Police warning as officers track down cyber criminals
Northumbria Police is urging residents to stay wise online as the threat of cyber criminals grows.
As the world becomes more dependent on digital services, Northumbria Police officers are working to ensure theystayaheadofonlinegangs looking to take advantage.
The threat of cyber criminals can take various forms, with criminals advertising schemes promising, in some cases, high returns through cryptocurrency investing or mining.
Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money designed to work as a method of currency exchange online and as more peopleareinvestingincryptocurrencies, criminals are using this as an opportunity to capitalise and commit fraud.
Detective Sergeant Steven Ross, one of the force’s top financial investigators, talked about how crimes involving cryptocurrency are becomingmoreofarisktothepublic.
He said: “We’re seeing more and more reports come in of digital currency fraud and we’re urging the public to remain vigilant online. We understand more people are online than ever before, but we aren’t naive to the fact that it means more criminals are moving online too. These criminals look to prey on vulnerable victims with fraudulentinvestmentopportunities and other scams.”
Criminalswilloftenbuilda professional and credible advert, email, website or profile to advertise fake investment opportunities, including
cryptocurrency. But DS Ross is urging residents to remain cautious online, report anythingbelievedtobesuspicious and is working with his team to stay ahead of crime trends whilealsoofferingprevention advice and targeting suspected online criminals.
Headded:“Ourworkinthe Financial Investigation Team isaboutstayingaheadofcrime trends and offering prevention advice as well as targeting suspects but we need the public to do their part too.
"Stay vigilant online, be
cautious of promises of easy moneyandinvestmentopportunities. These fraudsters are professionals and go to great lengths to appear legitimate.
"Don’t feel pressured to make any payments and always take time to do your research. We urge people to report anything suspicious.”
For more information or if youthinkyou’vebeenavictim of financial fraud or scam, report it to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk orbycontactingNorthumbria Police.