Today’s theme is Fraud, Scams and Cybercrime You may be contacted with misleading or fraudulent offers designed to con you out of your money. These are received by post, email, social media messages, telephone, text or face to face. Advice is available on how to spot scams and frauds, to prevent yourself or someone you know, becoming the victim of a scam or fraud. More and more people are using computers, smartphones and tablets to go online. It’s a great way to stay connected with family members, shop online, look up information, and even make new friends. The internet has lots of positive aspects, but there are things you need to avoid. These include viruses, which can infect your computer and damage it. There are many other types of online scams. Trading Standards has produced a guide on Keeping Safe Online. Internet, email and mobile phone fraud – advice from Hampshire Constabulary Every year, the British public loses billions of pounds to fraudsters. With scams ranging from the simplest confidence trick to the most sophisticated high-tech online fraud. For information and advice and how to report concerns visit the Hampshire Police Fraud and Cybercrime web page. COVID-19 and Scams Unscrupulous criminals are exploiting fears about COVID-19 to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends. National Trading Standards is warning people to remain vigilant following a rise in coronavirus-related scams that seek to benefit from the public’s concern and uncertainty over COVID-19. Friendsagainstscams.org.uk have produced a social media pack with information on how to protect yourself and others from Coronavirus scams.