As we have often mentioned in previous messages, criminals seize on topical opportunities to defraud the public. So firstly, what can be more topical than the FIFA World Cup about to kick off in the USA?

· FOOTBALL FAKES

There are two areas where criminals will be poised to defraud anyone looking for last minute opportunities to celebrate the World Cup.

Firstly, FAKE TICKETS will be circulating at too good to be true prices usually on social media and fake websites.

· Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails and social media

· If you are told that someone will meet you at the venue to handover tickets it is probably a scam

· Use secure payment methods such as a Credit Card, and be wary of payments by bank transfer

· Always buy tickets through official sellers and re-sellers and double check any websites for any subtle changes to make sure they are genuine.

Secondly, criminals will also take the opportunity to produce FAKE FOOTBALL TEAM KITS. These are usually poorly made and often marketed at too good to be true prices on the internet and other outlets.

So always check the product number on the inside label, if it is a genuine make it should come up on a search engine with an image of the genuine make of kit.

Check for pen marks on the label, another sure sign it has come from a factory making fakes.

And as before, if it sounds too cheap, then it is almost certainly a fake.

2.FAKE DELIVERIES

Criminals are consistently impersonating delivery and courier companies to defraud the public hoping that thought you were expecting a parcel delivery.

The criminal might send you a text, email or other message claiming they have been unable to make a delivery and ask you to pay a fee or provide additional details to rearrange. They may include a link to a convincing but fraudulent website asking for personal or financial information. The link could also download malware to your device.

Protect yourself:

· Remain vigilant and check delivery notifications very carefully to ensure they are genuine.

· Always access websites by typing them into the web browser and avoid clicking on links in texts.

· Check what you’ve ordered online and track your parcel through the official websites of legitimate delivery companies.

· Report suspicious messages by forwarding them to 7726.

SOURCE: TAKE 5

3.FAKE NOTES

A few weeks ago, we highlighted the number of counterfeit notes in circulation and especially being used to make purchases from online marketplaces such as Facebook. This problem has not gone away so be aware when accepting cash payments

How do you check if a bank note is genuine?

· Check the holographic window – inside you should see an image of King Charles III or Queen Elizabeth II and the value of the note around the edge, as well as the wording “Bank of England”

· Check the foil – if you tilt the note the words change between the value of the note and the word “Pounds”

· Raised Print – you should be able to feel the print such as the words “Bank of England” in the bottom right-hand corner

· Detection Pens – these were designed for paper notes so are not safe to use on the new polymer notes

· Compare with a genuine note - small differences in colour, print clarity and the overall feel of the note should be obvious

If you are unsure, then do not accept the note, and ask for an alternative method of payment such as a bank transfer.

For fuller details download the Bank of England guide by clicking on the following link:

How to check your banknotes

Please feel free to share these messages with any potentially vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours

If you have fallen for a fraud,

Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via reportfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudulent caller’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received toreport@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.

FRAUDULENT HOLIDAY OFFERS

Whilst people increasingly use the Internet as a marketplace to book their holidays, at the same time fraudsters and criminals are also ready to jump in an exploit this marketplace with fraudulent offers and deals

These offers are many and various, and range from fake caravan or motorhome listings, to the “too good to be true” offers for holidays, villa rentals and holiday lets. Criminals use a variety of methods to trick the public into handing over their money and personal information.

Always remember

Be suspicious of any “too good to be true” offers or prices – if it’s at a rock bottom price ask yourself why
Do your research before making any purchases by reading reviews of the site or person you’re purchasing from. Before booking accommodation ask what checks the agent makes on both the landlord and advertised property.
Verify that the address exists through web searches and online maps. Use Google images to check where else an image has been used, as it may have been copied from a genuine website.
Where possible, book directly with an established hotel, or through a reputable travel company/agent that is a member of a trade body such as ABTA, ABTOT or ATOL.
If you do decide to book independently, establish if you’re dealing with the property owner, a letting agent or via the local tourist information desk.
Ensure you read the terms and conditions before making any bookings to confirm exactly what you’re being sold. Double-check both your travel and accommodation information, particularly if there is a long gap between making the booking and arrival.
Always use the secure payment options recommended by reputable online travel providers
Where possible, use a credit card when making purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75 rules.
Always access the website you are purchasing from by typing it into your web browser, and be wary of clicking on links in unsolicited emails. The website should use the padlock symbol to indicate that the site is secure.
You can check if a website is genuine or not by typing it into www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite
Never click on links or attachments in social media posts or emails.
Question uninvited approaches and also contact organisations directly to confirm requests using a known email or phone number.
You may be offered the chance to go on a free holiday in return for watching a presentation; this may be a Holiday Club Fraud
Only give out your personal or financial information to services you have consented to and are expecting to be contacted by

Please feel free to share these messages with any potentially vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours

If you have fallen for a fraud,

Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via reportfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudulent caller’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received toreport@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.