Dyfed-Powys Police is advising the farming community to be extremely wary of any suspicious calls, texts or emails as a scam specifically targeting the agricultural sector has been identified.
Information about the Single Farm Payments is publically available, meaning criminals are able to directly target victims making their approaches appear more convincing.
The scam communications will typically claim that fraud has been detected on the farmer’s bank account and that urgent action is required to safeguard funds.
The victim is then persuaded to divulge personal or financial information, or even to transfer money directly into a so-called ‘safe account’.
With some grants worth thousands of pounds, in past years fraudsters have stolen significant amounts of money from their victims.
The farming community is an attractive target at this time of year for fraud and the consequences of falling into the trap could be financially severe but also cause untold stress and anxiety. The FUW is therefore urging farmers to follow the advice below and to remain vigilant and to contact Action Fraud immediately on 0300 123 2040 if you’ve been a victim of fraud.
Be wary of:
- Any calls, texts or emails purporting to be from your bank, the police, a Government body or other organisation asking for personal or financial details, or for you to transfer money.
- Cold callers who suggest you hang up the phone and call them back. Fraudsters can keep your phone line open by not putting down the receiver at their end.
- Any request to check that the number showing on your telephone display matches an organisation’s registered telephone number. The display cannot be trusted, as the number showing can be altered by the caller.
Remember:
- You will never be asked for your 4 digit PIN or your online banking password, or for you to transfer money to a new account for “fraud reasons”.
- If you receive a suspicious call, hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line, or where possible use a different phone line, then call your bank or card issuer on their advertised number to report the fraud.
Never disclose your:
- Four digit card PIN to anyone, including the bank or police.
- Your password or online banking codes.
- Personal details unless you are certain you know who you are talking to. People are not always who they say they are.