POLICE have warned of three scams which are currently targeting vulnerable people across the region.

West Mercia Police shared the three scams which the Economic Crime Unit have deemed to be a risk.

Council Tax Rebate

Fraudsters are using the £150 council tax rebates to phone/email/text members of the public claiming to be from “The Council” and requesting their bank details so the payment can be made.

Those who have fallen for the scam have then found large sums of money have been taken from their bank accounts.

Councils will never ask for your bank details over the phone, if you have not got a Direct Debit set up for your Council Tax, then they will contact you in writing for the details.

Some councils have already made this payment, but others still have to process these payments.

Romance Fraud

Police have shared the importance of not sending people you have never met online things like money, bank details, personal documents or gift cards.

You should also be wary of transferring money on their behalf, taking out loans on their behalf, investing your own money on their behalf or agreeing to receive or send parcels on their behalf, such as laptops and mobile phones.

Gift Cards

With impersonation scams, criminals often trick members of the public into buying gift cards to pay for fake fines, overdue tax and other payments and ask them to send the codes to make the payments. 

In Tesco Stores, the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign is being promoted in all Gift Card sections.

Warnings are being placed with the Gift Cards in all main stores and Tesco Express nationally to help keep customers safe. 

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The Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign consists of three key points to remember whenever you feel a situation could possibly be fraudulent. 

  1. Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
  2.  Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
  3. Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.