Fraudulent activity - Stop! Think Fraud - Dorchester-On-Thames

Fraudulent activity - Stop! Think Fraud - Dorchester-On-Thames

Hello Resident,

We are urging people to remain vigilant following a report of ‘message scam’ in Dorchester-On-Thames

Message scams, particularly those claiming to be from a son or daughter, are a common form of fraud where scammers impersonate family members to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information. These scams often appear on platforms like WhatsApp or through text messages. The scammer may use a generic greeting like "Hi Mum" and fabricate a story about needing money, often due to a broken phone or a need to pay bills. They will then request payment to a new, unknown number.

How to spot and avoid "Hi Mum" scams:

Verify the sender: Don't immediately trust the message just because it's from a number you recognize. Contact your daughter on her known phone number to confirm the message is genuine.

Be wary of generic greetings: If the message is generic, like "Hi Mum", and doesn't include your daughter's name, it's a red flag.

Don't rush: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, but take your time to verify the message before transferring any money.

Don't share personal information: Be cautious about sharing bank details or any other personal information.

Report the scam: If you suspect a scam, report it to your bank and to Action Fraud.

We have some tips to help you stay protected from this type of fraud:

Fraudsters will frequently try and rush you, but it is always recommended to Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams

Things to look out for include:

Authority or a ‘trusted’ voice - Does the message claim to be from someone official? Your bank, doctor, energy supplier or a government department for instance?

False urgency - Are you being told you have a limited time to respond? Or been asked to keep the call a secret from family or friends?

Emotion - Do they use language that makes you feel fearful, hopeful, or curious?

Scarcity - Are you being offered something that is in short supply or not widely available? Tickets for a concert? An amazing holiday deal?

Current events - Does the message seem timely? Criminals often exploit current news stories, big events, or specific times of year?

Building relationships - Is someone showing particular interest in you, your family, or your circumstances? Have you received unexpected contact from someone?

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud, please remember that it is not your fault.

Please report to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Victims First provides free emotional and practical support to victims and witnesses of crime, including family members of victims. Contact them on 0300 1234 148, by Online Chat or via an Online Referral.

The Fraud Protection Toolkit focuses on the contact routes used by fraud criminals and provides the actions which someone may choose to take to try and minimise the risk as much as possible.

It also includes sections on how to safeguard personal information and finances, as well as a dedicated section detailing how it may be possible to recover money lost to fraud.

Please share information of this alert within your communities to help prevent further instances.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Sarah Jones
(Thames Valley Police, PCSO, Didcot and Wallingford)