Weekly Fraud Update from West Mercia Police - Economic Crime Unit - 15/09/2026

FRAUD RECOVERY SCAMS

Fraud Recovery scams are another form of Advance Fee Fraud as the scammer will ask for an advance fee, and very often follow-on fees, for expenses incurred.

So, anyone who has been a recent victim of fraud in the past may be contacted again by the fraudster, who has retained your contact details. Recent victims of bank transfer and investments scams are very often common targets.  This time the fraudster may pose as a Government Agency, Police, lawyer or a Fraud Recovery company.

So, if you have been a victim of fraud, be very aware of these fraudsters trying to contact you with promises that they can get your money back. They may approach you when you are still at your most vulnerable.

How do you spot the signs?

If you have been contacted by someone who already knows about the monies you have lost and demands an upfront fee, and /or asks for your bank details, be very aware. Always challenge any contacts from unknown agencies whether it be emails, letters or phone calls.

Always check the email address, as genuine agencies do not use web-based email addresses such as @yahoo, @gmail or @Hotmail.

You may also come across so called Fraud Recovery Agencies on social media searching for victims, where they may impersonate “Ombudsmen” or “Regulators”. 

Whilst there are some genuine companies out there, they must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

And finally.

If you have been a victim of fraud, be on your guard against unsolicited calls, texts, emails or messages on social media from unknown sources claiming to be able to get your money back. Never pay any fees up front and never give out any bank details, just end the contact straightaway.

If you are unfortunate enough to be scammed again, report it to your bank at once using the number on your card, or 159, and report the scam to Report Fraud.

POLICE IMPERSONATION PHONE CALLS

These were highlighted in our message at the end of August but phone calls from criminals impersonating Police Officers remain prevalent.

They very often pose as “Detectives” from a London based location; Holborn, which they often mispronounce, is still a popular choice.

Please remember that Police officers will not contact you out of the blue and request personal or financial information. If you are unsure of their identity, end the call – then wait 15 minutes until the line is clear, or use another phone to call 101 and check their identity and collar number if they have provided it.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours

If you have fallen for a fraud, 

Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via www.reportfraud.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 Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudulent caller’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.