The new team of Fraud Ambassadors is designed to strengthen support for victims of fraud and increase awareness of scams and cyber-enabled crime.
The inaugural team consists of 11 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) representing Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar & Cleveland.
The Hartlepool team consists of PCSO Pauline Duffield, PCSO Julie Dobson and PCSO Jacob Watts.
Each officer has completed an intensive two-day training programme delivered by colleagues from the Northeast Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), equipping them with enhanced knowledge and specialist skills to tackle fraud and cyber-related crime within their communities.
A Force spokesperson said: “Fraud continues to be one of the most prevalent crimes affecting individuals across the UK, with vulnerable people often disproportionately targeted. The newly trained fraud ambassadors will play a vital role in safeguarding victims, raising awareness of emerging threats, and ensuring our residents have access to trusted advice and support.”
As dedicated points of contact within their districts, the ambassadors will:
- Visit victims identified through Report Fraud data.
- Support safeguarding efforts for people affected by fraud.
- Work closely with Economic Crime and Cyber Crime Units.
- Identify opportunities to raise awareness around cyber-enabled crime.
- Deliver fraud prevention training, talks, and presentations.
- Organise community engagement and awareness events.
- Help protect vulnerable residents from becoming victims of scams and fraud.
Detective Sergeant Kev Appleby from Cleveland Police’s Economic Crime Unit said “Fraud can have a devastating impact on victims, both financially and emotionally. By introducing our first team of fraud ambassadors, we’re adding to the ongoing work we already do under Operation Sentinel – a northeast collaboration against serious and organised crime including fraud and we’re investing in dedicated officers who can help protect vulnerable people, support those affected by fraud, and educate our communities on the latest threats.”
He added: “This initiative represents an important step forward in our commitment to preventing fraud and keeping people safe across Cleveland. By embedding specialist fraud knowledge within neighbourhood policing teams, we’ll significantly enhance our ability to reach victims, prevent further offending, and build resilience within our communities.”
Residents are reminded that genuine organisations, including banks and the police, will never ask them to transfer money, disclose PIN numbers, or hand over cash, bank cards, or personal security details. Anyone who is unsure, should stop, hang up, and verify the request using a trusted contact number.
Anyone seeking further support is encouraged to contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team or report concerns online.
Fraud can be reported through the national reporting service at Report Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Suspicious text messages can be forwarded free of charge to 7726, while scam emails can be forwarded to [email protected].
