Online dating sites are more popular than ever but as their business potential grows, so does the possibility of scams and frauds being carried out through them. 

Please take a look at the practical guide highlighting common tactics used in romance fraud - safeguarding through knowledge and empowerment.

Fraud is on the rise. 

Please be aware that your bank, the police, or tax office will never ask you to attend your bank, withdraw, transfer or pay money over the phone or send couriers to collect your card or cash. Nor would they ask you to buy goods or vouchers.

This is a scam.
1. Hang up (Never give details or money following a cold call)
2. Take 5 (Seek a second opinion, tell someone what has happened)
3. Verify (if concerned, contact the company via a pre-confirmed method)
All of our videos and electronic leaflets can be found on the following link; www.met.police.uk/littlemedia

Free cyber advice can be found https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home
Always report, Scams fraud and cyber crime to Action Fraud, either online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by telephone on 0300 123 2040.

A detailed report is attached here.

Response officers in South London are looking after vulnerable elderly and isolated people in the community by paying them special visits.  Operation Nogi was launched in August 2019 by the police to assist the elderly community in Croydon.  Based on the success of this, this scheme was introduced across the South Basic Command Unit (BCU) encompassing Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton.

Between April to December 2020, this team received 80 referrals across Sutton. This allowed officers to reach out to the community and provide individuals with crime prevention advice, whilst also making sure they have the right support around them.

Officers within the Operation NOGI team have been conducting follow-up phone calls speaking to residents who have stated that they have found the information provided both useful and relevant.  Residents have also reported that attaching the “No cold caller” stickers to their front doors, has acted as an effective deterrent as they no longer receive cold calls. 

The Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop is open every Wednesday morning, drop-in from 9.30am – 11.30am at the Sutton Baptist Church, 21 Cheam Road, Sutton SM1 1SN.

Here you will have access to face-to-face support and guidance from the Specialist Independent Domestic Abuse Advisors (IDVAs) Team, and telephone support from the following agencies:

- Housing Advisors
- Wellbeing Coaches
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Legal advice from a Solicitor
- Non-uniformed Police Officer

No appointments needed, simply come along and we will be there.

Please take a look at this poster for more details.

Inspire is a community drug and alcohol service for anyone over the age of 18 living in the London Borough of Sutton. Please access this link for advice and support.