Action Fraud - Fraud Reporting Service in Dorset

1st September 2015

Purchase of Pets

Action Fraud has noticed a rise in reports concerning the purchase of pets, in particular puppies, advertised for sale via popular online auction websites.

The fraudsters will place an advert of the pet for sale, claiming to have recently moved abroad and the need to re-home the puppies.

Once a sale is agreed and payment is made, usually by money transfer or bank transfer, the pet does not materialise.

The fraudster will usually ask for further advanced payments for courier charges, shipping fees or vet bills.

Protect yourself:

• Stay within the auction guidelines. Be wary of paying fees via a Money Service Bureau, such as MoneyGram and Western Union.
• Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller; for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with this number online.
• Request details of the courier company being used and conduct enquiries regarding the company
• Agree a suitable time to meet face to face to agree the purchase.
• Be wary. If you think the purchase price is too good to be true then this is probably an indication that it is!

Flat Screen Televisions

Fraudsters have created a high specification website template advertising flat screen televisions for sale which are below market value and do not exist.

Payment is being requested via bank transfer and will offer no protection to the consumer when the television does not arrive.

Protect yourself:

• Payments made via bank transfer are not protected should you not receive the item.
• Always make payment via a credit card or PayPal where you have some avenue of recompense should you not receive your product.
• Conduct some online research on the website, company name and business address to identify any poor feedback or irregularities.
• Check the authenticity of websites before making any purchases. A whois search on the website will identify when the website has been created, so be wary of newly formed domains.
• If the item advertised seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online at www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone on 0300 123 2040

17th January 2013

Action Fraud - New Fraud Reporting Service comes to Dorset

Action Fraud - a new national reporting centre for all fraud and cyber crime - is to launch in Dorset and the South West region.

Action Fraud goes live in Dorset - Monday, 3rd December 2012. It will also be live across the other police force areas in the South West Region - Devon and Cornwall, Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

It means that members of the public and businesses can report incidents of fraud to a 'one stop shop' rather than to their local police force.

From 3 December, the public should call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk to report a scam or fraud.

However in an emergency - where a crime is in progress or life is at risk - always dial 999.

While Action Fraud is a reporting service, it also provides victims with advice and guidance on how to limit their chances of becoming a repeat victim of this type of crime and, if requested, initiates contact for them from the Victim Support Service.

Detective Chief Inspector John Crossland, of Dorset Police, said: "Action Fraud will provide the latest information and advice regarding types of scams and fraud. It will benefit the public by ensuring a consistent service to victims wherever they are calling from, right across the country."

"By collating all the information in one place, Action Fraud will also enable greater analysis of trends and links between crimes which should assist police investigations."

For further information about Action Fraud visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

The 'Scambusters' page on the Dorset Police website will be archived as of Monday, 17th December 2012 and visitors to the page will be redirected.