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Latest column from Commissioner Allen: Online Fraud on the Rise- What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Online fraud is now the most common crime in the UK — and it’s rising at an alarming rate. From scam investment opportunities to fake parcel delivery texts, fraudsters are targeting people across County Durham and Darlington every day. The methods are constantly evolving, and the impact can be devastating — financially and emotionally.

 

Fraud now accounts for over 40% of all reported crime and analysis of report to Action Fraud show that 86% of frauds had a cyber (using computers/technology) element to them.  And here in our own communities, reports to Durham Constabulary show a sharp increase in online scams, particularly phishing emails, bogus bank calls, and romance fraud.

 

One local resident in Bishop Auckland was scammed out of thousands of pounds after being tricked by someone claiming to be from her bank, warning of “unauthorised transactions.” The fraudster convinced her to transfer her money to a “safe account” — which turned out to be under the scammer’s control.

 

In Darlington, a retired man lost thousands of pounds to a scam investment site advertising high returns in cryptocurrency. By the time he realised it was fake, his money had vanished offshore.

 

These are not isolated cases. Fraudsters deliberately exploit our trusting nature, fear and urgency (panic) — and anyone, of any age from any walk of like can fall victim to their scams.

 

As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I am working closely with Durham Constabulary and national partners to tackle fraud, bring offenders to justice, and ensure victims get the support they need.

 

Adopting the following crime prevention tips can prevent these crimes from occurring. 

  • Stay alert - Trust your instincts. Stop and think before parting with your money. Challenge if its fake and contact your bank immediately if you think you have been scammed. Genuine organisations will never pressure you to act immediately.
  • Don’t give out personal or financial details unless you’re absolutely sure who you’re dealing with.
  • Never transfer money to someone you’ve only met online or over the phone, no matter how convincing they seem.
  • Create a strong password using three random words you will remember.  Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Starting email, banking and social media replace your old passwords with new ones.
  • Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible — this adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is compromised.
  • Regularly update your devices with the latest software on your phone, table or smart device can immediately improve your security.

    • If you think you may have been a victim of fraud, quick action can limit the damage and improve the chances of catching those responsible. Here’s what you should do:

  • Report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. You can report fraud or cybercrime any time of the day or night.
  • Contact your bank immediately if you believe your financial information has been compromised.
  • Report suspicious activity to Durham Constabulary via 101, or 999 in an emergency.
  • Seek support. Get support through our Victim Care and Advice Service on 0303 040 1099.

    • No one should feel embarrassed about being defrauded. These criminals are professionals — and they rely on victims silence to keep committing their crimes. By reporting incidents and raising awareness, you can prevent others from falling victim to fraud.

     

    By working together, we can make our communities safer and more resilient to the threat of fraud.

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    Charlotte Pickering
    (Durham PCC, PCC, Durham)
    Neighbourhood Alert