Officials are warning people to remain vigilant over ‘mystery box’ scam emails.

Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, has received more than 7,902 reports about scam emails impersonating well-known retail brands.

The emails claim to be giving away a ‘mystery box’ containing free prizes.

The links in the emails lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/officials-warn-people-vigilant-over-050000627.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr

Companies House implements robust measures, including enhanced data checks and criminal penalties, to combat fraud and misinformation

In a ground-breaking move, Companies House has initiated the first phase of implementing new powers granted by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCT Act) on March 4, 2024. Aimed at enhancing data quality and curbing misuse of the companies register, these measures signify the most significant change in Companies House's 180-year history.

https://www.solicitorsjournal.com/sjarticle/companies-house-empowered-to-combat-fraud-new-measures-under-economic-crime-act-take-effect

New Companies House regime aims to improve data quality and counter misuse – a timely introduction as banks are on high alert due to a spike in potential fraudulent company filings.

Companies House has gained new powers this week to improve the quality of its data and beef up its ability to prevent fraud within the companies’ register. The move comes after the UK’s banks were alerted to possible rogue filings at the register.

Announcements from the UK government and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) show aims of enhancing governance in cyber security control management systems with hopes of more appropriate protection for firms, an expert has said.

https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/uk-government-calls-enhanced-cyber-security-system-governance

Organised criminal groups are switching from riskier drug rackets to fraud in the EU and many don't hesitate to use violence to protect their activities, the bloc's chief prosecutor told AFP in an interview.

Laura Kovesi said that value-added tax (VAT) fraud accounted for 59 percent of the estimated 19 billion euros ($21 billion) in damage to the EU budget arising from cases opened for investigation last year by her European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/crime-groups-shifting-fraud-schemes-093811328.html/

The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has indicated that it intends to utilise existing but less commonly used powers to grant immunity notices to offenders who assist in its cases, and support reduced sentences to defendants who provide evidence to enable other prosecutions.

https://www.scotsman.com/business/fraud-investigations-look-likely-to-be-stepped-up-tom-stocker-4537899

New Lloyds Bank data shows that impersonation scams have risen 13% over the past year.

An impersonation scam is where a fraudster convinces their victim to make a payment, or give personal or financial details, by pretending to be someone else.

Scammers frequently impersonate police officers, bank staff and HMRC, although they may also pretend to be from a large company like Amazon.

https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/media/press-releases/2024/lloyds-bank-2024/lloyds-bank-issues-warning-on-impersonation-scams-as-they-rise-thirteen-percent.html

Due to high demand, Surrey and Sussex Police are expanding their monthly webinars about Cyber Security and Online Fraud. For further information and to register for upcoming webinars please see the following link: Online Safety and Cyber Security Webinars | Eventbrite

The webinars are delivered by the Protect Officer for Surrey and Sussex Police Cyber Crime Unit to empower people with knowledge to navigate the digital world safely.

https://www.blunt4reigate.com/news/surrey-and-sussex-police-expand-monthly-cyber-security-and-online-fraud-webinars-due-high

RISING numbers of fraudsters hoodwinking vulnerable residents into parting with cash will see a new campaign rolled out across Barnsley to combat criminals preying on victims.

According to South Yorkshire Police, an older person is a victim of fraud every 40 seconds and the typical targets of so-called ‘courier fraud’ are individuals over the age of 70.

https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/27480/new-campaign-targets-fraudsters/

Sun seekers looking to book their summer getaway are being warned to look out for fraudulent deals, as new data released today shows victims lost a staggering £12.3 million to holiday fraud last year.

Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber crime reporting service, has launched a holiday fraud campaign ahead of the summer months, urging holiday goers to play it safe online and do their research before booking their trip.

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/dont-lose-out-before-flying-out-action-fraud-urge-holiday-makers-to-watch-out-for-fraudsters-online