Fraudulent activity - Stop! Think Fraud

Fraudulent activity - Stop! Think Fraud

Hello Resident,

We are urging people to remain vigilant following a report of counterfeit notes being used in Nettlebed, near Henley on Thames.

This involves Male- White male- tanned, in his late 30's, around 5'10, broad/ stocky build, short dark hair, facial hair.
Wearing a dark grey/ blue suit with a lighter colour shirt and no tie who used counterfeit £50 notes to buy low value items.

The male was acting in an erratic manner which added pressure to the victim.

If you suspect that a note is fake, remain calm and advise the owner that you do not take high value notes as you do not have enough cash in your register to cover the change or simply say that you’re sorry but you believe the note is fake.

As a trader/seller you are not obliged to take cash.

A bank or Post Office will not reimburse you and they should not return the counterfeit note to you.

We have some tips to help you stay protected from other types 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.

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Message Sent By
Claire Hewett
(Police, PCSO, South and Vale)