STOP. Think Fraud!
Stop! Think Fraud is backed by leading counter fraud experts who are uniting under one voice to provide consistent, clear and robust anti-fraud advice to the public.
Fraud accounts for around 40% of all crime in England and Wales, with an estimated 3.2 million offences each year. The latest data from the Crime Survey of England and Wales shows it has reduced by 13% over the past year. The estimated cost of fraud to society is £6.8 billion in England and Wales.
Fraud has also more than doubled in Scotland over the past 9 years and reports spiked in Northern Ireland during the pandemic, with a decline now being observed.
The evidence led campaign draws on the expertise of leading counter-fraud experts and includes an online fraud hub which will provide concise, simple to follow advice. It will also signpost victims to relevant organisations for further advice and support.
Impactful adverts will also be prominently displayed in public settings, from billboards to radio, and from TV screens to social media. It is anticipated the campaign will be seen by 95% of adults in the UK over the coming weeks.
Here's a few tips to protect yourself:
* Take a few minutes to think. Fraudsters often try and rush you into giving your personal details
* If someone you have never met is asking for money online, for whatever reason, check it out! Romance fraudsters often use online dating sites to strike up friendships and then ask for money.
* Text messages etc from numbers you don't recognise are often used by fraudsters - they may pretend to be a member of your family in an emergency, they will ask for money urgently. Stop. Check with your loved one, through their normal contact
* A bank or the police will NEVER ask you to take out or transfer money from your account.
* always check bank details when paying bills to tradespeople.
* if you think you have been scammed out of money, don't be embarrassed, get help. Contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud. www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm.
