Weekly Fraud update from West Mercia Police - Economic Crime Unit - 25/11/2025

Weekly Fraud update from West Mercia Police - Economic Crime Unit - 25/11/2025

BANK ACCOUNT FRAUD

Regular reports of bank account fraud continue to be received both locally and nationally.

The first sign that Bank Account Fraud has occurred is usually when transactions which you have not made, show up on your bank statements.

Do not let criminals steal your identity, this may be done by taking personal documents thrown out with your rubbish or by contacting you by phone or email and posing as a legitimate organisation.

How do you protect yourself?

Always shred any paperwork with your name, address, personal or financial details before throwing it out

Beware of unsolicited emails or phone calls from callers claiming to be your bank or building society; most banks will not contact you this way

Banks will never ask you for your PIN or Password or to update your Account details over the phone

Always check the sender’s email address

Always hang up on suspicious phone calls, wait 5 minutes and then ring back on a designated number on your bank statement or bank card to check; always check you have a dialling tone and where possible phone back on a different phone

Check your bank statements regularly for unrecognised transactions

If you move house, make sure your post is redirected by Royal Mail

Notify your bank immediately if you see any unusual activity on your bank account – you can call straight through to most major banks by dialling 159 as the fastest route

BLACK FRIDAY IS IMMINENT!

Black Friday is reported as one of the worst periods of the year for retail fraud activity. The average loss among victims scammed previously is in the order of £500.

So, in the rush to claim that Black Friday bargain that looks too good to be true:

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 okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours.

If you have been a victim of fraud

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 prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.

You can also report fraudulent mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudster’s phone number.

Scam calls received on WhatsApp can be blocked by opening the chat with the suspect phone number and tap on “Block”.

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.

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Message Sent By
Michael Barbour
(Police, PSV, Economic Crime Unit – Fraud Protect’)