The following is a local policing update for the Rural Flegg Villages neighbourhood
Weekly crime summary 7 February 2017
False loans and fraud warning
Police have been made aware of a couple of recent instances where individuals have made large purchases of Itunes vouchers and are concerned this may be linked to a scam.
It is important to protect yourself from frauds involving false loans/advance fee fraud and phishing. Fraudsters often target victims to make advance or upfront payments for goods, services or financial services that do not then materialise and we believe the Itunes vouchers have been purchased for this purpose.
Action Fraud offer specialist support and advise to help protect you from becoming a victim of this type of crime:
- Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.
- Many frauds start with a ‘phishing email’. Remember that banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details. Do not trust such emails, even if they look genuine. You can always call your bank using the phone number on a genuine piece of correspondence, website (typed directly into the address bar) or the phone book to check if you’re not sure.
- Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your card details on and post with your name and address on. Identity fraudsters don’t need much information in order to be able to clone your identity.
- Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring to prevent malware issues and computer crimes.
- Sign-up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option while shopping online. This involves you registering a password with your card company and adds an additional layer of security to online transactions with signed-up retailers.
- If you receive bills, invoices or receipts for things you haven’t bought, or financial institutions you don’t normally deal with contact you about outstanding debts, take action. Your identity may have been stolen.
- Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or emails offering business deals or loans out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always question it.
- If you have been a victim of fraud, be aware of fraud recovery fraud. This is when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a law enforcement officer and tell you they can help you recover the money you’ve already lost.
If you need advice about fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or contact police on 101.
Man robbed of cash at ATM in King Street, Great Yarmouth
Detectives in Great Yarmouth are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in King Street.
It happened on Monday 30 January as the victim was withdrawing cash from the ATM at the Nationwide Building Society at about 6.30pm.
The victim, a man in his 60s, was approached from behind and assaulted before having his money snatched.
The suspect got away with £200 and was seen to run off across the Market Place, past the Feathers pub towards Market Gates then Temple Road onto North Market Road.
He is described as young male, white, and was wearing a black hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms.
The victim was uninjured but left very shocked by the incident and police are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information concerning it.
Witnesses should contact Detective Constable Tom Gibbs at Great Yarmouth CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Further news, appeals and information can also be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.norfolk.police.uk