The fraudsters are aware of the timing of the BPS, as much of the information on who receives payments is publicly available. From this criminals are able to target specific individuals.
Members should look out for fraudsters calling or emailing claiming to represent the Rural Payments Agency, their bank or the police.
The victim is usually convinced to hand over bank account details.
The banks and the Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA) have advised there are a number of simple rules that can be followed to reduce the chances of becoming a victim:
Be wary of…
-
Unsolicited approaches by phone
-
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
Your bank or the police will never…
-
Phone you to ask for your 4 digit card PIN or your online banking password, even by tapping them into the telephone keypad
-
Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping
-
Ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons, even if they say it is in your name
-
Send someone to your home to collect your cash, PIN, payment card or cheque book if you are a victim of fraud
-
Ask you to purchase goods using your card and then hand them over for safe- keeping
Never disclose your…
-
Four digit card PIN to anyone, including the bank or police
-
FULL password or online banking codes
-
Personal details unless you are sure who you are talking to
Remember…
-
It takes two people to terminate a call
-
If you feel something is suspicious or feel vulnerable, 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
-
If you don’t have another telephone to use, call someone you know first to make sure the telephone line is free
-
Your bank will also never ask you to check the number showing on your telephone display matches their registered telephone number. The display cannot be trusted, as the number showing can be altered by the caller
-
Criminals may already have basic information about you in their possession (e.g. name, address, account details), so do not assume a caller is genuine because they have these details or because they claim to represent a legitimate organisation
Any farmer who is concerned or suspicious should contact their bank in the first instance. More information on fraud prevention can be obtained from Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA UK)