By Inspector Maxine Cilia, Spelthorne Borough Commander
Well, previously I have asked for your New Year resolutions to be part of a crime prevention check on your property, and for fraud. But the time has come when this can no longer be just a resolu-tion which you do for one week in January. It needs to be part of what you do every day.
Fraud scams are on the increase and whether you have nearly sent money for a parcel to be delivered, responded to a random message to say a family member has lost their phone or been caught out on a banking scam, I could probably take an easy bet to suggest that it has happened to every one of us.
Scammers will target our phones, our internet or other electronic devices, our email and electronic banking. There is no doubt they will also try to scam people with affairs of the heart; romance is one of the most prominent types of fraud. So to avoid being scammed, be suspicious of all ‘too good to be true’ offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes. Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision. Don’t hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s. Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comforta-ble with. Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.
Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email. Don’t just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a compa-ny’s success.
Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment. If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help.
Please don’t be embarrassed about report-ing a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there’s no shame in being deceived. By reporting it, you’ll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.
Current crime issues that we are still look-ing at in your local area include theft from motor vehicles, which is unfortunately on the increase, and theft of mopeds and motorbikes. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle on show as we have seen an increase in smashing of windows to grab bags and laptops etc. As always, I ask that if you have any information about these crime types, do let us know via 101 online via the Surrey Police website or by the Spelthorne Beat Facebook Messenger service.
Maxine.Cilia@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Mobile Tel 07967988468
Landline 01483 631676