The Cyber Protect Officer for Derbyshire Constabulary, Sam Hancock, recently told Derbyshire Alert how she hopes to raise awareness of cybercrime, fraud and scams to help local residents and businesses stay safe online.
Sam recently joined Derbyshire Constabulary from Leicestershire Police, where she was also the Cyber Protect Officer. Derbyshire Alert is the community messaging system for the whole of Derbyshire, and Sam had a message to its readers, a message which we’re now sharing as it’s applicable to the entire region, and beyond.
“Did you know that online crime is now reported more often than so-called “traditional” crimes? This is despite many incidents of cybercrime not being formally reported”, Sam says.
“I will intermittently be using Derbyshire Alert to send out simple steps on how to stay safe online and help you to avoid fraud and scams. Please don't assume everyone knows; feel free to share this information with others to help keep them safe online.
“We also regularly use social media to raise awareness, so if you use Facebook or Twitter, why not give us a follow! We are East Midlands Cyber Secure. There is also a website containing useful information at www.eastmidlandscybersecure.co.uk.”
Sam, who is part of a network of Cyber Protect Officers in the East Midlands, went on to say: “The featured graphic shows three simple steps you can take to protect your online accounts, and from October onwards, we are planning to deliver Cyber Awareness, Fraud and Scams webinars that will be free to join online. These will be advertised via Derbyshire Alert and our social media channels.”
At the EMCRC, we work closely with Sam to ensure that we’re providing people – not just in Derbyshire, but in the entire region – with the information required to stay safe online, whether you’re a resident or small business owner.
We’ll bring you further updates on webinars and the work we do with all our Cyber Protect Officers.
Reporting
Report all Fraud and Cybercrime to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).