GMP recovers over a million pounds for victims of fraud

Photo: Ascannio - stock.adobe.com

Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Economic Crime Hub has recovered over £1 million

Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Economic Crime Hub, tasked with tackling fraud and increasing awareness of scams across Greater Manchester has recovered £1,002,552 so far this year for victims.

In November 2017, the Hub launched its Cyber and Economic Crime Awareness Service (CECAS) which is dedicated to providing prevention and awareness information to the public and safeguarding victims.

The team contacts those who have been victims of fraud and supports them in order to reduce repeat victimisation as well as gathering intelligence on upcoming and prevalent scams in order to provide the wider public with information on how to protect themselves.

Most recently, the Hub received a report of a mandate fraud, a scam where fraudsters pretend to be an organisation you make regular payments for example, a supplier, membership or subscription organisation and deceive you into changing the details of the bank transfer. The victim changed the standing order from the regular supplier into that of the fraudster and lost a significant amount of money. The team assisted the victim and made them a recovery of £4,537.

Detective Superintendent Estelle Mathieson, Head of GMP’s CECAS, said: “The impact of fraud can be both financially and emotionally devastating but, the incredible amount of money we have recovered so far this year sends a clear message to victims, that we will investigate their reports thoroughly, and that we are taking action to disrupt and stop fraudsters offending.

“Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the tactics they use to scam people, but the more information we can give people about fraud and how to protect themselves, the easier it will be to stop it from taking place.

“We have seen with the current coronavirus pandemic, fraudsters using this uncertain time to exploit innocent people out of their hard earned money. Now so more than ever, we are encouraging people to follow our advice and take the time to think before they part with their money or sensitive information.

“Follow our @gmpfraud Twitter account to stay up to date with the latest scam advice and if you suspect you have been a victim of fraud report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”