Support for victims of fraud

VICTIMS of fraud in Warrington – including identity, consumer and credit card fraud – have a new police-backed centre to help them.
The National Fraud Authority has launched Action Fraud, a national reporting centre, in the North West. And the move has been welcomed by Cheshire’s Assistant Chief Constable Phil Thompson (pictured).
The contact centre will provide a single point for people to report all types of fraud and gain vital crime prevention advice.
Fraud affects tens of thousands of people in the UK each year – and is second only to the illegal drugs trade in terms of its impact on the UK.
Figures show on average it costs each adult in the country around £621 per year, and police say proceeds are often used to fund serious crimes such as drug smuggling and people trafficking.
ACC Thompson said officers work hard to tackle fraud crime and have a good success rate.
He said: “Over the last decade the increased use of digital storage for personal and business information has led to more criminals using technology to defraud the ordinary person on the street.”
Action Fraud gives the force access to the latest national intelligence and technology, and puts police in a stronger position to catch criminals living out of the county or country. It will mean a better service for the public and bring more offenders to justice.
Individuals or businesses that have been victim of fraud in the past 12 months can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or Textphone 0300 123 2050. The centre is open from Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.