Western Union join forces with the Met to combat ‘high volume’ fraud.

The Metropolitan Police Service and one of the world’s leading money transfer service providers, Western Union, have joined forces to launch a major new, UK wide, initiative to crack down on ‘high volume’ fraud. This has been supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Under the wider banner of Operation ST£RLING, the MPS’ Economic and Specialist Crime Directorate has identified a growing threat to the British public. Recent Office of Fair Trading research revealed that up to £1 billion a year is lost to fraud.

Operation ST£RLING, an initiative launched earlier this year, takes a pro-active partnership approach to reducing opportunities for, and combating, economic crime. Part of its aim is to dispel the myth that fraud is a “victimless” crime.

‘High volume fraud’ is the generic term used for all of the speculative ‘low level’ frauds directly targeted at members of the public such as internet auction site fraud, lottery scams, cheque overpayments, false websites, ‘honey traps’ and advanced fee fraud.

Western Union and the MPS aim to raise public awareness in order to arm consumers with the information needed to protect themselves from financial loss.

Today Western Union have announced that they would like to encourage consumers to use money transfer only when sending money to someone they already know and trust.

Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, head of the Specialist Crime Directorate said:

“The organised criminal networks involved in ‘high volume fraud’ prey on anyone and everyone with highly plausible well-rehearsed techniques. They are, in effect, ultra-efficient, 21st century versions of the traditional, ‘distraction burglars’. Who like their predecessors, knocking at doors masquerading as ‘water, gas or electricity board’ officials, deliberately invade people’s homes under false pretences, to betray their trust and steal. The only difference is that the invasion is now ‘virtual’ using new technology and the victim’s loss is considerably greater. This welcome national, ‘consumer education’ joint effort with Western Union should significantly disrupt their activities and shows what the authorities and reputable businesses can achieve by working together.”

Mr. Peter Bucher, Vice President of Western Union for Europe, Middle East and Africa said:

‘Western Union takes the issue of consumer fraud very seriously and frequently works with law enforcement agencies around the world to address this important issue. Education is one of the best tools we have in the fight against consumer fraud and the educated consumer is better able to protect themselves and their hard earned money. That’s why we are dedicated to raising awareness of the types of scams that seek to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals and that is why we are pleased to enter into this relationship with ‘ST£RLING’ on behalf of the Metropolitan and the UK police.’

Paul Goggins MP, Home Office said:

“This new public awareness campaign is an excellent example of effective cooperation between the police and businesses in highlighting the dangers of fraud and working together to prevent it, and I am delighted to offer my support. The Met Police have taken a proactive approach to policing fraud and financial crime with Operation Sterling and this new campaign demonstrates just what can be achieved. “Western Union provides an efficient, reliable service to those who need to send money overseas to family and friends but this very convenience can be exploited by unscrupulous criminals to trap the unwary. Tackling fraud is not something the Government can do in isolation and the best results can only be obtained by working together.”

Background:

Today’s press briefing will be jointly hosted by Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur and Peter Bucher, Vice President-Operations for Western Union. This is being supported by Paul Goggins MP, government minister with responsibility for organised crime, Commissioner James Hart, UK ACPO lead on economic crime and Mike Haley of the Office of Fair Trading.

Research by staff from the ‘ST£RLING Proactive Prevention Team’ of the Metropolitan Police’s Economic and Specialist Crime command, (SCD6), in early 2005 identified that, whatever the initial method of approach, the organised criminal networks involved in ‘high volume fraud’ relied heavily on ‘money transfer systems’ to obtain money from their victims. It was felt that if consumer education measures and effective safeguards were put in place at this point, this could prevent a potential further victim from being the fraudsters ‘target’.

Detectives visited Western Union, both in the UK and in the USA found that, even though such transactions only amounted to a very small percentage of Western Union’s business, this reputable company were as concerned about the abuse of ‘money transfer systems’ and customers as the police were. Indeed, they had already taken a number of steps to try and educate their own consumers and put enhanced security in place but frequently found that these measures were hampered by consumer’s lack of awareness and by fraudsters ‘steering’ their victims around existing safeguards.

Consequently, Western Union were very supportive about entering into such a relationship with the Metropolitan Police, ACPO and the Office of Fair Trading.

How the partnership will deliver:

Western Union and ‘ST£RLING’ will be introducing a range of measures that will be introduced across the UK. These include:

* The introduction of jointly worded ‘fraud warning’ forms into all Western Union agencies in the UK. These will be given to all future customers who appear to be sending money for ‘business purposes’ or are in anyway unsure of the intended recipient. The form will contain details of prevalent frauds, simple ‘prevention advice’ and support ‘contacts’.
* Western Union will back this up by providing additional training to its money transfer agents on how to recognize potentially fraudulent transactions.
* National and regional media strategies to increase public awareness.
* Regular ongoing ‘High Volume’ fraud education advice on both of their websites.

Further partnership working with other organisations involved in Money Transfers will also being set up following the lead from Western Union.