Tens of thousands of families across North Lincolnshire are being asked to step up and join a new offensive designed to crack-down on scammers.
People are being urged to stop and think before making payments over the phone, online, or to doorstep traders.
And to help people, simple cards are being distributed across North Lincolnshire, reminding people to stop before making payments, challenge the people asking for payments and to protect themselves.
The first wave will see more than 40,000 cards distributed to the area’s rural communities.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, welcomed the scheme. He said: “We are working together to crackdown on those horrible people who prey on people’s trust and goodwill – just a simple reminder to stop and think can go a long way.
“The worst of these criminals strip people’s hard-earned cash and often target vulnerable people. It is exploitation and it will not be tolerated.
“These cards are just part of the solution – we can all do more to protect friends, family and neighbours.”
Before making any payments, the easy-to-follow cards encourage people to:
- 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.
The crackdown, Fraud Focus, is being promoted by the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said: “Sadly the number of people being targeted by fraudsters across our area and nationally is huge. It is a serious crime committed by unscrupulous criminals, therefore it’s vital to ensure that as many of people as possible are fraud aware and are empowered to say no to fraud.
“It is also important to remove the stigma and embarrassment that victims often feel. I urge everyone to take time to learn more about spotting the signs of fraud and discuss the dangers with your loved ones. We need to stop feeling embarrassed about becoming victims and take back our right to say no to fraud.”
Chief Superintendent Matt Peach of Humberside Police, added:
“The impact of fraud is being felt across the UK. Here in North Lincolnshire we are taking a stand against the criminals and need our residents to help us.
“The Community Safety Partnership is working really hard to ensure that we raise awareness to prevent fraud occurring but also share information to target the offenders appropriately.
“Please help us spread the messages particularly to members of our community are more vulnerable to safeguard and prevent crimes occurring.
If you are concerned that you have been a victim of fraud, please contact your bank immediately and then report the incident to Action Fraud, by calling: 0300 123 2040.
