Fraudulent activity on the increase across the North East

We’re working with agencies and the police to understand and raise awareness about the sharp increase in fraud related crime.

The following information is some of the recent findings highlighted in a monthly report published by the Regional Organised Crime Unit Network.

The cyber category with the highest number of reports is ‘hacking into social media’ and ‘email accounts’. The most common theme appears to be Facebook and Instagram social media platforms being hacked.

The top three trends here in the North East are:

• The victim’s email account has been hacked and fraudsters send a message to the victim’s contact list asking to borrow money.
• The victim receives a message to say they have won a substantial amount of money and must give their bank login details so money can be transferred.
  
  
• The victim’s account is being overtaken and used to promote investments and cryptocurrency.

We’re also seeing an increase in free holiday giveaway scams. This is where victims are paying for UK getaways using platforms such as Facebook, Booking.com and Air BnB and discovering when they arrive at their destination, their trip wasn’t booked and they have lost their money.

Victims are also lured into clicking on links and entering their details for free holidays or vouchers to claim their trips. Criminals are using these details for further scams.

Remember, if something looks suspicious, it probably is. Don’t click on any links you are unsure of and don’t give out your personal details.

With the rising cost of living, we’re facing more financial pressure than ever before and criminals are exploiting this.

Change your passwords regularly. Use a strong password with three random words but don’t use names that can be guessed e.g. your pet’s name. Try using symbols and numbers.

If in doubt, report suspicious activity to the police on 101.