Economic Crime officers tackle shopping fraud over Christmas and new year

Officers from our Economic Crime Unit are continuing their efforts to combat online shopping fraud in the run-up to Christmas and the new year sales.

Dedicated officers, police staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to tackle online fraud, bring offenders to justice and recover any assets.

Our officers are using the latest technology to combat and investigate these crimes.

We are targeting key age groups, warning about the most common frauds that involve mobile phones, gadgets, designer clothes and trainers, and even pets.

In recent weeks we have received reports of football tickets bought via a social media platform that didn't turn up and online concert tickets that were fake.

Fraudsters are using several different ways in order to commit these frauds, including through social media platforms, creating fake online companies and using mobile phones to send a text message or a phone call, making it harder for victims to spot.

Detective Sergeant Stacey Shannon, of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “There is a lot of pressure around Christmas and it can be an expensive time of year - make sure it isn't even more expensive by being caught out by fraudsters.

“Criminals will use this as an opportunity to exploit people into parting with their hard-earned cash.

"Fraudsters can use these funds to fund terrorism, modern slavery, organised crime such as drugs and guns.

“Increasingly, items such as phones and designer trainers are advertised on social media sites – either the items never arrive or when they do, they are fake.

“These will be expensive items ranging from a few hundred pounds to thousands.

“We are also seeing people being encouraged to complete sales outside of reputable selling sites like eBay and two or three pet scams a week where a puppy for sale doesn’t actually exist.

“If something looks too good to be true, it probably is – always buy from a reputable site, check online reviews and use a credit card as that offers an extra level of protection."

Our Economic Crime Unit team has been targeting parents across Greater Manchester through pupils at schools and colleges.

Cyber crime and fraud investigators are also regularly out and about in our communities to offer advice and raise awareness to protect people from economic harm.

DS Stacey Shannon added: "Nationally fraud and cyber crime accounts for 40% of all reported crime in England and Wales.

"Action Fraud Data in Greater Manchester shows that the most common age group who have reported that they have been a victim of fraud is 30-40 year olds.

"We have contacted every school and college in the region with advice and warnings that can be used in newsletters sent to parents."

Greater Manchester Police is working with both the Citizens Advice and Action Fraud to offer advice to shoppers on how to avoid being caught out, not just at Christmas but all year round.

Citizens Advice has three key messages for consumers:

• Don’t assume that the top listed company in an internet search is genuine
• Check in advance of using what the website/online platform ‘s online dispute resolution process is
• There should be a geographical address to return items, with details of the returns policy

A spokesperson said: “Data from our consumer service helpline confirms that bogus selling and online shopping remain key issues for those reporting scams to the consumer service.

“Led by this data, this campaign will focus on supporting consumers who might have been affected by online shopping scams when buying in the Christmas period, as well as offering support to consumers hoping to find deals in the January sales.”

Action Fraud also has online advice this Christmas with its 12 frauds of Christmas campaign, including:

• Do your research
• Be cautious about how you send money
• Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, QR codes or contact on social media

How to report

Fraud is a serious crime, and we are doing all in our power to combat this and reduce the number of victims in Greater Manchester. If you suspect it, you must report it.

If you, or someone you know is vulnerable to fraud please report it online or call us on 101.

There is more online shopping crime prevention advice on our website.

For more information and help or to report these and many other types of fraud, go to Action Fraud.