Fraud prevention efforts continue

Devon and Cornwall Police is supporting a fraud awareness campaign which was launched across the region yesterday.

The Home Office funded ‘Spot It, Stop It’ campaign aims to raise awareness of various scams people may fall prey to, particularly doorstep fraud and telephone and online scams.

There were 8,600 reports of fraud in Devon and Cornwall last year resulting in the loss of around £9 million.

Victims are usually aged between 61 and 90.

As part of the campaign the Home Office is surveying a cross-section of people over 60 to provide a snapshot of the awareness around fraud.

The same group will be surveyed again following a distribution of fraud awareness information to see if their understanding has increased.

Leaflets and other materials are being distributed across the Force area and an advert campaign is also being run in local newspapers.

Residents have also taken part in focus groups to help identify the ways in which they currently protect themselves from different types of fraud and the kinds of advice they want to receive.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the types of tactics fraudsters use and provide advice on how people can prevent it. It is supported by Action Fraud, Trading Standards, Victim Support, Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch.

Detective Chief Inspector John Shuttleworth, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “The over 60s are particularly vulnerable to this type of crime so we welcome the Home Office’s efforts in raising awareness of fraud in this region.

“Often elderly victims are unwittingly defrauded of their entire life savings being left distraught and traumatised in many cases.

“Because of the nature of the fraud and the vulnerable victims involved it is believed this offence is currently under-reported, therefore we would urge the public to come forward and tell us if they have been contacted by fraudsters.”

“This campaign and the research being carried out will be invaluable in helping us to communicate effectively with both older people and the general public in reducing and preventing this type of crime.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg said: "I fully support the 'Spot It, Stop It' campaign to protect vulnerable members in our communities from becoming victims.

"I would ask the public across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to please do all you can to highlight this campaign with your family members, friends or vulnerable individuals in your community, especially those who are elderly.

"Too often I hear of individuals whose lives have been hugely impacted upon by these types of crimes and it's important we raise awareness and protect individuals before they become a victim."

Home Office and police advice around this type of fraud is:

Spot it:

Don’t feel pressured into making on the spot decisions.
Check people are who they say they are.

Stop it:

Don’t share your personal information.
Report any call or contact you are concerned about.
Report fraud to 0300 123 2040 / www.actionfraud.police.uk

If you are concerned and the caller is still in the area call 999.

For further information around fraud and how to protect yourself visit: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/fraud