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National Crime Agency Sextortion Campaign

The NCA has launched a campaign to combat the threat posed to teenage boys by financially motivated sexual extortion – a type of online blackmail widely known as sextortion. Sextortion involves people being forced into paying money or meeting another financial demand, after an offender has threatened to release nude or semi-nude photos of them.

The campaign (launched on 20 March) will feature on social media channels including Instagram, Reddit and Snapchat. All age groups and genders have been targeted, but the month-long campaign is aimed at boys aged between 15 and 17, giving them the knowledge to spot the dangers posed by this crime type and how to report it. It supports them to understand that if it does happen, it is never their fault.

To read more visit: National Crime Agency launches online campaign to tackle 'sextortion' among young teenage boys - National Crime Agency.

Remote Access Scams

Some of the most common frauds reported to Action Fraud by residents of Hampshire and the IOW involve criminals connecting remotely to your computer/phone/digital device. Never allow remote access to your computer following an unsolicited call, text, message, or browser pop-up.

Remote Access scams will often begin with a browser pop-up saying that your computer is infected with a virus, or maybe a call from someone claiming to be from your bank saying that they need to connect to your computer in order to cancel a fraudulent transaction on your account. Regardless of the narrative the fraudster’s use, their goal is to steal your money or access your financial information by tricking you into allowing them to remotely connect to your computer, tablet or mobile.

Find out more at: Remote Access Tool Scams | Action Fraud

Safe4Me website 

Are you an educator, service provider or parent looking for information and resources to help educate, guide and support children to keep safe? Hampshire Police’s Safe4Me website provides information and resources, click here to visit the website: www.safe4me.co.uk

Police Commissioner releases £1.35M in crime prevention

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has announced £1.35million in crime prevention grant funding for charities, councils and third sector organisations working in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. 

The PCC is inviting new applications for prevention projects focused on serious violence, child exploitation, crime affecting women and girls, reducing offending, and anti-social behaviour. 

The application window is open from 1 April 2025 to 15 May 2025 for funding to start on 1 October 2025. Visit the PCC website to find out more: Police Commissioner releases £1.35M investment in crime prevention - Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner

Mark and register your power tools 

When stolen power tools are recovered by the police, it is often difficult to trace the original owner. 

Security marking your tools using a Secured By Design recognised forensic asset marking kit (such as SmartWater or SelectaDNA) or an etching kit, is an effective and visible deterrent to thieves, particularly if you put up signage to show your property is marked.

Property marking also helps identify the owner, gaining evidence to assist in a prosecution. Tools and other property can be registered on Immobilise for free, which can assist the police in tracing stolen property and getting the item returned to its rightful owner.

Recruitment Fraud Alert

We are receiving a high number of reports from residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who have been tricked into parting with their hard earned cash while applying for a new job. Action Fraud advise to watch out for fake job recruitment messages and ads. If you receive a job offer, always carry out thorough research to ensure the employer is legitimate and never pay advance fees. Visit the Action Fraud website to find out more: Recruitment scams | Action Fraud

Check if your email address has been in a data breach

You can easily check if your e-mail address has been part of a data breach by visiting the website: https://haveibeenpwned.com/

Remember to enable 2-step verification for every account you have.     Visit Action Fraud for advice on how to protect your email accounts: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/socialmediahacking