Safer Pack
STAY SAFE AND INDEPENDENT by avoiding fraud and scams
Hampshire Constabulary: 101 and ask for Op. Signature www.hampshire.police.uk
Victim Care Service: 0808 178 1641 www.hampshireiowvictimcare.co.uk
Age UK 0800 055 6112 www.ageuk.org.uk
Citizen’s Advice 03454 04 05 06 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer
Blue Lamp Trust 0300 777 0157 www.bluelamptrust.org.uk
Friends Against Scams www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk
Feel Saufet r! Find o pot s how to gns i the s
HOW TO IDENTIFY
Phone Call Fraud How to identify Phone Call Fraud: Fraudsters posing as legitimate companies such as your internet, television or telephone service provider, manufacturers of computers and computer software, and utilities, call you to tell you that they have detected a problem.
They might say something like: “There’s a virus on your computer” or “Something is wrong with your computer or the programs on it” or “Your router or internet connection isn’t working properly” or “We’ll fix it for free / a small fee” or “You are owed compensation”
WHAT THEY REALLY WANT or you to grant them access to your computer F by visiting a particular website or installing software in order to transfer money out of your bank account to themselves. They will take all of it if they can. For you to give them payment or banking details (or they might steal them from your computer if they get access).
What to do if you get a call like this?
•H ang up. It’s ok to say no and end the call.
• Never go to a website or link they suggest, and never allow anyone remote access to your computer.
• Unplug your router.
• Report and Support: Contact help using another telephone.
WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU OR TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW? REPORT. Call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 and ask for Op. Signature to report that this has happened.
SUPPORT. Call the Victim Care Service on 0808 178 1641 for practical and emotional support.
TELL 2 PEOPLE. Telling a few people who can support you means they can help keep you safe and are aware of the scams that might catch people out.
HOW TO IDENTIFY MAIL AND
Postal Scams
How to identify Competition Scams: You might get a letter or an email saying that you have won or been awarded a large amount of money from a competition, inheritance or lottery. They may say they are a psychic or clairvoyant. Alternatively it could be a catalogue that sells goods for inflated prices. They also say that you need to respond and pay an advance fee to claim this money. They might ask you to send or transfer the fee via your bank account, or send gift cards or vouchers to the value of the fee.
WHAT THEY REALLY WANT or you to send them money, share financial F details, or send them gift card/vouchers in lieu of money, which you will never get back. They will also share your details with other fraudsters, meaning that if you respond once, you will end up with hundreds of these types of scam letters every week, plus phone calls, texts and emails. atalogue scams may sign you up to a Direct Debit C agreement without you realising.
What to do if you get a letter or email like this? •
Throw the letter away or delete the email.
•
Do not respond at all.
• Never send money or vouchers, or share financial information. •
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
• Register with the Mailing Preference Service on 0207 291 3310. • Call the Royal Mail to stop unaddressed mail on 03457 740 740.
WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU OR TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW? REPORT. Call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 and ask for Op. Signature to report that this has happened.
SUPPORT. Call the Victim Care Service on 0808 178 1641 for practical and emotional support.
TELL 2 PEOPLE. Telling a few people who can support you means they can help keep you safe and are aware of the scams that might catch people out.
HOW TO IDENTIFY
Doorstep Crime Traders might knock on your door offering services like: •
Gardening work
•
Building work
•
Offering to fix your driveway, guttering or roof
• Say they are from the Water Board and that there is a leak they need to check • Or they might say they are looking for their dog, or that their car has broken down. Sometimes, the caller at the door is there to distract you while another person gains access to your home. They might try and rush you into making a decision or sign a contract for buying their services, or try and keep you talking for a long time.
WHAT THEY REALLY WANT or you to pay them for ‘fixing’ a non-existent F problem. For you to pay them an extortionate amount of money for shoddy or sub-standard work. To gain access to your home so they can steal your property while you are distracted.
What to do if you get a caller like this? • Never accept an offer like this or sign a contract for a passing trader to work on your property. Visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk if you are looking for work to be done. • Make sure windows and doors at the back of the house are closed and locked if you are distracted at the front. If you will be upstairs for a period of time, ensure all downstairs windows and doors are secure. • All utility companies have a service called the Priority Services Register – through this you can set up a password for any future visitors from the company. This way, if you do get an unexpected visit, you can ask for the registered password.
WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU? REPORT. Call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 and ask for Op. Signature to report that this has happened, or call 999 if you feel intimidated and they won’t leave. Details about them and any vehicles will help the police to identify them.
SUPPORT. Call the Victim Care Service on 0808 178 1641 for practical and emotional support.
TELL 2 PEOPLE. Telling a few people who can support you means they can help keep you safe and are aware of the scams that might catch people out.
HOW TO IDENTIFY FRAUDSTERS
Posing as Officials How to identify Fraudsters posing as officials: Fraudsters may contact you by telephone and tell you one of the following: • You owe money to a bailiff or the Inland Revenue (HMRC); • You are owed compensation, but you need to pay an administration fee to receive it; • Your help is needed with a bank or police investigation. They will say that you need to hurry, not to tell anyone, and they might threaten or intimidate you.
WHAT THEY REALLY WANT or you to hand over your bank card or visit your F bank to withdraw a large amount of money to be handed over. For you to buy vouchers or gift cards, or buy an expensive piece of jewellery or a watch to give to them in lieu of money.
