Technology and the online world means that you can be a victim of crime and never come face to face with the offender.
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Fraud is an area that has changed dramatically over the years as we move from cash and cheques towards all of our financial transactions and payments occurring electronically. Introduction of paywave technology is convenient but can also result in the wrong people accessing your money and making illegal purchases using your details.
In the first half of 2018, Singleton Police received 62 reports of fraud with the majority of these involving unauthorised access of funds.
A common scenario may involve the victim losing their wallet or handbag (or it is stolen) and the offender taking the card on a spending spree, using the paywave feature to purchase items. Unless the card is suspended or cancelled straight away, many hundreds of dollars can be accessed illegally. Another form of fraud involves the use of scammers.
Scams are constantly evolving and scammers can go to great lengths to cause people to part with their money or personal information. Scammers will pretend to be from your bank or other companies and will request personal information. On the surface these may appear to be genuine and may also have accessed some of your personal information which makes it seem legitimate. Below are a few steps to assist in preventing or minimising your exposure to these types of crimes:
- Always know the location of your credit or debit card and insist on any transaction being completed in front of you to prevent copies being made of your card.
- Protect your PIN by covering your hand and not sharing with anyone.
- Check your statements regularly to ensure all the purchases are legitimate, setting up internet banking is a useful way to check purchases in real time and can allow you suspend or cancel your card immediately.
- Report loss or theft of cards immediately to your financial institution and police (131 444).
- Never give out your personal information or bank details to people you don't know or trust. If unsure visit the local branch or call their service centre (do not use links on any suspicious emails as they will be fake).
Some victims do not report fraud for a variety of reasons including being embarrassed or worried that their details will be passed on. All reports are treated confidentially and if you do report to local police you will be asked to complete a Fraud Report Form which will ensure all the correct details are set out and will assist police in any investigation, a COPS event will be created and an event number will be provided to you. If you become aware that your card has been accessed illegally notify police as soon as possible so evidence such as CCTV can be collected.
For further information and tips to prevent fraud use the following websites; NSW Police Force www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/frauds_and_scams, ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) www.scamwatch.gov.au and ACORN (Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network) www.acorn.gov.au or you can visit or phone Singleton Police on 6578 7499 to talk about your concerns