The Fraud & Scam Bulletin
December 2024
Your monthly update direct from West Mercia Police on the latest scams and frauds please click here to access:WMPNLDEC24
HOW TO STAY SAFE
So online shoppers are urged to protect their accounts. Do use secure payment methods to stay ahead of the threat from fraudsters who are particularly active with the build-up in Christmas shopping online. The Fraud & Scam Bulletin DECEMBER 2024 Your monthly update direct from West Mercia Police on the latest scams and frauds
• Protect your accounts: set up 2-step verification and use 3 Random Word passwords to prevent Cyber criminals gaining access to any of your accounts (see Three random words – https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/)
• Be wary about where you shop online – check out Online Retailers, especially ones you have not used before and make sure they are legitimate
• Don’t pay for goods or services by bank transfer unless you know and trust the person. Payments via bank transfer may not offer you sufficient protection if you become a victim of fraud.
• Pay Securely: use a Credit Card when shopping online as most major Credit Card companies protect online purchases. Also using a Credit Card rather than a Debit Card means your main bank account will not be affected if your details are stolen.
• Whenever you pay always look for the “Closed Padlock “symbol in the web address bar showing your connection is secure
• Finally, Do not let Christmas come early for criminals and fraudsters