USEFUL LINKS & CONTACTS
REPORTING
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE: Call 999 in an emergency. For all other matters please visit WMPolice Online
https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/
EMERGENCY SMS SERVICE FOR DEAF, HARD OF HEARING AND SPEECH IMPAIRED PEOPLE
In an emergency you can use your phone to contact the emergency services by texting 999.
You MUST register your mobile phone number before using this service. Just send the word ‘Register’ in a text message to the number 999 and follow the simple instructions you receive back.
DUDLEY TRADING STANDARDS SCAMS UNIT
The unit engages with potential scam victims in the Dudley Borough, to raise awareness, improve reporting of scams and stop financial abuse. Contact the unit directly on: 01384 818871 or trading.standards@dudley.gov.uk
For more information visit https://www.dudley.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/rogue-traders-and-scams/scams/
ACTION FRAUD
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime where you can report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can report fraud or cyber crime using their online reporting service any time of the day or night; the service enables you to both report a fraud and find help and support.
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk t. 0300 123 2040
DUDLEY TRADING STANDARDS
Rogue Traders and scammers pretend to be legitimate traders or sales people offering goods, services or repairs, but with no real intention of carrying out anything in return for your money. Report to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline (contact number 0808 2231133) https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue/
You can also visit https://www.dudley.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/rogue-traders-and-scams/ for more information.
STOP LOAN SHARKS
Loan sharks are illegal money lenders who often target low income and desperate families and individuals. They might seem friendly at first but borrowing from them is never a good idea – even if you feel you have no other options.
They charge very high rates of interest and don't give you much (if any) paperwork to confirm the arrangements they've made with you. They often take illegal action to collect the money they've lent you, such as threatening violence or taking away your credit cards or valuables.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders while supporting those who have borrowed money from a loan shark. If you or someone you know is the victim of a loan shark, help and support is available.
For more information or to report a loan shark anonymously visit https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/
USEFUL WEBSITES
GET SAFE ONLINE
Unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/
ACTION FRAUD
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. They provide a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime.
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk t. 0300 123 2040
CITIZENS ADVICE
Don't feel embarrassed about reporting a scam – scammers are clever and scams can happen to anyone. Reporting a scam helps track down and stop scammers. This prevents other people from being scammed. for more information visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/
VICTIM SUPPORT
If you’ve experienced cyber crime, you can contact the charity Victim Support for free and confidential support and information 01384 241511 or www.victimsupport.org.uk/live-chat or visit www.victimsupport.org.uk
Victim Support My Support Space is an online resource designed to help you manage the impact that crime has had on you www.mysupportspace.org.uk/MOJ
AGE UK - SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS
Every year, millions of people in the UK are scammed – from all walks of life. If you've been scammed, you're not alone, and there's support available https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/support-for-scam-victims/
TELEPHONE PREFERENCE SERVICE (TPS)
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is the UK’s only official ‘Do Not Call’ register for landline and mobile numbers. It allows people and businesses to opt out of unsolicited live sales and marketing calls.
It’s free and quick to register a telephone number. Visit: https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/
MAIL PREFERENCE SERVICE (MPS)
The Mailing Preference Service is a free service set up to enable consumers to have their names and home addresses in the UK removed from lists used by the industry. If you want to stop unsolicited mail register with the MPS at: https://www.mpsonline.org.uk/
RECEIVED A SUSPICIOUS EMAIL?
You can forward suspect emails to The National Cyber Security Centre on: report@phishing.gov.uk
AGE UK SCAMS AND FRAUD
Will help you spot and avoid the latest scams targeting your money https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?
click HERE to find out more about some common online frauds and scams or have a look at the scams booklets below
ONLINE GROOMING FOR FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION
https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/scam-academy/
https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT STAYING SAFE ONLINE
Visit our Online Safety Helphub Page https://www.dudleysafeandsound.org/onlinesafety
EE: DIGITAL LIVING
PASSWORD CHECKER
National Cyber Security Centre approved website for checking passwords www.howsecureismypassword.net
HAVEIBEENPWNED.COM
Troy Hunt Microsoft – Website for checking email addresses for any compromised accounts, Data Breaches etc.
UK COUNCIL FOR INTERNET SAFETY
The UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS) is a collaborative forum through which government, the tech community and the third sector work together to ensure the UK is the safest place in the world to be online https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-council-for-internet-safety
E'LEARNING
FREE ‘FRIENDS AGAINST SCAMS’ E-LEARNING
An excellent introduction to scams to increase your awareness of this type of crime. It takes just 20 minutes and is available to all Dudley residents.
DOCUMENTS & RESOURCES
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
For educational resources and session plans please visit:
THE LITTLE BOOK OF BIG SCAMS (5th Edition)
THE LITTLE BOOK OF CYBER SCAMS
THE LITTLE BOOK OF BIG SCAMS - BUSINESS EDITION