The 2018 FIFA World Cup will take place from 14th June – 15th July 2018.  The worldwide demand for match tickets is expected to be significant. Action Fraud have been alerted to several websites which are offering World Cup Tickets for sale, some at highly inflated prices. A FIFA spokesperson said:

 

“FIFA regards the illicit sale and distribution of tickets as a very serious issue and it has been reminding all football fans that FIFA.com/tickets is the only official and legitimate website on which to buy 2018 FIFA World Cup tickets.”

 

“FIFA has received various complaints and enquiries by customers of non-authorised ticket sales platforms, and has consistently confirmed that these companies cannot guarantee access to the stadiums as the respective tickets may be cancelled. Insofar customers are at risk of investing a high amount of money (also for travelling and accommodation) without having the certainty to actually be able to attend the matches.”

 

FIFA have also warned that “any tickets obtained from any other source, such as ticket brokers, internet auctions or unofficial ticket exchange platforms, will be automatically rendered void and invalid”.

 

Action Fraud received over six hundred reports and intelligence submissions in relation to the previous World Cup so it’s vital that football fans exercise caution when considering a purchase or making a transaction.

 

Protect yourself:
 

• Don’t take the risk. Tickets for the World Cup 2018 can only be purchased directly from FIFA. For more information, please visit www.FIFA.com/tickets. 

• A FAN ID is required for fans to be able to enter the 2018 FIFA World Cup stadiums. Exercise caution if using a third party to obtain your FAN ID for you. You may be charged inflated costs for the service and your personal details may be compromised. For more information, please visit www.fan-id.ru.

• Visit the Take Five website for the latest guidance on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

• For useful advice and information on the World Cup please visit the Government Guidance Pages; www.gov.uk/guidance/be-on-the-ball-world-cup-2018

Have your say in the rural crime survey


Residents of rural communities in Lincolnshire are being asked to help shape the future of their communities by taking part in one of the largest surveys undertaken in rural Britain.

The National Rural Crime Survey was last completed three years ago and revealed the huge financial cost of crime to rural communities – at £800 million per year.

The survey, completed by more than 13,000 people, also indicated that hard-pressed young families and farmers were the most frequent victims of crime, with the average cost of those crimes to a household being over £2,500 and for a business over £4,000.

Results also indicated a vicious circle of low expectations, leading to chronic under-reporting,  frustration and worry amongst residents of rural communities. The result was increasing fear of crime.

The survey made a significant impact on policing across rural Britain with many forces introducing rural crime teams or dedicated officers and improved collaboration across county borders.

Now the National Rural Crime Network is launching its second survey to identify any changes since 2015 and determine the true personal, social and economy cost of rural crime and anti-social behaviour.

Deputy Chief Constable Craig Naylor says:

“We welcome any opportunity to hear what our rural communities think of our policing and we will work with them to help us improve our service. “It can be very frightening for people living in rural areas if they are a victim of crime and this can lead to them feeling extremely vulnerable and isolated if we don’t get our response right. “Please have your say in this survey and help us to keep rural communities safe.”

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones said: “It’s crucial that the people of rural Lincolnshire make their voice heard.

“If we are to help our communities thrive and stay safe we need to understand the challenges and what more government, police forces and organisations can do to support the most isolated parts of the country.”

The survey is now available at www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net and is open for submissions until Sunday 10 June.

Op Signature – Protecting vulnerable victims of fraud

 

In the last few weeks we released information regarding a number of reports of Police Impersonation Fraud. We have in the last few days seen a rise in reports of a similar fraud, where criminals pose as the National Crime Agency (NCA). This offence involves victims being told to purchase high value goods or to withdraw large amounts of cash to hand over to a NCA Officer who will visit their address to collect it, at a later time. The fraudsters allege the goods or the money are counterfeit items.

 

If you have any friends or family who are elderly or vulnerable please pass this message on to them to make them aware.

 

If you have been contacted by anyone claiming to be a Police Officer or part of the National Crime Agency who is asking you to buy goods or hand over cash, please call us on 101 and report to Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.

 

If a crime is in progress please call 999.

 

www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/research/internal/2018survey/

Please take the time to fully complete this survey .
Thanks 
 

This is a message from the Louth NPT for DS Harwood, Louth CID. Over night in the Donington on bain area there has been a theft of a Red, Honda Quad 500 ATV. If you have any information regarding this incident, please call 101 quoting police incident 15 of 18th April 2018
 

Fraudulent websites alleging to offer cryptocurrency investments are dishonestly using the image of Martin Lewis, the founder and editor for moneysavingexpert.com, as an endorsement for their companies.


The adverts using Martin Lewis to promote illicit schemes can be found on social media and other websites. Clicking on the advert takes you to the full article where Martin Lewis image is presented along with fake quotes recommending investments in bitcoin and other digital currencies with the fraudulent “company”. Alternatively clicking on the advert will take you to a page where you are required to input your contact details, the suspect company then phones you and encourages you to invest.


