Police launch crackdown on fraud and internet crime (From Wirral Globe)

Police launch crackdown on fraud and internet crime

9:58am Monday 18th February 2013 in News By Geoff Barnes

ACTION Fraud – a new police initiative for reporting fraud and internet crime – was launched on Merseyside today.

Merseyside Police is encouraging residents across the region to contact the new service as the primary contact point to report fraud and internet crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Fell said: "Every police force is changing to use Action Fraud as their fraud and internet crime reporting service - this helps us to free up police resources to focus on the actual investigations.

"We don't want Merseyside residents to think that we won't answer their calls in relation to fraud offences. All fraud incidents will be recorded centrally by action fraud and in some cases they will investigated on a national level.

"This central point of information will enable us to identify seemingly unrelated incidents, trends and ultimately solve crimes and identify networks of criminals.

DCI Fell went on: "We want to make it as easy as possible for people to report crimes and we don't want fraudsters to get away with it. It is important that you report it to Action Fraud - your information can help to root out fraudsters and prevent future attacks."

Jamey Johnson, head of Action Fraud said: "Fraud is not a victimless crime, It can devastate lives and it's vital we take strong action to prevent people falling foul of criminals who prey on the vulnerable.

"Following a successful pilot, by April every police force in England and Wales will be using Action Fraud to report incidents of fraud and internet crime in their area.

"Action Fraud is already the UK's one-stop-shop for fraud advice and reporting, and has helped more than 300,000 people deal with the consequences of fraud and internet crime.

"Rolling out the service will free up police time and resources and allow us to build an accurate national picture to lead the fight against fraudsters."

The most convenient way to report a fraud is online and reporting takes an average of 20 minutes.

Online reporting of fraud and crime is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week through www.actionfraud.police.uk or via the dedicated phone line 0300 123 2040 - during office hours.

In some cases Action Fraud will transfer callers straight back to the local police force. The local police force will retain an investigation where a crime is in action (such as when there is a known offender, a crime is happening at that time or if there is a vulnerable victim involved.)