Stay a step ahead of the scammers

Fraud is on the increase and Joy Allen,Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, explains in her own words what this means and how the police, government and local partners are stepping up efforts to tackle this growing threat.

STAY A STEP AHEAD OF THE SCAMMERS

FRAUD now makes up almost half of all crime in England and Wales. The latest national figures show that 44% of all recorded crime is fraud, with a further 7% linked to computer misuse. That means more people are targeted online than in person – through emails, texts,fake adverts, and social-media scams.

Here in County Durham and Darlington, residents are being tricked into sharing bank details, paying fake invoices, or investing in schemes that simply don’t exist. I regularly meet victims who’ve lost not only their savings but their confidence. Fraud is not a victimless crime – it leaves people frightened, embarrassed, and struggling to rebuild trust.

My priority is to keep you safe – on our streets and online.

The police, government, and local partners are all stepping up efforts to tackle this growing threat, but we need your help too.

The good news is that small steps make a big difference.

• Stop and think before you click or pay. Fraudsters thrive on pressure. If an email,text, or phone call asks for money or personal details, take a moment to double-check using trusted contact details.
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• Protect your information. Use strong, unique passwords and install the latest updates on phones, tablets, and computers.
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• Report and  get help.  If you think you’ve been targeted, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. The site provides clear advice, reporting tools, and support for victims.
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• You can also visit the government’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign at https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk for up-to-date information on common scams and practical tips for families and businesses.

For more tailored guidance and to stay“fraud-aware”:

• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): https://www.ncsc.gov.uk – learn how to secure your devices and recognise phishing emails.
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• Take Five to Stop Fraud: https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk – offers free resources and alerts on the latest scams.
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• Get Safe Online: https://www.getsafeonline.org – easy-to-follow advice for individuals and small businesses.

I encourage everyone to sign up for scam alerts via Action Fraud or the Take Five newsletter to stay informed about new fraud tactics and how to protect yourself.

Locally, my office supports awareness campaigns in schools, neighbourhoods and community centres to help residents of all ages understand how scammers operate.

We fund sessions for older people who are most at risk, and we work with young “cyber champions” in schools to share online safety messages with their peers.

These initiatives are part of my wider Police, Crime and Justice Plan, which puts prevention and protection at the heart of everything we do.

The new national fraud reporting service, due to launch next year, will make it easier for victims to get help quickly.

I will continue to champion investment in local policing, victim support, and digital literacy so every resident feels safer and more confident online.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late – talk to your family, friends and neighbours about staying safe.

Fraudsters rely on silence; awareness and action are their greatest enemies.

Together we can stop fraud before it starts.

Stay alert, stay informed, and stay connected and help build safer and stronger communities.

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