Cyber crime is on the rise and is something everyone with a connected device (be that a smartphone, computer, internet-ready TV, gaming system or anything in-between) is vulnerable to.
Cyber-enabled fraud is possibly the most common of all cybercrime offences. The internet allows offenders to hide their identities behind websites and email addresses, providing a forum in which they never have to meet a victim in person to commit the crime.
It is estimated 80% of fraud and cyber crime is preventable if individuals and businesses take basic precautions – so below are the top five tips to help keep you safe online:
- Always be wary of opening links and attachments in email – check that the email is really from who it says it is from.
- Have strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts – and update them regularly.
- Look for ‘https’ in the address bar and a padlock symbol in your internet browser when visiting sites – these give an indication that the website is secure.
- Get anti-virus software for your computer, phone and other devices.
- Remember to keep your software updated to reduce your chances of hackers being able to exploit security weaknesses to take over your device.
Help and advice
We work with partners including child and adult safeguarding and Trading Standards to raise awareness of cybercrime and fraud in our communities and prevent people from becoming the victim of financial exploitation.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger contact 999.
Action Fraud
Helpline and website where you can report fraud and find information and support:
Call: 0300 123 2040
Access the Action Fraud website
Trading Standards
Support if you are a victim of fraud and advice for protecting yourself against fraud
Access the Trading Standards website
Citizen’s Advice
Advice and information about fraud, debt and consumer rights.
Call: 03444 111 444
Access the Citizen’s Advice website
Crime Stoppers
Anonymous helpline for reporting information and suspicions
Helpline: 0800 555 111
Access the Crime Stoppers website
Stop Loan Sharks
To get support and advice and report a loan shark or illegal money lender
Helpline: 0300 555 2222
Access the Stop Loan Sharks website
Buy With Confidence
Search for businesses that have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.
Access the Buy With Confidence website
Get Safe Online
Information about keeping safe online and protecting yourself from cybercrime and fraud.
Access the Get Safe Online website
Other resources
- Victim Support offers support for victims of any crime, including Cyber Crime.
- You&Co is Victim Support’s youth programme where young people can seek help and advice on all crime related issues.
- The Revenge Porn Helpline gives advice for revenge porn victims. It is also important to report Revenge Porn to the Police.
- The National Stalking Helpline offers advice and support for stalking victims.
Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands
Using a combination of police officers and cyber talent, the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands supports and helps protect small business, SMEs, and supply chain businesses and third sector organisations in the region against cybercrime.
The Centre works with local universities and the police forces, which provides access to the latest local as well as national information on emerging cyber threats, criminal trends, best practice for cyber resilience and new technology to provide timely guidance to prepare and protect business, staff, and clients from cyber criminals.
