MOBILE PHONE THEFT

Criminals used to steal mobile phones for the value of selling the handsets on to anyone who was willing to pay. However nowadays they are much more likely to be stolen for the value of the contents and the access they can get to your personal and financial information, and so we see a rise in mobile phone thefts.

For example, many users have their Banking Apps or banking card details in a  “Wallet” on the phone, and if they are not securely protected then the criminal has a rich source of information to use, and can empty your bank account very quickly. Also remember never to keep any physical bank cards with your mobile phone.

So how can you protect yourself?

•    Never leave your phone. iPad or Tablet unattended, out of your sight or visible on a table in a public place
•    Make sure your phone is not visibly protruding from your pocket where the opportunist can grab it
•    Be aware of your surroundings and only use your phone if it is safe to do so; in public places try and keep your back to a wall when using the phone, so no one can come behind you and grab the phone
•    On busy city streets watch out for anyone on bikes or mopeds following you
•    When you have finished using it, make sure you put it away, out of sight
•    Never store Passwords on your phone

Further steps to take in case your phone is stolen

•    Secure your phone by making best use of its security features with a strong PIN, Passcode or Password which can stop anyone using it if stolen
•    Get your IMEI number which is unique to your phone and can help to locate it if lost or stolen – dial *#06# on your keypad then keep a note of it in a secure place
•    Use a Tracking app – you can set this up on your phone so you can then see where it is quickly from your laptop or other device
•    Turn off message previews so thieves will not be able see any messages with reset or login codes when your phone is locked 
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Please feel free to share this information with any family, friends, or neighbours that you think it may be able to assist.
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Take Five to Stop Fraud

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

ALWAYS REMEMBER:
•    Avoid disclosing security details
•    Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
•    Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number 
•    Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests
•    Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams
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If you’ve fallen for a scam, 
report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early 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 scam caller’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@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.