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SCAMS RUIN LIVES... |
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Good Evening Resident Hope your well.. Some information regarding Scams…
Fraud is a significant threat in the UK, with criminals stealing £1.17 billion from individuals and businesses in 2024 alone. While the specific figure of £3.5 billion is often cited in relation to criminal attacks on the UK tax system, West Midlands Police (WMP) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) warn that the total economic impact of fraud is much higher, estimated by some at £11.4 billion annually. The Scale of the Problem Total Losses: In the first half of 2025, over £629 million was stolen through scams—a 3% increase from the previous year. Case Volume: Reports of fraud reached record levels in 2025, with a case filed to the National Fraud Database every two minutes. West Midlands Impact: Local residents lost over £518,000 to pension fraud alone in late 2024 and 2025, with individual victims losing an average of £48,000. West Midlands Police Response WMP has adopted a "Public Health Approach" to fraud, moving beyond traditional justice to focus on prevention and cross-agency intelligence sharing. Economic Crime Victim Care Unit (ECVCU): Provides bespoke support for victims to prevent repeat targeting. Operation Pound: A proactive team dedicated to disrupting organised crime groups and seizing their assets. WMnow Alerts: WMP uses the WMnow system to broadcast real-time warnings about active scams, such as fake WhatsApp "family in need" messages or bogus police officers requesting personal details. Key Protection Advice from WMP The 101 Rule: If someone claims to be a police officer or bank official, hang up and wait 5 minutes (to clear the line) before calling 101 or your bank on a different phone to verify. No Unexpected Requests: Genuine officers will never ask you to move money to a "safe account" or ask for your bank PIN. Report Fraud: If you believe you have been targeted, report it immediately to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) to help build intelligence against the scammers.
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