In April, 92 members attended our monthly meeting.
Our speaker in April was Richard Kubon who presented on Fraud Prevention and Internet Security. He spent 20 years as a Police Detective Sergeant then moved to the Fraud Squad to help people who had been fraudulently victimised.
To use the three Rs : Recognise, Reject and Report.
Fraud is an ancient crime dating back to shipping insurance fraud in 300BC and the 17th century when romance fraud was rife. Fraud leads to loss of confidence, debt, repeat victimisation, poor mental and physical health. It damages relationships and can even lead to suicide. The criminals are predators who gain trust and befriend in order to exploit and steal money. Richard explained that to avoid fraud people should see five Red Flags 1) Financial - money wanted. 2) Real? - contacted out of the blue. 3) Affection, playing on emotions. 4) Urgency - wanting the victim to act fast. 5) Deadlines -urging or pushing victims to act.
Richard explained that 67% of reported fraud is now Cyber enabled. If you think you have been a victim of fraud you should contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Remember if it seems too good to be true, it most probably is.