STAY SAFE AND INDEPENDENT by avoiding fraud and scams

Safer Pack

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 Safer!Find out

how to spot

the signs

WHAT THEY REALLY WANT

For you to grant them access to your computer 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).

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”

HOW TO IDENTIFY

Phone Call Fraud

What to do if you get a call like this? • Hang 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.

WHAT THEY REALLY WANT

For you to send them money, share financial 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.

Catalogue scams may sign you up to a Direct Debit agreement without you realising.

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.

Postal ScamsHOW TO IDENTIFY MAIL AND

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.

WHAT THEY REALLY WANT

For you to pay them for ‘fixing’ a non-existent 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.

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.

Doorstep CrimeHOW TO IDENTIFY

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.

WHAT THEY REALLY WANT

For you to hand over your bank card or visit your 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.

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.

Posing as OfficialsHOW TO IDENTIFY FRAUDSTERS

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.

WHAT THEY REALLY WANT

For you to send them money (which you will never 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.

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.

Dating FraudHOW TO IDENTIFY ROMANCE AND

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.

Contact us

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.

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_HampshireFacebook: VSHampshireIsleOfWight

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 1641Email: hub.hiow@

victimsupport.org.uk

Contact us

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.

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_HampshireFacebook: VSHampshireIsleOfWight

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 1641Email: 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.

Who we help

The Service is available to anyone who has been impacted by crime, aged four years and above – it does not matter:

• What type of crime

• When the crime happened

• Whether it was reported to the police or not

• Whether you are the direct victim or not

Provided by

The Victim Care Service is delivered by the national charity, Victim Support, on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

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.

Who we help

The Service is available to anyone who has been impacted by crime, aged four years and above – it does not matter:

• What type of crime

• When the crime happened

• Whether it was reported to the police or not

• Whether you are the direct victim or not

Provided by

The Victim Care Service is delivered by the national charity, Victim Support, on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Contact us

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.

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_HampshireFacebook: VSHampshireIsleOfWight

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 1641Email: hub.hiow@

victimsupport.org.uk

www.ConnectToSupportHampshire.org.uk

• Health and wellbeing advice• Local community groups and

activities• Getting out and about• Support for carers • Managing at home

Get supportGet adviceGet connected

Find community groups, care homes and local activities near you

Online information and advice on all aspects of adult social care and support

• Living with disability• Equipment and aids• Finding, arranging and paying

for care• Care providers and care homes

It’s easy to find the information you want:

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.

BE SCAM AWARE Look out for our red Scamnesty boxes!

hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/scamnestyKEEPING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFER

Spot A POSSIBLE

SCAM?

@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

www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk

If you are deaf or hard of hearing please call: 18001 101 (non-urgent enquiries). In an emergency please call 18000.

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

CONTACT THE POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER

Hampshire Constabulary: 101 and ask for Op. Signaturewww.hampshire.police.uk

Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk