Cheque and telephone scams increase

The public has been urged to become more vigilant against 'old-fashioned' criminals, as new figures report that the number of cheque and telephone scandals has increased.

Statistics from Financial Fraud Action UK show that in 2011 fraud losses rose by one-third among people who use the phone to make and amend transactions, while cheque crime increased by 17% as crooks managed to steal and alter the amount and details on them.

Despite this, fraud losses from people banking on the Internet last year dropped by almost a quarter (24%) to £35.4 million, although phishing scams rose by more than three-quarters (80%) to 111,000 in 2011, compared with the same time a year before.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Barnard, head of the industry-sponsored dedicated cheque and plastic crime unit, said they have seen a spike in more simpler crimes owing to technologically advanced security measures on transactions.

He added: 'Many scams involve customers being conned into handing over their cards and pins or their telephone banking security details by someone calling, pretending to be their bank or police.

'Our appeal to the public is to be wary of any unsolicited phone calls or emails. Never hand over your card and pin or bank security details in full as neither your bank or the police will ever ask you for these.'

Copyright Press Association 2012