deposited straight into the bank account which the suspect had  first required the victim to set up .  There would then  be the opportunity to complete a ‘lucky order’ for a higher return.  Sadly this opportunity was fraudulent, and  in both cases the victims suffered a loss in excess of £3000 each.   

Trust your instincts - If you remain suspicious of a job or employer even after your research, trust yourself. If you feel uncertain or uncomfortable or if it sounds like an unrealistic opportunity that is too good to be true, avoid it.

Protect your personal information - Keep your bank account information and all other sensitive information safe online.

Look for complaints - Job sites often have review sections where employees and applicants share the experiences they had with an employer. Search for a potential employer on these sites and see what others have said.