Martin Lewis has published a warning to the public saying “I don’t do adverts. If you ever see one with my face or name on it, it is without my permission, and usually a scam”. The full article can be found here; blog.moneysavingexpert.com/2018/03/13/martin-lewis-spread-word-dont-believe-scam-bitcoin-code-bitcoin-trading-ads/?_.


Similarly these fraudulent websites are also misusing images and fabricating recommendations from the investors on Dragons Den. These adverts also claim the investors on the panel trade in cryptocurrencies using their services to try and legitimise their company.

  

What you need to do
 


Don’t assume it’s authentic: Professional-looking websites, adverts or social media posts don’t indicate that an investment opportunity is genuine. Criminals can exploit the names of well-known brands or individuals to make their scams appear legitimate.
Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: A genuine bank or financial organisation won’t force you to make a financial transaction on the spot. Always be wary if you’re pressured to invest quickly or promised returns that sound too good to be true.
Stay in control: Avoid unsolicited investment offers, especially those over cold calls. If you’re thinking about making an investment, get impartial advice from an independent financial adviser – never use an adviser from the company that contacted you, as this may be part of the scam.
Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.

Crime Prevention Advice

There is a rumour circulating on Facebook that if you type BFF in comments, and it shows up in green, then it means your Facebook account is secure.

THIS IS A HOAX!

Although it is true that Facebook comments including the word “BFF” in green are among known animations, its appearance (or lack thereof) is not related to account security in any way. A missing green “BFF” does not indicate anyone’s account was compromised ay any point, and instead most likely relates to browser settings

This article explains:
www.snopes.com/fact-check/does-facebooks-bff-prove-account-secure/
 
Links and attachments: Humberside Police will only ever link you to secure web-sites we trust. We will only send you attachments where we believe it is absolutely necessary.

Lincolnshire residents are being targeted by this fraud with individual losses amounting to several thousands of pounds.

 Fraudsters impersonating police officers.

This scam involves victims being told to purchase high value goods or to withdraw large amounts of cash to hand over to a police officer who will visit their address to collect it at a later time.  The fraudsters allege the goods or the money are counterfeit items.

Please be aware the police would never ask anyone to do this. 

We are asking people to make their elderly family members aware of this scam, and to raise as much awareness as possible.

Please report all fraud offences to Action Fraud, or call 101.

 www.actionfraud.police.uk  Tel: 0300 123 2040


 

Please find attached the Op Galileo newsletter which has been sent you as your area has suffered from Hare Coursing during the Op Galileo period.

Thank you for your continued support to prevent Hare Coursing in Lincolnshire.

Urgent observations are requested for missing male, Christopher Berry from the Louth area. 

Christopher is described as a white male, 45, 5'8", thin build and thin face and has a full bushy grey beard and moustache.  He is wearing a black top, white t-shirt, dark trousers and a baseball cap.  He may also be wearing silver aviator glasses and carrying a cat basket.

It is thought Christopher may be on foot as his car has been located at his home address.

There are concerns for Christopher's welfare and we request any sightings are reported to Lincolnshire Police immediately on 101 and quoting incident 136, 07/04/18.  Thank you.

 

Further advice from Action Fraud

Online Marketplace Fraud: Advice for Sellers

Action Fraud has received several reports indicating that sellers of items on online marketplace websites are falling victim to fraud by bogus buyers. Typically, the bogus buyers contact the seller wanting to purchase the item for sale and advise they will be sending the requested amount via PayPal or other electronic payment method. The seller then receives a fake, but official looking email stating they have been paid more than the asking price and to send the difference back to the buyer’s bank account. In reality, no money has ever been sent to the seller; the bogus buyer has spoofed an email and purported to be an online payment company. All contact is then severed with the seller.

It is important to remember that selling anything could make you a target to these fraudsters however the NFIB has identified that those offering sofas, large furniture and homeware are particularly vulnerable.

 Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic. Remember criminals can imitate any email address. Stay in control. Always use a trusted payment method online, such as Paypal, and have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for payment like bank transfers.

 Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: Always verify that you have received payment from the buyer before completing a sale.

 Listen to your instincts: Criminals will try and make unusual behaviour, like overpaying, seem like a genuine mistake.

Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.

If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

 

Magazine Advertisement Debt Alert

Victims receive a telephone call from someone purporting to be a bailiff enforcing a court judgement, attempting to recover funds for a non-existent debt. The fraudsters state the debt originates from the victim not paying a magazine advertisement subscription.

A variety of magazine names and publishers are being used by the fraudsters, who also commonly use the names of certified Bailiff Enforcement Agents such "Scott Davis", "Stephen King" and "Mark Taylor". These are names of certified Bailiff Enforcement Agents employed by debt enforcement companies.

The fraudsters request that the debt be repaid by bank transfer. If the victim refuses, they threaten to visit the victim’s home or place of work to recover the debt that is owed.

