More than a million pounds of fraud prevented in Hampshire
A bank scheme which tips off Police over suspicious transactions leads to 7 arrests
Branch staff at banks, building societies and Post Offices worked with the police to stop £1,016,539 of fraud through the Banking Protocol rapid scam response in Hampshire in the first half of this year, according to the latest figures from UK Finance.
The Banking Protocol is a UK-wide scheme, launched by UK Finance, National Trading Standards and local police forces. Branch staff are trained to spot the warning signs that suggest a customer may be falling victim to a scam, before alerting their local police force to intervene and investigate.
The latest figures reveal that branch staff invoked the Banking Protocol 103 times in Hampshire between January and June 2021, saving potential victims an average of £9,869 each. Ultimately the scheme led to the arrest of seven suspected criminals in Hampshire in the first half of this year.
The Banking Protocol was rolled out by Hampshire in May 2017. Since March 2018, the scheme has been implemented by all 45 police forces across the UK.
It is often used to prevent impersonation scams, in which criminals imitate police or bank staff and convince people to visit their bank and withdraw or transfer large sums of money. It is also used to prevent romance fraud, in which fraudsters use fake online dating profiles to trick victims into transferring money, and to catch rogue traders who demand cash for unnecessary work on properties.
Detective Sergeant Marcus Mills of Hampshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit, said:
“We want to remind local residents that a police officer would never call you and ask you for money. No one, not even someone from your bank, would call you and ask for your financial details or to withdraw cash
“These incidents can often have a significant impact on victims – both emotionally and financially – as they come to terms with the fact that they have fallen for a scam, and the financial losses that come with it. However, we are working with the banks to ensure that those individuals do not become repeat victims, educate them and their loved ones and ensure that fraudsters can no longer take advantage of Hampshire residents.
“If you, or you are aware of anyone seeking to withdraw their savings or a large sum of money; just take two minutes out to check with them why, speak to the bank about any suspicions you might have and if in doubt, contact us as we are there to assist. If you’ve been a victim of a crime or banking protocol, or know someone who has, please report it to us by calling 101 or by going online and visiting the Hampshire Constabulary website. If a crime is taking place dial 999 immediately”.
To build on the success of the scheme, banks and building societies are continuing to work with local police forces on expanding the process to cover attempted bank transfers made by customers through telephone and online banking.