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WEEKLY FRAUD UPDATE FROM WEST MERCIA POLICE - ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT - 01/07/2025"

Don’t let Criminals ruin your holiday

Fraudsters can operate all around the world. So, it’s important to keep your card and card details safe when travelling. International card fraud losses for 2023 were £134.5 million.

 

BEFORE YOU GO OVERSEAS: 

  • Only take the cards you intend to use, and leave the others in a secure place at home
  • Make sure your card company has your up-to-date contact details. 
  • Ensure you have your card company’s 24-hour telephone number with you in case you need to contact them. 
  • If you are registered with a Card Protection Agency, take that contact number and policy number with you.

    •  

    WHEN YOU ARE OVERSEAS: 

  • Don’t let your card out of sight, especially at restaurants and bars. 
  • Don’t give your PIN to anyone, even if they claim to be the police or your card company. 
  • Shield your PIN when typing it in, and never give your PIN to anyone, even if they claim to be from the Police or Card company
  • Check which currency you are being asked to pay in.
  • Paying with your Credit Card gives greater protection on any payments made over £100 and less than £30,000
  • Check your bank transactions when you can to see if there’s anything unfamiliar.  
  • Look after all your other belongings like passports, wallets, purses, travel, and ticket information. 

    •  

    WHEN YOU GET BACK: 

  • Check your bank and card statements for any unfamiliar transactions. If you do spot any, report them to your bank immediately. 
  • Fraudulent transactions can be reported to the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks using the short phone number -  159

    • Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours, especially anyone of pensionable age.

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    If you’ve fallen for fraud

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

     

    Scam 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.

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    Message Sent By
    Michael Barbour
    (Police, PSV, Economic Crime Unit – Fraud Protect’)
    Neighbourhood Alert