Contactless card payments ‘driving rise in fraud cases’

FRAUDS involving contactless payments have risen by almost 25 per cent, new police figures show.

Offences using credit and debit cards and payments in taxis increased by 24.8 per cent year-on-year, with 5,007 fraudulent crimes recorded between April 1 and September 31.

Police chiefs say contactless card payments are driving the increase, which often affects victims in the Glasgow area.

There was a decrease in ATM frauds, but analysis showed scams involving contactless payments are rising.

Vishing (fraud calls), bogus crime and romance fraud which often target vulnerable and elderly people have fallen by 0.3 per cent year-on-year, with a 125,142 crimes recorded.

But crime levels are down 2.6 per cent on a five-year average with 3,329 fewer crimes. Offences, detected, meanwhile, has risen 0.2 per cent year-on-year.

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor of Police Scotland said: “We are seeing an increase in fraud in most local policing divisions across Scotland.

“Fraudsters will use any opportunity to profit from their victims and we are determined to disrupt those who seek to exploit our communities in this way.

“We are working with high street banks and trading standards teams to prevent customers falling victim to fraud, allowing staff to alert the police to any unusual withdrawals.

“The introduction of this Banking Protocol has resulted in more than £1.8 million in fraudulent transactions being prevented since Police Scotland joined the scheme in March 2018.”

A total of 1,284,654 calls were made to Police Scotland between April 1 and September 30, 2018, resulting in 253,546 crimes or offences being recorded.

Other calls related to road accidents, mental health issues or missing people investigations

DCC Taylor said: “Only 20 per cent of incidents attended by Police Scotland result in a crime being recorded, yet the demand on our services is as high as ever.

“Whether it’s searching for missing people or dealing with individuals who are in distress, our officers and staff are working tirelessly to keep the people of Scotland safe.”