Surrey and Sussex Police Fraud Newsletter February 2021

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Walker, Surrey & Sussex Police Economic Crime Unit

Each month we see many incidents of fraudsters targeting our residents in an attempt to defraud them. We’re working hard to prevent this and support vulnerable victims of fraud or scams. By following our tips and encouraging family, friends and colleagues to do so too, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Do you know how to spot a Covid-19 vaccine scam?

With the brilliant news that the Covid- 19 vaccine rollout is in full swing, comes the sad inevitability that fraudsters will use it as a ploy to scam victims out of money. The scams are increasing around the country and becoming more sophisticated in mirroring the NHS’ website and details.

Generally, it will say you’re being offered the vaccine and need to click on a link to book an appointment or confirm your personal or financial details. It may also ask for payment.

Although most of the scams start this way, we have seen cases where the victim is cold called or approached on their doorstep by someone offering the vaccine.

Elderly and vulnerable people are particularly at risk of being scammed. Please check on your neighbours and loved ones to make sure they know how to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.

Please remember: the Covid-19 vaccine is free for everyone, the NHS won’t ask for payment. They will also never ask for your personal or bank details to confirm your identity. If you receive a call, email or text offering you the vaccine and you’re not sure whether it’s genuine, call your GP to check.

Broadband scams

Action Fraud has recently seen a rise in reports of criminals cold calling victims purporting to be calling from well-known broadband providers primarily, claiming that the victim has a problem with their computer, router or internet. The suspect persuades the victim to download and connect via a Remote Access Tool (RAT), allowing the suspect to gain access to the victim’s computer or mobile phone.

Victims are then persuaded to log into their online banking to receive a refund from the broadband provider as a form of compensation. This allows the suspect access to the victim’s bank account, and the ability to move funds out of the victim’s account.

Please remember: genuine organisations would never contact you out of the blue and ask for your personal details, such as passwords or PIN numbers. Never install any software, or grant remote access to your computer as the result of a cold call.

If you granted remote access to your computer, seek technical support to remove any unwanted software. If you need tech advice, look for reviews online first or ask friends for recommendations.

HMRC fraud

There has been a rise in scams relating to unpaid taxes and tax rebates after HMRC’s January tax return deadline. The scam is usually in the form of a text or an email, and will tell the receiver that they either owe unpaid taxes or are due a tax rebate, with a link to input their personal or financial details. The fraudster is typically after the person’s bank details which they will use to take money out of their account. A Surrey resident recently received a threatening phone call from a fraudster pretending to be from HMRC:

The victim was called by a female pretending to be from HMRC who gave her name as Janet Wood. The caller said that the victim owed £2250 in unpaid taxes between 1970 and 1990, threatening that the police would come around and take her away if she didn’t pay.

After the victim stated that she was in a wheelchair, the caller then replied saying that they would come to her house, drag her out of the wheelchair and take her to Marylebone Police Station. The victim then hung up.

Please remember: if you receive an email, text or call claiming to be from HMRC telling you you’re due a tax rebate or that you owe unpaid tax, it’s a scam. Don’t click on any links or attachments. Report it to Action Fraud and then delete it. If you’re called on the phone and they ask for your personal or financial details, don’t give them and hang up.

If you or someone you know is vulnerable and has been a victim of fraud call:

Surrey Police on 101 or visit www.surrey.police.uk Sussex Police on 101 or visit www.sussex.police.uk

Report fraud or attempted fraud, by contacting Action Fraud at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report fraud or call 0300 123 2040.