IT’S the crime we are all most likely to experience.
And in Surrey, volunteers based in police stations around the county are dedicated to stopping criminals from exploiting more victims.
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has joined celebrations for the Volunteer Fraud Prevention Programme, which aims to reach every fraud victim in the county.
Volunteers for the programme work alongside Surrey Police officers and staff to offer education and support to those impacted.
They also give talks in the community, working with organisations including Age Concern, the WI and the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People to share advice.
Celebrations for volunteers
During a single engagement event outside a Co-op branch, volunteers spoke with more than 100 residents.
Fraud is the most frequently reported crime across England and Wales, making up more than 40 per cent of all offending.
Once a victim has been defrauded for the first time, they are likely to be repeatedly targeted by criminals.
Surrey’s most vulnerable victims are identified and supported by the Force as part of Operation Signature, which aims to ensure they receive a uniformed safeguarding visit, risk assessment and fast-tracked safeguarding initiatives.
Those who are not considered vulnerable will be contacted by the fraud volunteers.
Changing perceptions
Simon Morris, who volunteers in Reigate and Banstead, said some of those targeted by fraudsters feel shame that they have become a victim.
But he added: “If you are a victim of fraud, you are a victim of crime.
“We can change that perception by recognising the true impact fraud has on people’s lives.”
Graham Hutchings, who also serves in Reigate and Banstead, said: “Fraud really can destroy people’s lives, and becoming a victim eats away at their confidence.
“We want to restore that confidence again.”
Vulnerable victims
Through working with the community, both Graham and Simon help raise understanding of how fraudsters operate, meaning fewer people become a victim.
In Surrey, courier fraud makes up almost 23 per cent of all Op Signature cases – those directly committed against vulnerable victims. The crime occurs when victims are contacted by telephone or email by a person purporting to be someone from a bank or the police.
Doorstep fraud – which involves criminals knocking at a person’s door to pressure sell or similar – makes up 16.1 per cent of Op Signature offences, while telephone fraud is the third most highly-reported in this category
Every victim of romance fraud is considered vulnerable and is categorised as an Op Signature case. Across both Surrey and Sussex, victims lost £7million to this type of criminality last year alone.
“Tireless efforts”
Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Those who serve with the Volunteer Fraud Prevention Programme make a significant difference to the lives of Surrey residents.
“I’d like to thank them for their tireless efforts to stop more people becoming victims.
“These fantastic volunteers come from a range of backgrounds to protect others in their communities, and their work ensures that Surrey Police can reach every single person who reports a fraud in the county.
“For those who believe they are a victim of any type of fraud, I’d urge you to come forward and speak to Action Fraud or the police.
“You will not be judged or shamed – you are a victim of organised, sophisticated criminality, and we will support you.”
Applications to serve with the programme will reopen shortly.