Bexley Fraud & Cyber Crime Summary for February 2022

Bexley Fraud & Cyber Crime Summary

February 2022

Number of offences	101
Total loss	£151,262.40
Average per victim	1,497.65

The top 5 by volume (number of reports) type of fraud is as follows:

The top 5 by amount reported lost:

Fraud Advice
Other Consumer Non Investment Fraud

Sometimes businesses use deceptive business practices that can cause their victims to suffer financial losses.

The victims believe they are participating in a legal and valid business transaction when they are actually being defrauded. Fraud against consumers is often related to false promises or inaccurate claims made to consumers, as well as practices that directly cheat consumers out of their money.

How to protect yourself
• Research the company before purchasing goods or services.
• Use Companies House to find out how long they have been trading.
• Ensure you use trusted, reviewed companies.
• Avoid using direct bank transfers when purchasing items online, instead use a credit card.

Advance Fee Fraud

Advance Fee Fraud is an umbrella term to describe a particular fraud type where the criminal convinces a victim to make upfront payments for goods, services and/or financial gains. But the goods/services don’t exist.

Many different types of Advance Fee Fraud using various techniques and scams are used by criminals. Some of these (including Romance Fraud and Recruitment Fraud) are covered more in-depth later in this book. However, the

Fraud Type	Amount of Offences	Amount Lost
NFIB3A - Online Shopping and Auctions	12	£7,006.56
NFIB3D - Other Consumer Non Investment Fraud	9	£7,427.00
NFIB1H - Other Advance Fee Frauds	8	£5,302.00
Push Payment	8	£23,065.65
NFIB2E - Other Financial Investment	7	£14,245.00

Fraud Type	Amount Lost	Amount of Offences
NFIB3C - Door to Door Sales and Bogus Tradesmen	£43,710.00	7
Push Payment	£23,065.65	8
NFIB2A - Share sales or Boiler Room Fraud	£16,000.00	2
NFIB2E - Other Financial Investment	£14,245.00	7
Courier Fraud	£10,940.00	1

numerous different tactics used by criminals means it’s worth describing the basic technique behind the fraud; the criminal will offer something to you, but in order to progress, you’ll need to pay something up front.

Below is a list of types of Advance Fee Fraud. This list is by no means exhaustive!

•   Clairvoyant or Psychic Fraud– The criminal predicts something significant in your future, but they need

  money to provide a full report.

•   Cheque Overpayment Fraud – The criminal overpays for something with an invalid cheque, and asks for

  change.

•   Fraud Recovery Fraud – Once you’ve been a victim of fraud, the criminal contacts you, claiming that they

  can recover your losses, for a fee.

•   Inheritance Fraud – The criminal tells you that you’re in line to receive a huge inheritance, but you’ll need to

  pay a fee to release the funds.

•   Loan Fraud– The criminal asks you to pay an upfront fee for a loan.

•   Lottery Fraud – You’re told you’ve won a prize in a lottery, but you’ll need to pay the criminal an admin fee.

•   Racing Tip Fraud – The criminal offers racing tips that are “guaranteed” to pay off, for a small fee.

•   Rental Fraud – The criminal asks for an upfront fee to rent a property, which may not be theirs, or even may

  not exist.

•   West African Letter Fraud (aka 419 Fraud) – The criminal asks for help moving a large sum of money from

  one country to another, promising to cut you in, but asks for a payment upfront first.

•   Work from home Fraud – The criminal offers you to make easy money working from home, but you need to

  pay a fee in advance, for business leads, or a website.

•   Vehicle Matching Fraud – The criminal contacts you just after you’ve placed an advert trying to sell

  something (usually a car). They ask for a “refundable” fee to put you in touch with a non-existent immediate buyer.

  How to protect yourself

•   Be extremely wary about giving money to anyone upfront, especially a stranger, for any reason.

•   If they claim to be an official, double check their identity, but don’t do so using any contact details they give

  you.

•   Don’t be pressurised into making a decision in that moment. Always take time to think, don’t forget to Take

  5.
  REMEMBER – Criminals will try any lie to get your money
  CAUTION – Don’t give money upfront if you have even the slightest suspicion THINK – Why should I give this person money? Why have they targeted me?

  Door-to-Door Fraud

  Door-to-door scams involve criminals knocking on your door and unexpectedly offering products or services. Fraudsters convince you to pay for goods or work which is often overpriced, of poor quality or is not even carried out. In many cases, this work is not necessary. They may use intimidation and pressure you to make quick decisions so that you agree to their demands.

  Criminals may try to convince you that work is urgently required and the price they are charging is fair. They will put pressure on you to have the work done immediately and may ask for payment upfront. Often the work is not completed, or if it is, the work is to a poor standard. You may also be overcharged for any work done.

  They can use deception to convince you:

•   Claiming they were working on a neighbours’ address and noticed you need work completed and they have

  left over materials.

•   They may inspect areas you can’t access, for example the loft or roof and show you photos or videos

  claiming they are evidence that you need the urgent repairs. Beware of these tactics as these images may not even be your property.

•   They may throw water down when you are not looking to indicate you have ‘damp’.

•   They may be insistent you pay in cash immediately or put down a deposit, even offering to take you to the

  bank to get the money. If you do this, they may continue to find reasons for you to pay more money.

•   Some callers will be legitimate. Gas, electricity and water companies may visit to read your meters. Charities

  may visit to ask for donations and council officials may contact you regarding local issues. Always ask for identification and tell them to wait outside whilst you check this by calling the company or speaking to a relative or friend. If you are calling the company, don’t use the phone number on the person’s ID card).

  How to protect yourself

•   Always check their identity. If you are not happy about a person’s identity, do not let them into your house under any circumstances.

•   Never leave your front door open/unlocked and unattended, so a second individual can’t enter without your knowledge.

•   Take time to consider your options and research costs from other providers. If in doubt contact your local Trading Standards.

•   If you feel pressured by any cold caller, have the confidence to be firm and say no.

•   Call the citizens advice consumer helpline following a doorstep caller on 03454 04 05 06.

  REMEMBER - Take time to consider your options. Don’t be pressured into making a quick decision. CAUTION - Never pay upfront for goods or services you have not received.
  THINK - Are they a legitimate company? Why haven’t they given you a written quote?

  Remember:

  Your bank, the police, or tax office will never ask you to attend your bank, withdraw, transfer or pay money over the phone or send couriers to collect your card or cash. Nor would they ask you to buy goods or vouchers.

This is a scam.

1. Hang up

2. Take 5

3. Verify

(Never give details or money following a cold call)
(Seek a second opinion, tell someone what has happened)
(if concerned, contact the company via a pre-confirmed method)

All of our videos and electronic leaflets can be found on the following link; www.met.police.uk/littlemedia Free cyber advice can be found https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home

Always report, Scams fraud and cyber crime to Action Fraud,
either online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by telephone on 0300 123 2040.

STOP

Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

CHALLENGE

Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

PROTECT

Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.