Weekly Fraud Update - West Mercia Police 12/09/23

West Mercia Police operates a messaging system called Neighbourhood Matters which enables residents, businesses and community groups to keep in touch with local policing teams. Anyone can sign up to this service at Home Page - Neighbourhood Matters but certain alerts will be posted here on the website.

WEEKLY FRAUD UPDATE FROM WEST MERCIA POLICE - ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT - 12/09/2023

MOTORISTS BEWARE!

This week we are focusing on two scams that are targeting the car driver, DVLA scams have been around for some time now, but also criminals have now found a new way to scam motorists since the advent of cashless parking systems and parking Apps.

How do you spot a DVLA Scam?

Scammers often pose as the DVLA using a variety of avenues to glean your personal details, banking details and ultimately your money.

• DVLA texts – the DVLA does not send out text messages with built in links asking for payments or offering refunds, so beware of any such texts with “Final Requests” or offering a vehicle tax refund, or even stating DVLA have been trying to contact you
• DVLA Emails – the DVLA does not send out emails with links, always check the sender’s email address and that it ends with “@dvla.gov.uk”. the fake emails usually relate to either “Failed Payments” or “Vehicle tax not up to date”
• Driving Licence renewal – And finally always be vigilant when renewing your driving licence online that you are using the genuine website ending in “. gov.uk”, and not one of the websites that sometime appear in search engines which will charge unnecessary fees.

Car park charging scams

With many App based and cashless parking systems being introduced by local councils, a new opportunity has opened up for scammers. Whilst Parking Payment machines often carry scannable QR codes to help you download the Operator’s App, please be aware that that scammers are also adding fake QR codes to the machines, taking you to a false website and asking you for your payment details. Motorist may then find they have signed up to a recurring payment each month.

As ever, be vigilant

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives 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 OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud

ALWAYS REMEMBER:
• Avoid disclosing security details
• Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
• Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number
• Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests
• Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk