What is fraud?
Fraud is when someone tricks or deceives you to gain a dishonest advantage – usually money, goods, services or property. There are many words used to describe fraud, such as scam, con, swindle, extortion, sham, double-cross, hoax, cheat and hoodwink.
What is a scam?
It's important to remember a scam is fraud and fraud is a crime. Scams can trick you into handing over money or personal details.
As well as leaving people out of pocket, victims are often left feeling a sense of shame and social isolation. But, don't feel embarrassed. Remember, it can happen to anyone.
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To get victims hooked and responding to scams, criminals rely on:
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shame
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social isolation
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loneliness
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vulnerable circumstances
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the chance that victims may not always admit or even be aware that they are the victim of a crime
Criminals will often attempt to rush victims into making decisions and encourage them to keep their contact secret from family and friends.
Help, support & reporting
Action Fraud
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report using their online reporting service any time of the day or night; the service enables you to both report a fraud and find help and support.
Call 0300 123 2040
Visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline
Reporting to Dudley trading standards can be done via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline
Call 0808 2231133
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Dudley Trading Standards Scams Units
The unit engages with potential scam victims in the Dudley Borough, to raise awareness, improve reporting of scams and stop financial abuse.
Visit https://www.dudley.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/rogue-traders-and-scams/scams/
Call 01384 818871
email trading.standards@dudley.gov.uk
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West Midlands Police
Visit https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/
Call police non-emergency number 101 (In an emergency only call 999)
Accessibility text phone 18001 101 (In an emergency 18001)
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Stop Loan Sharks
Loan sharks are illegal money lenders who often target low income and desperate families and individuals. The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders while supporting those who have borrowed money from a loan shark. If you or someone you know is the victim of a loan shark, help and support is available.
Visit https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk
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Useful documents & links
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HaveIBeenPwned - check if your email address has been in a data breach
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Password checker- how secure is your password?
