WEEKLY FRAUD UPDATE FROM WEST MERCIA POLICE - ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT - 10/11/2026

WEEKLY FRAUD UPDATE FROM WEST MERCIA POLICE - ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT - 10/11/2026

BUDGET £100 PAYMENT

Last week we highlighted the announcement in the Autumn Budget, where the Chancellor announced a one-off £100 payment for households in Council Tax Bands A-D and payable automatically to all eligible households in January 2027.

True to form, the Fraudsters have already started sending emails. In one case this claims to come from “Council Tax Services” although from a very questionable email address. It claims you have a “Credit Balance” on your Council Tax account and follows up this very tempting and positive situation with a clickable link to “Review my Account”.

Never click on links like this and remember that it is only your actual local Council that may contact you about such payments. Please also warn any vulnerable relatives and friends about this potential scam.

SHOPPING SAFELY ONLINE

As the Christmas gets ever nearer, shopping online intensifies as a potentially simple way to buy gifts. In the heat of the moment, it is easy to make errors and not check the validity of some of the tempting offers and websites online.

First and foremost, always check the retailer is legitimate by typing the official website address of the retailer directly into the browser address bar.  Also use consumer websites and reviews, and remember it is very easy for criminals to copy the design of a legitimate website though the domain name may be deceptive.

Also watch out for suspicious links in Text and Email messages and never be tempted to click on links from an unknown source.

Wherever possible use a credit card for payment as this may give you more protection under the Consumer Credit Act. Always try and avoid bank transfers for purchases from an unknown source.

Be sparing on any details you fill in at checkout and just complete the mandatory details. You do not always need to set up a fresh account so use the “Check out as a Guest option”.

Do not let your browser remember your payment details if requested and similarly on the Store account do not let them store your bank details.

Finally, protect your account by using strong passwords and create unique passwords that you do not use for any other account. Where possible turn on 2- Step Verification (2SV), also known as two-factor authentication (2FA), for further protection.

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

If you think you are a victim of fraud:

Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via www.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 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.