Once the money has been transferred, victims are not provided with receipt details of the payment or contact details. Later when victims make enquiries, they’ll discover that the debt did not exist, and often that no advertisement was placed.

This type of fraud is nationwide. Since 2017, there have been 52 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud. From the reports received, there are a range of different businesses and individuals being targeted.

1. Listen to your instincts: just because someone knows your basic details, such as your name and address, it doesn’t mean they are genuine.

2. Stay in control: always question cold callers. Always contact the companies directly using a known email or phone number.

3. Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: A legitimate company will be prepared to wait whilst you verify information.

If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.

Victims receive a telephone call from someone purporting to be a bailiff enforcing a court judgement, attempting to recover funds for a non-existent debt. The fraudsters state the debt originates from the victim not paying a magazine advertisement subscription.

 

A variety of magazine names and publishers are being used by the fraudsters, who also commonly use the names of certified Bailiff Enforcement Agents such “Scott Davis”, “Stephen King” and “Mark Taylor”. These are names of certified Bailiff Enforcement Agents employed by debt enforcement companies.
 

The fraudsters request that the debt be repaid by bank transfer. If the victim refuses, they threaten to visit the victim’s home or place of work to recover the debt that is owed.

 

Once the money has been transferred, victims are not provided with receipt details of the payment or contact details. Later when victims make enquiries, they’ll discover that the debt did not exist, and often that no advertisement was placed.

 

This type of fraud is nationwide. Since 2017, there have been 52 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud. From the reports received, there are a range of different businesses and individuals being targeted.

 

Protection Advice:
 

1. Listen to your instinct: just because someone knows your basic details, such as your name and address, it doesn’t mean they are genuine.

 

2. Stay in control: always question cold callers: always contact the companies directly using a known email or phone number.

 

3. Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: a legitimate company will be prepared to wait whilst you verify information.

 

If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

 

Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.

Action Fraud has received several reports indicating that sellers of items on online marketplace websites are falling victim to fraud by bogus buyers. Typically, the bogus buyers contact the seller wanting to purchase the item for sale and advise they will be sending the requested amount via PayPal or other electronic payment method. The seller then receives a fake, but official looking email stating they have been paid more than the asking price and to send the difference back to the buyer’s bank account. In reality, no money has ever been sent to the seller; the bogus buyer has spoofed an email and purported to be an online payment company. All contact is then severed with the seller.

 

It is important to remember that selling anything could make you a target to these fraudsters however the NFIB has identified that those offering sofas, large furniture and homeware are particularly vulnerable.

 

Protection Advice

 

• Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic. Remember criminals can imitate any email address. Stay in control. Always use a trusted payment method online, such as Paypal, and have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for payment like bank transfers.

 

• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision.  Always verify that you have received payment from the buyer before completing a sale.

 

• Listen to your instincts.  Criminals will try and make unusual behaviour, like overpaying, seem like a genuine mistake.

 

Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.

 

If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Suspicious circumstances reported in your area

There continue to be reports of rogue trader incidents across North and North East Lincolnshire – where persons posing as legitimate tradesmen (often wearing clothing with a company logo on and a liveried van) attend properties unannounced and uninvited and offer to carry out work on driveways, gardens and roofs and/or general handyman type jobs. Where the homeowner agrees to the work being carried out, a price is agreed but that price often rises when the work is completed due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ and the homeowner can be intimidated into paying an extortionate amount for work which is rarely up to standard.
 
Rogue trading is not a civil matter, the perpetrators are committing unlawful acts and can be prosecuted. However prevention is always better than detection so please spread the word that police advice is never to agree to any work being carried out by any ‘tradesman’ who has turned up uninvited.
 
There is no specific area that is being targeted but with the warmer weather on its way, there is likely to be an increase in this type of offence and we can all play a part in reducing the number of victims.
  
Be alert, but not alarmed by following these steps:
 
ü  Do not allow anyone you don’t know (especially those who attend unexpectedly or uninvited) into your house regardless of how genuine they seem.
ü  Never agree to work being carried out at your property to a tradesman who has turned up uninvited.
ü  Fit a chain to your door so you can check who is there without fully opening the door.
ü  Report suspicious activity to the police on 101 – persons or vehicles who look out of place in your community or whom you have seen knocking on several doors, for instance.
ü  Having been approached by a rogue trader and having declined their offer, if the person refuses to leave and becomes aggressive and intimidating, call 999.
ü  If descriptions of persons involved and/or vehicle details can be obtained and provided to police that would be ideal but never put yourself at risk in trying to obtain information.
ü  When you visit your family, friends and neighbours talk to them about this message, especially those who might be vulnerable. You can use the share button at the bottom of this message for those with social media. 

If you have any information about those responsible for this type of crime and want to remain anonymous you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
 
Links and attachments: Humberside Police will only ever link you to secure web-sites we trust. We will only send you attachments where we believe it is absolutely necessary.