As part of his brief as Security Minister, Damian is chairing the new Joint Fraud Taskforce (JFT), which brings together experts from the most vital sectors to prevent perpetrators from exploiting vulnerabilities and fraud controls to conduct their criminality.
Damian said:
"Fraud is a devastating crime that impacts around one in thirteen of us each year, often in life-changing ways. The new Taskforce is a productive and action-focused initiative with industry and third sector leaders, working together against fraud."
For information about the Joint Fraud Taskforce, go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-taskforce-relaunched-to-protect-against-rise-in-fraud-crime.
ADVICE & SUPPORT
For advice on using passwords to protect devices and data: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/files/Using%20passwords%20to%20protect%20your%2…
For advice on identifying a scam call or message, go to: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/scams
To report a suspicious text message, forward the text to 7726 so the mobile phone provider can investigate.
To report a suspicious phone call, or other potential scams, contact Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040
You can also report suspicious emails to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) vis their Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS), using report@phishing.gov.uk. More information about their service is available at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/report-suspicious-emails
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. Please note, if you are member of the public you must call to report through their core opening hours.
The Cyber Essentials Scheme helps businesses guard against cyber attack, and there is more information at: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview
For other organisations that may be helpful, go to: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/useful-organisations
Citizens Advice also operate an online Scams Action programme, and you can get advice from a Scams Action adviser by calling 0808 250 5050. The service is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Calls are free from mobiles and landlines. There is more information at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/get-help-with-online-s…
VICTIM SUPPORT
If you’ve been affected by crime, Victim Support can give you the help you need to move forward. Their services are free, confidential and available to anyone in England and Wales, regardless of whether the crime has been reported or how long ago it happened. Call their support line on 08 08 16 89 111 or request support online.
Below are two booklets that may also be helpful in understanding Romance Fraud and how to identify the most common scams:
