The ECRC works closely with local policing to ensure that our members benefit from the free tools and services that local policing offers.

One valuable tool is the Kent Fraud Email Alert System (K'FAs), created by Stephen Kelly, the Fraud Prevent and Protect Officer for Kent Police. This system provides weekly alerts to inform the public and businesses about current scams and how to best protect themselves.

The K'FAs reach hundreds and thousands, not in just in Kent but in other areas up and down the country as we are all affected by similar offences. The ECRC publishes Stephen Kelly's weekly K'FAs for our members so you can stay informed and learn about the latest threats targeting businesses and the general public. For further information about fraud, visit Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.

Identity Fraud

What is it?

Identity fraud happens when fraudsters access enough information about someone's identity (such as their name, date of birth, current or previous addresses) to commit a fraud. Identity theft can take place whether the victim is alive or deceased.

Have you received a letter or invoice for a service that you cannot recognise? These could be the first signs of identity fraud.

Follow the Home Offices Identity fraud victims' checklist to help victims and organisations repair their identity and prevent re-victimisation.

If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

For further information about Fraud, visit our website at Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.

You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.

Gift Card Scams

In this scam, criminals send fake emails, texts or WhatsApp messages, pretending to be a family member or friend in need of help to purchase gift cards to pay a time sensitive bill. They may provide various excuses, such as being away, being too busy or having issues with their debit card.

However, it is more likely to be a Scam. If you receive a message like this, STOP. Then contact the person by calling them with a number that you have for them and not one provided within the message.

If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. 

For further information about Fraud, visit our website at Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.

You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.

One of the leading UK banks commissioned research into the fastest-growing fraud trends of 2024, and identified the following top three:

First Fastest Growing - Fake Delivery Texts and Emails

Fastest growing scam of 2024 was fake delivery scams.

Fake parcel delivery texts involve scammers sending fake delivery notifications for parcels, prompting the recipient to click on a link to reschedule delivery and pay a fee. The link often leads to a phishing site designed to steal personal information or install malware on the victim's device.

Remain vigilant and check delivery notifications very carefully to ensure they are genuine.

Text messages may look remarkably similar to those that are genuine but may use generic greetings, such as, Dear Sir/Madam, or include spelling errors.

Always question claims that you are due goods or services that you have not ordered or are unaware of, especially if you have to pay any fees upfront.

If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

Second Fastest Growing - Social Media Marketplace Scams

Criminals use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or TikTok to advertise and sell products that do not exist. Fake profiles are created to advertise popular and in demand goods (often using stolen photos from real sellers) and list attractive offers to lure victims into making purchases. Once payment is made, the promised goods never arrive, and the fake account disappears.

Suspicious Signs

• The buyer or seller has bad feedback history or has only recently set up a new account to avoid a poor reputation.

• You get a private message or email offering to buy below the current bid or reserve price or to sell a similar item after an auction has ended.

• You find an expensive item for sale at an incredibly low starting bid. If an offer sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. 

For further information about Fraud, visit our website at Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.

You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.

Third Fastest Growing - Voice Cloning Scams

AI voice-cloning scams were the third fastest growing scam of 2024.

AI voice cloning scams are a relatively new form of fraud where scammers use advanced tech to imitate someone's voice, which can be pretty convincing," said Stuart Skinner, NatWest's Fraud Expert. "If you get a call that sounds like it's from a friend or family member asking for money or personal info, take a pause."

The expert recommends hanging up on the caller and ringing them back on a number you know is truly theirs. "And remember, don't trust the number popping up on your caller ID—scammers can fake that too!" he added.

If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. 

For further information about Fraud, visit our website at Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.

You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.

How can the ECRC support?

By joining the ECRC as a free member, your organisation will be supported in making the small changes that make the biggest difference when it comes to cyber resilience. Becoming a free member means you will receive the latest cyber resilience guidance via email, which will drip feed you ways in which you can improve your cyber resilience without costing any money.

The ECRC website also contains several links to helpful National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) resources, which are all free, up-to-date, and easy to use. Tools such as Exercise in a Box and the NCSC Cyber Action Plan are particularly useful in terms of identifying areas where you could improve your cybersecurity. They also have many informative guides that are sector specific, which will give you useful and detailed information.

If you would like more information about how the ECRC can help your organisation specifically, please book a chat with us today!

Reporting a live cyber-attack 24/7:

If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber-attack (in progress) please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Reporting a cyber-attack which is not ongoing:

Please report online to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report cybercrime online at any time using the online reporting tool, which will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened. Action Fraud advisors can also provide the help, support, and advice you need.

Alternatively, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050)