{"id":473,"date":"2020-11-02T17:18:26","date_gmt":"2020-11-02T17:18:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.victimsupport.org.uk\/?post_type=crime-types&p=473"},"modified":"2023-10-05T11:05:42","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T11:05:42","slug":"fraud","status":"publish","type":"types-crime","link":"https:\/\/www.victimsupport.org.uk\/crime-info\/types-crime\/fraud\/","title":{"rendered":"Fraud"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fraud is when someone tricks or deceives you to gain a dishonest advantage \u2013 usually money, goods, services or property. There are many words used to describe fraud, such as scam, con, swindle, extortion, sham, double-cross, hoax, cheat and hoodwink.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Types of fraud<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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There are many different ‘types’ of fraud. Here are some of the most common:<\/p>\n

Identity fraud<\/strong>: when someone uses your personal details fraudulently. They may then do things such as open new bank accounts or take out a loan in your name, or defraud other people.<\/p>\n

Romance fraud<\/strong>: when you believe you\u2019ve met a new partner through online dating, a dating app or via social media, and are in a genuine relationship. However, that person is a criminal using a fake profile and false identity to build a relationship with you. This is usually to get money or personal details, or for you to complete transactions on their behalf.<\/p>\n

Sextortion<\/strong>: when criminals set up fake profiles online, often using stolen images and made up details about their identity. They then contact people and encourage them to perform sexual acts in front of a webcam or send images of themselves, unaware they’re being recorded. Criminals then use these images as a way of blackmailing people into sending them money, or else they will share the images with their friends, family or colleagues.<\/p>\n

Authorised Push Payment (APP) or bank transfer fraud<\/strong>: this involves a scammer convincing someone to transfer money from their bank account to the scammers, for what they believe is a legitimate reason. A common example is posing as their bank, claiming they need to transfer money to a \u2018safe account\u2019.<\/p>\n

\nhttps:\/\/www.victimsupport.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/APPfraud_guide.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n


\nSocial media fraud:<\/strong> when criminals use social media as a platform to target and deceive individuals, such as with fake advertisements, websites or opportunities.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.victimsupport.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/SSOSM-Guide-v2-reduced.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n


\nInvestment and pension fraud<\/strong>: these often involve being contacted by a scammer out of the blue, offering you a chance to invest in a product or a scheme, or to cash in your pension.<\/p>\n

Phishing and smishing<\/strong>: attempts by scammers to get people to reveal personal information about themselves via email or text message. They also attempt this by phone or voice messages, known as vishing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Learn more about the different types of fraud<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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My Support Space<\/a> is our online resource that contains up to date information about different types of fraud, how they might affect you and the ways you can access help. It includes interactives guides and videos that can help you to understand what\u2019s happened or what to do next.<\/p>\n

We currently have guides on romance fraud, investment fraud, phishing and smishing, social media fraud, identity theft, Authorised Push Payment (bank transfer) fraud, plus guides that focus on your wellbeing and emotions. It\u2019s free to use and you can set up an account to keep track of the guides you\u2019re working through.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Who might experience fraud?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The simple answer is that anyone can experience fraud. Every day, criminals invent new ways of taking money from innocent people. These criminals are clever and well organised, and they will try to trick and mislead you using very convincing tactics.<\/p>\n

When fraud is committed online, the people responsible may be thousands of miles away, which makes bringing offenders to justice very difficult, and sometimes impossible.<\/p>\n

If you think you\u2019ve experienced fraud, you can contact us<\/a> for support.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>The impact of fraud<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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After experiencing fraud you may feel a range of emotions, such as embarrassment, shame, sadness or even anger.<\/p>\n

Although these are common reactions, it\u2019s important to remember that only the fraudster is responsible for this crime taking place. Many scams are difficult to identify, or very complex and play on your emotions. Some fraudsters only need the smallest amount of your information, such as your address or phone number, to commit a crime.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.victimsupport.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/8-KateFraudVictim-T.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Fraud prevention tips<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Steps to take to protect yourself from fraud:<\/p>\n