Nottinghamshire Police’s fraud and cyber teams have made significant strides in helping scam victims recover over £2million in losses, providing crucial support and guidance to those who have fallen prey to fraudulent schemes.
In the past year, a total of 143 victims were successfully reimbursed with the assistance of Protect officers, who facilitated the process of submitting claims to banks. These officers went above and beyond their job responsibilities by also aiding victims in pursuing their cases with the Financial Ombudsman Service, ensuring that every possible avenue for recovery was explored.
Fraud victims alone were able to reclaim a staggering £1,407,998 in 2024, thanks to the efforts of Nottinghamshire Police. Additionally, victims of cybercrime received refunds totaling £645,177. The impact of the teams’ work goes beyond monetary compensation, as it is estimated that at least £950k in losses were prevented through advice and support provided to individuals who suspected they were being targeted by scammers.
Furthermore, the fraud and cyber teams have actively engaged with the community by hosting outreach events at colleges, universities, libraries, and cafes throughout the year. They have directly interacted with 1,350 individuals who fell victim to fraud, offering crucial support and guidance during a vulnerable time.
Kirsty Jackson, a Cyber Protect and Prevent Officer, emphasized the importance of providing support to victims throughout the recovery process. She highlighted the emotional toll that scams can take on individuals and underscored the significance of offering a lifeline to those impacted. For many victims, the guidance and support provided by the Protect officers play a pivotal role in their mental and emotional recovery.
Among the success stories shared by the Protect officers is the case of a bride-to-be from Rushcliffe who was duped by a fake wedding planner, an elderly couple from Mansfield who fell victim to a courier fraud scam but recovered £28,845, and a Retford pensioner who reclaimed over £80,000 from an investment scam. These stories serve as testaments to the dedication and commitment of the Nottinghamshire Police in assisting scam victims.
Cheryl Meadon, a fraud triage assistant, highlighted the importance of providing crucial advice to scam victims when they reach out to the police for help. Many victims initially believe that their money is gone for good, but with the guidance and support provided by the police, they are able to explore avenues for potential reimbursement.
Overall, the efforts of Nottinghamshire Police’s fraud and cyber teams have been instrumental in assisting scam victims in recovering their losses and preventing future financial harm. Through their proactive outreach and support initiatives, they have served as a beacon of hope for individuals who have been targeted by fraudsters.