Launch of GMP's new look Fraud Unit

Date published: 07 February 2012

GMP's new look Fraud Unit will today, Tuesday 7 February 2012, be tweeting out video messages about how people can protect themselves from online fraud, as part of national Safer Internet Day.

GMP launched its new Volume Fraud Unit, which consists of 22 officers led by a detective inspector, in January 2012.

The team specialises in complex fraud investigations, which were previously dealt with by neighbourhood officers, enabling these local officers to now spend more time tackling community issues and priorities.

Last year, GMP received around 3,500 reports of fraud, ranging from email scams to credit card frauds.

Today, Tuesday 7 February 2012, video messages giving tips of how people can keep themselves safe from online fraud, will be tweeted out to GMP's 95,000 followers on Twitter throughout the day.

Members of the public are also invited to ask the team any questions they may have about online fraud via GMP's main twitter account.

Detective Inspector Dave Pester, who leads GMP's new Volume Fraud Unit, said: "Anyone who has been a victim of fraud will know how distressing this type of crime is, where people can sometimes be persuaded to part with large amounts of cash under false pretence.

"Officers from our new Volume Fraud Unit will provide a coordinated response to tackling online and other fraud, and where there are opportunities to recover money that people have lost to fraudsters, we will do all we can to return this to victims.

"With more people going online each day to bank, shop, sell items and browse in general, we have seen an increase in the numbers of those falling victim to online criminals across the globe, who hide behind the anonymous veil of the internet to catch people off guard when they least expect it.

"Whilst we can't investigate every single one of the 3,500 frauds that are reported to us each year, this new team of specialist officers will concentrate on going after those who have targeted vulnerable victims in our society, as well as identifying prolific fraudsters and offences being carried out by organised crime groups.

"We would encourage anyone that has either been a victim, or who has seen anything suspicious on the web to report it to Action Fraud - the national fraud reporting centre, who will contact us if necessary to investigate it."

If you have been a victim of fraud or to report any suspicious activity, please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. You can also report any offences via the Action Fraud website www.actionfraud.org.uk ,using the on line reporting tool.

GMP's Volume Fraud Unit works closely with Action Fraud and the National Fraud Investigation Bureau, who are based in the City of London police.