New police scheme launched in Ashfield to protect fraud victims

Police in Ashfield have launched a new scheme to protect potentially vulnerable people becoming victims of fraud and to prevent further crime.
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Officers from Ashfield Neighbourhood Policing Team have warned residents that fraudsters can use a wide range of scams to separate people from their hard earned income and savings.

Examples include criminals identifying unnecessary repairs to properties as a way to defraud people and also encouraging residents to sign up for charities which are fake.

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Romance scams are also popular, where a criminal forges a disingenuous romantic relationship with a potentially vulnerable person with the aim of encouraging them to send them large sums of cash.

Ashfield Neighbourhood Policing Team have launched a new initiative to protect victims of fraud. Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images.Ashfield Neighbourhood Policing Team have launched a new initiative to protect victims of fraud. Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images.
Ashfield Neighbourhood Policing Team have launched a new initiative to protect victims of fraud. Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images.

To support those most likely to be targeted or likely to fall victim to these scams, the area’s policing team have set up the Ashfield Informed scheme – to keep those at risk, or people supporting those at risk, informed of the current scams.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.