AN ALARMING spike in customers falling victim to fraud in Dorset has led a major bank to team up with police to issue warnings to residents.

Staff at HSBC branches across the county have seen a surge in cases, with courier fraud being a common theme.

Officers from Dorset Police are working with the bank's Poole branch to urge the public to be alert to potential scams.

A pop-up stand was set up in the High Street bank on Monday to talk about fraud issues.

Rachel Hill, HSBC UK’s local director for Bournemouth and West Dorset, said: “Sadly, fraudsters are criminals trying to trick you out of your money.

"They pose as trustworthy organisations to encourage you to hand over personal or financial information. We see a lot of scams where customers are told their account has been compromised, or the bank can’t be trusted, and to move their money to a ‘safe account’. This is not genuine and your bank will never ask you to do this.

“We have been working with Dorset Police to raise awareness of these and help protect people from these criminal.

"Our advice to people is to ‘Take Five’ and to stop and think – does this feel right? Your bank will never ask you to share passwords or PIN numbers, or to move your money. If in doubt, call your bank on the number shown on the back of your debit card.”

The most common current scams to be aware of include:

  • Courier fraud – the victim typically receives an email from a well-known courier firm or Royal Mail, claiming they have been unable to deliver a parcel. The victim is often asked to pay a small amount as a redelivery charge, in order to get your card details. This can be followed by a phone call posing as a bank representative, asking the customer to move their money to a ‘safe account’.
  • Queried transaction – fraudster posing as the bank calls to advise money has been withdrawn from the customer’s account and asks if it was a genuine transaction. The fraudster will then obtain personal details to gain access to customer’s account - or ask them to move money to a ‘safe account’.
  • Police impersonation scam - fraudsters posing as police sighting that bank staff are being investigated for card cloning. Victims are then advised by the fraudster to visit their branch and temporarily withdraw funds. They are coached to what questions the branch would ask. These details are then being used by unscrupulous criminals to steal personal and financial details.
  • Vaccine scam – With the vaccine now being rolled out, fraudsters are sending text messages claiming to offer the chance to apply for a coronavirus jab. They are asking for bank details in order to confirm identity, often doing this through a website given in a link. This scam is also being done by some fraudsters through automated phone calls. The NHS will never ask you for bank details or to pay for a vaccine.
  • Romance scam– Fraudsters are setting up fake profiles on dating websites, apps and social media to target victims. They try to appeal to your sensitive side and then start asking for money. An example would be that they might claim to live outside the UK, and they need the money to come and see you. Never send money to someone you have only met on line.

Chris Conroy, a Dorset Police cyber crime protect and prevention officer, said: “Cybercrime is an ever present threat, costing the UK economy almost two and a half billion pounds over the last twelve months. With more of us being forced to adopt new technologies recently, sadly, we have seen an increase in cyber criminality.

“With that in mind, it’s vitally important that we know how to keep ourselves safe online However, whilst cyber security may seem like a daunting topic for some, there’s a big difference between being 'completely secure' and 'secure enough'.

“It’s great to have this opportunity to speak with people face to face, discuss their concerns, and make them aware of some of the fantastic resources that are available from Dorset Police, and the National Cyber security Centre."

HSBC has issued tips on what someone should do if they are contacted out of the blue via a call, email or text message:

  • Stop and think – if it’s unexpected, be suspicious
  • Don’t call numbers in messages or emails without checking they’re genuine
  • Don’t click on unfamiliar links - go to the official website or app
  • If in doubt, check with a friend or family member before taking action

For more information and advice, visit HSBC UK’s security centre where there is online advice to help protect against fraud.