Fraud experts have given specialist training to neighbourhood police officers in Cumbria to help them protect the public from one of the fastest-rising crime threats.
Members of the Economic Crime Unit at the county force put on an event to provide more information and advice on this type of offending to officers who are out-and-about in the community.
Fraud and cybercrime continue to evolve rapidly, posing ongoing challenges for law enforcement and the public.
The event was held to help officers engaging with the public while out on duty in neighbourhood teams help prevent people falling victim by raising awareness.
Detective Constable Claire Keyes, of the force's Economic Crime Unit, was one of the speakers at the event.
She said: “Fraud and economic crime is something that can touch anyone.
“Whether it is identity theft, a business falling victim to a scam or someone losing money in an online fraud, these crimes can have huge consequences.
“Our neighbourhood officers are the people most likely to speak with the public while out on their duties, so it is essential they know as much as possible about fraud.
“The event also provided PCSOs with material to take into schools to educate students.”
Guest speakers included Ceri Blakely, regional fraud prevent co-ordinator with the Northwest Regional Organised Crime Unit, who supports police forces across the northwest.
CAPTION: Ceri Blakely, regional fraud prevent co-ordinator with the Northwest Regional Organised Crime Unit, speaking at the event.
DC Keyes said: “We’re grateful to our speakers and we hope the event helped better equip our neighbourhood officers with the knowledge and tools to help and protect people.
“I’d like to stress that this is an issue that can strike anywhere and with anyone.
“People can sometimes be reluctant to report fraud due to embarrassment because they believe have been ‘scammed’ or ‘taken in’ by the fraudsters.
“But people should know that anyone can be a victim of economic crime, from any walk of life, and fraudsters operate in a professional manner designed to deceive.
“We would always encourage people to report any instances of fraud as soon as possible – so the correct agencies can try to catch the offenders and stop it happening again.”
The event was held at the Learning and Development Centre at Cumbria Police headquarters, near Penrith.
What to do if you have been the victim of fraud
The first thing you should do if you’ve been a victim of fraud is to contact Report Fraud. You can report a fraud by calling them on 0300 123 2040.
If there is a crime being committed right now or if you are in danger you should call the police on 999.
If debit or credit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, your first step should be to contact your bank or credit card company.
For more advice about fraud, go to: www.reportfraud.police.uk