Author: FVCA

West Mercia Police have been made aware that there is a scam operating on Facebook that is looking to con people by requesting they deposit money into a fake account.

Detective Jon Cooper said: “The fraudsters are doing this by hacking a victim’s account and then messaging the victim’s ‘friends’ asking them to lend them some money, normally around £400 and depositing the money in the fake account. Some local people’s businesses have also been targeted by hackers accessing a victim’s Facebook account.

“Sadly, some of these attempts have been successful and naturally the victims are feeling violated and taken advantage of. I would please urge everyone to be vigilant of this scam and to never digitally deposit money to anyone’s account without confirming in person if possible it is in fact someone they know. “Some online scams are very clever and very convincing however there are steps you can take to help protect yourself –

• Strong passwords are nonsensical and made up of a mixture of letters, numbers and punctuation.
• Make sure you update your software and your antivirus before using the internet.
• Always check when banking online that the ‘https’ shows the connection is secure.
• Remember to shred documents containing personal details before throwing away.
• Think scams. If an online bargain seems too good to be true it probably is.

https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2020/january/facebook-based-money-scam/

To keep up to date with the latest scams visit the Action Fraud website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ Members for the public – 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm). Businesses, charity or other organisations suffering a live cyber-attack – 0300 123 2040 (Available 24/7)

There has been a recent increase in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles in West Mercia. This is due to a rise in the value of the precious metals they contain.

PC Dale Tomkins said: “Thieves tend to target vehicles such as vans and 4x4s that have a higher ground clearance making the converters more easily accessible. However, all types of vehicles are vulnerable.

“Please help us tackle this crime by taking steps to reduce the chances of your vehicle being targeted.
“We need to know about any suspicious activity around parked vehicles. Please contact us on 101 with any information about what is happening in your area.”

Tips on how to protect your vehicle:
• Keep your vehicle in a garage if you can
• If you park it on a driveway, install motion activated lighting
• Otherwise, park in a well-lit, populated area
• Forensic security marking kits are available to mark your catalytic converter
• Locks are also available that can be fitted to your converter
• Use high visibility signage to deter thieves

For crimes in progress call 999. For non-emergencies report online at www.westmercia.police.uk/report

Please be aware and share the below message, especially with your elderly neighbours

November and December has seen a rise in the number of attempts to defraud elderly and vulnerable people out of their banked savings. Criminals pretending to be police officers have already obtained through a type of scam known as ‘courier fraud’ over £80,000 and we have had victims come forward from in Malvern and in and around Worcester.

Detective Inspector Emma Wright from the West Mercia Police Economic Crime Unit said: “Not all attempts of this scam are successful and it is reassuring to see that our clear messaging that no police officer will ever ask you for money on the phone is a message that people are hearing. Sadly however, some vulnerable people have been taken advantage of and have handed over thousands of pounds. In one case a victim withdrew over £10,000 and returned home to give it to a ‘courier.’

“Don’t trust anyone who calls you about your bank details or asking you to go to a bank to withdraw money. Always hang up and wait 10 minutes to ensure the call has disconnected before calling 101.

“If you want to check they are legitimate, find their number via directory enquiries and call them back.
“If possible, also use a different telephone line to make sure the line is clear e.g. a mobile phone or the phone of a trusted friend or relative. If they are genuine, you should be able to get through to them. You can also check what they are saying is true with your bank.

“Scams can be very elaborate, very convincing and cruel. If you think someone is trying to scam you, tell someone straight away. Don’t be pressured and give yourself time to stop and think.

“Please remember the police will never contact you asking for your bank card or cash. We will also never ask you to purchase expensive items or transfer money to a safe account. If someone does, it’s a scam – provide no details and hand nothing over, hang up and report it immediately to the police on 101 or 999 if there are people at your property to take money from you.

“We are working hard to identify these criminals trying to con our elderly and vulnerable family members and friends and a number of arrests have been made and charges have been brought. However we would ask the public to spread this message of caution and awareness throughout the wider community and would urge you to pass on, particularly to elderly relatives or neighbours, information about these scams and ask them not to trust anyone who asks them for their bank details or for money over the phone.”

What is Courier Fraud?

• A phone caller pretending to be a police officer who is investigating unidentified activity/ fraud in their bank account and that they must cooperate with the ‘investigation’.

• The victim is then persuaded to withdraw funds and hand them over to the ‘investigators’, either by some remote means or in person to a courier.

• The victim is told that if the bank cashier queries the large withdrawal that they are to say it is for work/repairs in the home or Christmas shopping.

• Alternatively the victim may be asked to hand over bank cards, vouchers or other valuable items. They may also be asked to transfer funds to another account, which is controlled by the fraudsters.

• In some cases a victim is encouraged to hang up the phone and dial 101 to confirm with the police that the request is genuine. In these cases the line has stayed connected to the fraudster, who puts on another person to confirm this. In some cases a dial tone is played to the victim so they think they have called the genuine police. This is why we advise putting down the phone and waiting 10 minutes or using another telephone line. This way victims can be sure the call has disconnected from the fraudster.

For further information regarding Courier Fraud, please visit the West Mercia Police website https://www.westmercia.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/personal-fraud/door-to-door-courier-fraud/

Overnight a ewe has been killed, butchered and taken from a field near the “scrap yard”. Fencing has been damaged.

Did you see or anything suspicious last night? Please report to the police, tel. 101.

Please remain vigilant. Always report suspicious activity and share with your local verified Neighbourhood Watch Group admin@fvca.org.uk

Last night (10th September) a car with 2 Asian men were acting very suspiciously around Fairfield. They parked in the Swan car park at the very top where it dark. One man came from Swan Lane and got in the car which then left. The car then appeared coming out of Swan Lane and returned to the car park at the top end again. This was happening between 11.15pm and 11.30pm.

At 11.45pm the car was parked in the driveway of Orchard Farm, with the engine running and just the driver. At midnight 2 men appeared from Swan Lane direction and got into the car which then drove off at speed.

This suspicious activity has been reported to the police, including the vehicle make (Dark Grey BMW) and a distinct registration number.

If you see similar or any suspicious activity:

Phone the Police, telephone 101 or if a crime is taking place 999

Share with the Community Association (admin@fvca.org.uk) so that other residents can be made aware.