Operation Signature is the Surrey Police campaign to identify and support vulnerable victims of fraud.
Fraud is becoming more complex and deceptive, much of which is targeted at vulnerable and elderly people.
Statistics show that one in five people fall victim to fraud every year and nearly 50 per cent of all adults have been targeted by fraudsters. That shows how common theses scams and how many people fall for their tricks.
Key things to remember
- Never send or give money to anyone you don’t know or trust.
- Check people are who they say they are.
- Don’t share your personal information.
- Make decisions in your own time – do not be pressurised into a quick response
- If in doubt phone a relative or a friend for advice.
- Do not trust anyone who cold calls you about your bank account or a problem with your computer.
Under no circumstances would your bank or police request a card PIN or security details over the telephone, or arrange collection of your bank cards from your home.
Surrey Police have a process for recognising victims of all fraud as victims of crime and providing preventative measures to support and protect them from further targeting. This can include:
- helping them to change their phone number to an ex-directory number
- contacting family to suggest power of attorney
- mail re-direction
- offering them advice on call blocking devices
- referring them to other support services
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