Local Priorities Fraud Message

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Fraud, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

Our Detective Superintendent from Merton Safer Neighbourhood, working alongside colleagues from the MPS’s Central Specialist Economic Crime, attended Kingston Crown Court on 21st August to apply for an asset restraining order, in connection with a romance fraud, where an elderly individual had been targeted over a number of years. We are pleased to share that the application was successful and £7 Million worth of assets were frozen under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

This forms part of an ongoing fraud investigation, with significant work carried out by our dedicated team to protect victims and prevent further fraud occurring.

If you have been victim of Fraud, please report it to Action Fraud: 0300 123 40 www.actionfraud.police.uk

Fraud can affect anyone within the community, so we want to make sure you have the tools and knowledge to protect yourself from it. It comes in many different forms and across varying channels, whether that's through emails, phone calls or in person encounters. Some adults may be even more vulnerable to fraud or financial abuse, but it is something that everyone can be at risk of. If you’re concerned about someone you know, please contact your local social services and ask for Adult Social Care.

Please see a few resources below to protect you and others from potential fraudsters: 

• Learn the ten golden rules to prevent fraud.
• Find out about the most common types of fraud.
• Download The Little Book of Big Scams to find out more. The Little Book of Big Scams audio version is also available.

For more information and help and to report fraud, go to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. Lastly, if you think you’ve uncovered a scam, been targeted by a scam or fallen victim to fraudsters, please contact 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at Action Fraud.

 We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years, and we want to make sure you have had the chance to have your say. The consultation paper is available online, as well as a survey to let us know what you think. This closes on the 15 September.