What to do if you get a call like this? • Hang up straight away It’s ok to say no and end the call. The police, banks and other organisations will never contact you in this way. • Never give them cash, vouchers, or other valuable items. •
REPORT and SUPPORT:
Contact help using another telephone, as fraudsters can stay on the line when you think the call has ended. Alternatively, call someone you know very well, so you can be sure when you recognise their voice you know the line is clear.
WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU OR TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW? REPORT. Call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 and ask for Op. Signature to report that this has happened.
SUPPORT. Call the Victim Care Service on 0808 178 1641 for practical and emotional support.
TELL 2 PEOPLE. Telling a few people who can support you means they can help keep you safe and are aware of the scams that might catch people out.
HOW TO IDENTIFY ROMANCE AND
DatingFraud
How to identify Romance and Dating fraud: If you are using a romance or dating service, you might be contacted by someone who: •
Appears to be very charming and sincere;
• Tells you about a terrible personal tragedy, like a partner or children dying; • Messages you lots, but always has excuses why they can’t meet you face-to-face; • Asks for your help overcoming a problem that requires money. They might say they are working abroad, but eventually they will start asking for your ‘help’ in the form of money. They might ask you to send money to help them return home, or ask for top-up money for their mobile phone. They may even ask you to accept a large sum of money from them into your bank account.
WHAT THEY REALLY WANT or you to send them money (which you will never F get back) or give them your financial details. For you to send them gift cards or top-up vouchers in lieu of money. To gain access to your bank accounts and money, and to launder money to other criminals.
What to do if you get messages from someone like this? • Check their profile photo on www.tin eye.com which will tell you if that photo is likely to be fake • Never send money or vouchers to someone you’ve never met in person, no matter how wonderful they sound. • Never agree to receive money from anyone you’ve never met in person and trust. • Talk to friends and family who have your best interests at heart. •
REPORT and SUPPORT.
WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU OR TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW? REPORT. Call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 and ask for Op. Signature to report that this has happened.
SUPPORT. Call the Victim Care Service on 0808 178 1641 for practical and emotional support.
TELL 2 PEOPLE. Telling a few people who can support you means they can help keep you safe and are aware of the scams that might catch people out.
About us The Victim Care Service is a free and confidential service for residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who have been affected by crime and traumatic events. The Service is available to anyone aged four and upwards, regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police. We have teams of caseworkers who are specially trained to support victims of all types of crimes, including serious crimes such as domestic abuse, sexual abuse and hate crime. The Victim Care Service also has dedicated caseworkers to support children and young people.
Call: 0808 178 1641 Email: hub.hiow@ victimsupport.org.uk
How we can help you Practical support If you’ve been affected by a crime there may be a number of things that we can support you with. For example, providing you with basic security items to help you feel safer, or putting you in touch with specialist services. Depending on your needs we can also provide information and advice on a wide range of self-help techniques, for instance, ways to keep yourself safe or suggestions for how to improve your wellbeing.
Emotional support Everyone reacts differently to crime, depending on their own experiences and how it makes them feel. It is normal for your emotions to be affected. We’re here to help you cope with, and recover from, the impact of crime. Sometimes talking to someone about how you’re feeling can really help and we are here to listen. Call us free on 0808 178 1641. Specialist support For victims of more serious crimes, such as sexual violence, hate crime and domestic abuse, the most vulnerable victims and those that have been persistently targeted, specialist support is available.
About ushelp Who we
Contact us
The Service Victim Care Servicetoisanyone a free and The is available confidential service for residents who has been impacted by crime,of Hampshire and and the Isle of Wight who aged four years above – it does have been affected by crime and not matter: traumatic events. • What type of crime The Service is available to anyone • When the crime happened aged four and upwards, regardless of theitcrime has beentoreported •whether Whether was reported the to police the police. or not
Our support is free and confidential. You don’t need to have reported a crime to the police and it doesn’t matter when or where the crime happened.
have teams of caseworkers •WeWhether you are the direct victim who or are not specially trained to support victims of all types of crimes, including serious crimes such as domestic abuse, Provided bysexual abuse and hate crime. The delivered The Victim Victim Care Care Service Service is also has by the national charity, Victim dedicated caseworkers to support Support, on behalf the Police and children and youngofpeople. Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
To find out how the Victim Care Service could help you: Call: 0808 178 1641 (Calls are free and lines are open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm. A message can be left outside these hours and your call will be returned the next working day) Email: hub.hiow@victimsupport.org.uk Visit: www.hampshireiowvictimcare.co.uk If you are in immediate danger, always call 999 Follow us: Twitter: @VS_Hampshire Facebook: VSHampshireIsleOfWight
Get support Get advice Get connected Find community groups, care homes and local activities near you Online information and advice on all aspects of adult social care and support
It’s easy to find the information you want: • Health and wellbeing advice • Local community groups and activities • Getting out and about • Support for carers • Managing at home
• Living with disability • Equipment and aids • Finding, arranging and paying for care • Care providers and care homes
www.ConnectToSupportHampshire.org.uk
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SCAM? KEEPING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFER hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/scamnesty
Did YouKnow?
Hampshire Constabulary receives over 700 reports of fraud each month, many of which are from older members of our society who have been deliberately targeted by fraudsters.
Hampshire Constabulary: 101 and ask for Op. Signature www.hampshire.police.uk
To receive information, crime alerts and witness appeals local to the area in which you live or work, register with Hampshire Alerts: hampshirealert.co.uk
Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk
If you are deaf or hard of hearing please call: 18001 101 (non-urgent enquiries). In an emergency please call 18000.
www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk
CONTACT THE POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER @hantspcc Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire opcc@hampshire.pnn.police.uk www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk
Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner St George’s Chambers, St George’s Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8AJ