Weekly Fraud Update

WEEKLY FRAUD UPDATE FROM WEST MERCIA POLICE – ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT – 07/11/2023

                                                      BLACK FRIDAY                                           Are they bargains or scams

Whilst “Black Friday” is a relatively new event in the UK, it did not take long for criminals to seize another opportunity to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of their hard earned cash.

• In the heat of the moment, it can be hard to tell if it is a bargain or a scam, especially in the run up to Black Friday!

• Criminals may try to trick you into purchasing goods/services that don’t exist by advertising them at too good to be true prices.

• Protect your money and information by only using retailers you trust, or authorised sellers named on official websites when shopping for deals online.

• Beware of Phishing emails that appear to come from reputable retailers with “too good to miss” offers, never click on links in emails from unrecognised senders

• Check out the security of the Website by looking for the https:// in the website address and the padlock symbol which should be in the address bar, and not in the body of the site, as confirmation of a website’s security

• Fake websites can copy mainstream online retailers and enticing buyers with unbeatable prices, always stick with well-known, reputable retailers online

• Some online sellers may be selling counterfeit products at Black Friday prices

                       SPOTTED AN ULTRA-LOW PRICE FOR A SOLD-OUT GAMES CONSOLE?                                                         #TAKEFIVE – IT COULD BE A SCAM.     

• Does the offer sound too good to be true? Are they refusing to provide you with additional photos? Do they want you to pay up front by bank transfer?

• Only use the secure payment method recommended by retailers and auction sites, where possible, use a credit card for purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

                       Please feel free to share this information with vulnerable relatives friends or neighbours

                                                    Take Five To Stop Fraud

 Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.• Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.• Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

For further information visit:

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

Message Sent ByMichael Barbour(Police, PSV, Economic Crime Unit – Fraud Protect’ )

Trick or Treaters Information from West Mercia Police

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The Police
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Trick or treaters urged to be “frightfully thoughtful” of others this Halloween


We’re urging those taking part in Halloween trick or treating this year to be “s-careful” and “frightfully thoughtful” of others.

Halloween can be a great time of year for many, in particular children and young people, and a great opportunity to dress up and go trick or treating.

However, for some people Halloween behaviour can leave them feeling intimidated and distressed, or they simply don’t want to be visited by trick or treaters.

As in previous years, to help those who do not want to be visited by trick or treaters, we’ve produced our annual poster for them to display in the window.

Superintendent Edward Hancox, said: “We know Halloween can be an exciting time for many people and don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but we are asking that if you do plan on trick or treating that you are mindful of others who may not want to get involved, as Halloween trick or treaters can often leave some people feeling intimated or distressed.

“As we have done in previous years, we will have an increased police presence throughout the evening during Halloween with officers carrying out high visibility patrols in key areas to ensure those who are out and about can enjoy Halloween safely.

“If anyone does have any concerns while they are out trick or treating, whether it be anti-social or suspicious behaviour, then I would encourage them to report this to us.”

To report information to West Mercia Police online visit www.westmercia.police.uk

Message from West Mercia Police

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Would you like to help keep your community safe, get some exercise, meet new people?


Would you like to help keep your community safe, get some exercise, and meet new people?

We are looking for volunteers to join our new StreetWatch scheme!

As a Streetwatch Volunteer, you will walk your local streets in groups and provide reassurance and engagement with local issues that matter most. While you will have no police powers, you will work directly with local policing teams to report any issues noticed during your walks.

Becoming a StreetWatch Volunteer is a fantastic way to help keep your community safe, to meet new people in your community who share the same values, to improve community engagement with the police, and to keep fit and healthy.

Interested? Learn more by clicking here.

Apply today by clicking here, or by emailing citizensinpolicing@westmercia.police.uk.

Message Sent ByGail Duncan(Police, Administrator, Citizens in Policing)

Shropshire Council Area SEND Partnership Self-Evaluation Framework

Shropshire Council Area SEND Partnership Self-Evaluation Framework

PACC has been asked to coproduce the review of the Shropshire Self Evaluation Framework, where the local area is asked to consider the effectiveness of local systems in a range of areas.

PACC has some existing feedback about Parent Carer experience in these areas but we want to understand if this has changed, so we can share the most current feedback.

We would be very grateful if you could spare a few minutes to complete a short survey: https://forms.office.com/e/93CyGCKcBEPACC will be attending meetings about this week commencing 23rd Oct so all feedback will be needed by 5pm on the 22nd Oct.

Apologies for the short notice but this was outside of our control. Thank you as always for your support.

Kind Regards,

 Abi Taylor

Support and Development Lead

Preparation for Adulthood (PFA) NavigatorParent Carer Representative (volunteer)