Belinda's story: the impact of fraud

“I didn’t want to speak to anybody, I didn’t want to see anybody, I didn’t want to get out of bed. I just didn’t want to live really.”

These are Belinda’s words, from a new powerful video from Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Police, who have joined forces to raise awareness of fraud.

This is Belinda’s story.

Belinda had just short of £20,000 stolen from her after she was contacted by a man claiming to be from ‘Action Fraud’ who told her that her money was at risk. He was extremely insistent and highly manipulative in the way he coerced Belinda to move her money from one account to another account, to which he had access. This is one form of impersonator fraud but, sadly, we see many variations on this crime in Lincolnshire. This includes impersonators who claim to be Police Officers or bank officials. They may ask you to withdraw money from your account or to hand over your card and PIN to a courier.  

In our new video, Belinda describes the tactics that the impersonator used against her and the impact that it had on her. She tells us that after he drained her account, “there wasn’t even enough money to pay the electricity bill.” This was money that Belinda had set aside to fund her retirement plans.

While at first Belinda felt bereft, she knew that she had to do something, and she found the strength to report her experience. Belinda was visited by a Police Officer who she described as “wonderful”. The officer made a referral for a Fraud Protect Volunteer and Valerie was assigned. She visited Belinda three times, each time building trust and giving more advice, so Belinda wasn’t bombarded with information all at once. Belinda describes Valerie as a “very gentle and lovely lady,” who really helped her in understanding that she was not to blame.

A follow up referral was made to Lincolnshire County Council, and this is where Andrew Turner comes in. Andrew is a Scams Intervention and Prevention Officer, of whom Belinda simply says, “He has been marvellous!” Andrew’s role covers scams awareness, advice and safeguarding and in this case, he also provided extensive support in helping Belinda’s understanding of her financial options and rights in regard to being a victim of fraud.

Andrew Turner giving advice

Vicky Salmon, Community Safety Strategy Co-ordinator at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Fraud can have a devastating emotional and financial impact on individuals, and Belinda’s experience shows how manipulative these criminals can be. We want residents to know they are not alone—support is available, and by speaking up and reporting fraud, we can help protect others from becoming victims.”

Georgia McCormack, T/Detective Chief Inspector and fraud lead at Lincolnshire Police, said: “Belinda’s story is really important in helping demonstrate the tactics that impersonators use. They will bamboozle you; they will manipulate you; they will use intimidation, urgency and scare tactics to coerce a victim into doing what they ask. If something doesn’t feel right, or alarm bells are ringing, please end the call and speak to someone you trust.” 

In our new video, Belinda tells her story in the hope that it raises awareness and helps others spot what may be a scam call. She also sends a clear message that if anyone has experienced similar, they are not to blame. “Don’t feel it’s your fault. Please do report them. We can stop them.”, she says. 

Fraud and scams prevention pack

Fraud and Scams Prevention Packs have been created by the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s office aiming to prevent victims of the crime and empowering communities to identify and report fraud.

The pack contains information and resources including fraud and scam prevention advice, how to report different types of fraud, and no cold caller stickers for your front door.

You can request a pack to be delivered direct to you or you can request multiple packs for your organisation. 

Stay safe advice
 

• An official from police, your bank or Report Fraud will NEVER ask you to withdraw or transfer money, hand over remote control of your computer or ask you to buy high value items like gold, jewellery or gift cards on their behalf.
• Under no legitimate circumstances would any agency send a courier to your home to collect cash, bank cards or other items. 
• Genuine service providers will NEVER ask you to verify your personal details or PIN by phone.
• If you receive an unexpected call, let the other person speak first (fraudsters will often hang up). If something doesn’t feel right, end the call and speak to someone you trust.
• If you end a suspicious call, make sure you have fully disconnected or use a different line to verify a caller via a number from their official website. 
• If you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately.
• For more crime advice, visit Lincolnshire Police Fraud advice page or visit Report Fraud - the pleace to report, undersand and prevent fraud and cybercrime.