Weekly update from West Mercia Police - Economic Crime Unit - 02/06/2026

Weekly update from West Mercia Police - Economic Crime Unit - 02/06/2026

A TRIO OF FAKES

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.

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