MOBILE PHONE THEFT

Criminals used to steal mobile phones for the value of selling the handsets on to anyone who was willing to pay. However nowadays they are much more likely to be stolen for the value of the contents, and the access they can get to your personal and financial information, and so we see a rise in mobile phone thefts.

For example, many users have their Banking Apps or banking card details in a “Wallet” on the phone, and if they are not securely protected then the criminal has a rich source of information to use and can empty your bank account very quickly. Also remember never to keep any physical bank cards with your mobile phone.

Criminals often work in groups with one person distracting the victim, whilst another person tries to observe the passcode being entered and a third person may then actually steal the phone. The criminals often take advantage of the victims late at night, when venues are closing, and the victims may not be so alert to their surroundings. 

So how can you protect yourself?

Further steps to take in case your phone is stolen.

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Please feel free to share this information with any family, friends, or neighbours that you think it may be able to assist

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If you’ve fallen for fraud

Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk

Fake Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report fraudulent mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudster’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.