Update for Priority Survey Online Fraud or Scams Concern

Dear Resident,

Thank you for taking the local priority survey recently and we note that you highlighted Online Fraud or Scams in your response, so we wanted to provide you with an update on this matter.

Throughout 2026, dedicated officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Fraud and Cyber crime unit will be holding a series of drop-in sessions at libraries across the County.  Please see attached poster for dates, and we will be sending reminders to local areas nearer the time. If there isn't an event on the list that's near you, there will be further events from September onwards. 

Across Hertfordshire in 2025, Hertfordshire Constabulary received so far in 2025, 7,186 reports of fraud with a total loss of £40 million.  Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage, which is often financial, over another person. Cybercrime is any criminal act dealing with computers and networks.

Fraudulent phone calls (vishing), email (phishing), text message (smishing) and fake QR codes (quishing) often follow the same format.

They,

1. are from an  authority / organisation / person you heard of.            

2. appeal to your  emotions.

3. have a sense of  urgency.

4. are topical / current  events.

Before you reply to that message, think does it follow this format. The message will often appeal to your emotions either offering you something or threatening to take something away from you. Never let yourself be rushing into acting. Take a moment to think about it, and if you're not sure ask a family member or friend for their opinion.  

To report an incident of cybercrime or fraud and for further information visit the Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) website here UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud. 

Please also have a look at the advice on the Hertfordshire Constabulary web pages here.

We will continue to provide you with updates regarding this and any other issues you raise in the local priority survey. The feedback you provide influences the priorities we focus on and enables updates you receive to be more relevant. Please look out for our periodic survey reminders to update your issues and priorities, it really helps.  

You may also want to rate this message to let us know if this information was useful or not or use the system to change which issues we update you about - please use the options at the bottom of this message.