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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. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS TO STOP FURTHER HARM
- Disconnect from the internet temporarily if you suspect your device is compromised (e.g., malware, hacking) to prevent additional data theft or unauthorized access.
- Change passwords for all affected accounts (email, banking, social media, etc.) immediately. Use strong, unique passwords (a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols) and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
- Freeze compromised accounts if financial information is at risk (e.g., credit cards, bank accounts). Contact your bank, credit card issuer, or financial institution to report the issue and request a freeze or new account numbers.
- Stop all communication with the perpetrator if they are contacting you (e.g., phishing emails, blackmail messages). Do not respond, click links, or download attachments.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
- Gather evidence such as screenshots, emails, text messages, transaction records, IP addresses, or any other details related to the crime. This will be critical for reporting and investigations.
- Record dates, times, and descriptions of what happened, including how you discovered the crime, what information was stolen, and any financial losses incurred.
- Save all relevant files in a secure location (e.g., an external hard drive or encrypted cloud storage) to avoid accidental deletion.
REPORT THE CRIME
- Report to local law enforcement immediately. Provide them with all the evidence you’ve gathered. In the UK, you can report cybercrime to Action Fraud (the national reporting centre) at 0300 123 2040 or via their website actionfraud.police.uk.
- Report to the relevant platform or service provider (e.g., social media sites, email providers, online marketplaces). They may be able to block the perpetrator, recover your account, or provide additional information for investigations.
- Report to financial authorities if the crime involves fraud or identity theft. In the UK, this includes the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if your personal data was breached.
- Report to international authorities if the crime originated from another country. Organizations like Interpol or the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) may be able to assist.
PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY AND FINANCES
- Monitor your accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. Check bank statements, credit reports, and credit scores frequently to catch unauthorized transactions early.
- Place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file to prevent the perpetrator from opening new accounts in your name. In the UK, you can do this through credit reference agencies like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.
- Update your security software on all devices (computers, phones, tablets) to protect against future attacks. Install antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall software, and keep it up to date.
- Be cautious of follow-up scams where criminals pose as law enforcement, banks, or recovery services to steal more information or money. Always verify the identity of anyone contacting you before providing details.
SEEK SUPPORT
- Contact a victim support organization for emotional and practical help. In the UK, organizations like Victim Support (victimsupport.org.uk) or the Cyber Helpline (cyberhelpline.org.uk) offer free, confidential support to cybercrime victims.
- Consult a legal professional if you have suffered significant financial losses or if your rights have been violated. They can advise you on your options for seeking compensation or taking legal action.
- Talk to friends and family for emotional support. Dealing with cybercrime can be stressful, and having a support system can help you cope.
Remember, acting quickly is key to minimizing the impact of cybercrime. By following these steps, you can protect yourself, recover from the incident, and help prevent others from becoming victims.
 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: 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. | 
