Over £1million has been refunded to victims of fraud in the county thanks to North Yorkshire Police’s Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer.
Rachel Graham works in the force’s Economic Crime Unit where her role is to support and help protect the most vulnerable victims of fraud.
Part of her role is to enable victims to obtain reimbursement from their bank after losing money to fraudsters.
Over the past financial year, she has helped victims recover £1,025,766 - and prevented £81,137 from being handed over to fraudsters in the first place.
The amounts reimbursed to victims range from £550 to £360,000.
Rachel also works with victims to empower them and prevent them falling prey to fraudsters again.
A former Detective Constable of 30 years, including 17 years spent investigating fraud in Cleveland Police’s Economic Crime Unit, Rachel joined North Yorkshire Police in March last year.
She said:
“Having investigated fraud for most of my career, nothing motivates me more when I see the devastation it causes when someone loses their life-savings to wicked, organised criminals.
“Some of them are very convincing and prey on older and vulnerable people, taking advantage of their trusting nature. In many cases the victims have not reported the frauds to their bank.
“My job is to ensure the victim has done everything they can to get their money back.
“In some cases, it could be advising and supporting their family about how to obtain compensation, or it could be writing to financial institutions on their behalf, sometimes I advise officers and PCSOs who visit fraud victims on what can be done.
“It’s not always possible, but I will do everything I can to ensure all possible routes are taken to obtain reimbursement for their loss.
She added:
“It’s a team effort and I would not be able to do it without the rest of our team including our amazing fraud ambassadors, analysts, police staff assessors/investigators and detectives who are all equally as passionate about stamping out fraud as I am.
“Working together we are able to make a massive difference."
Have you been a victim of fraud? North Yorkshire Police’s website has lost of information and advice: www.northyorkshire.police.uk/fraud
Ricky Durkin announced as new Programme Director at Your Media Group
Organisers reveal details of Silsden Christmas Market
VIDEO: Check out a magical local day out on The Polar Express
£3 million funding to boost special needs education
Northern offers discounted tickets for journeys to Christmas markets
Former Lioness to join Skipton for Christmas Lights Switch-On
Row over home-to-school transport escalates amid broken promises claim
Council launches guide to improve support for Armed Forces in North Yorkshire
Skipton charity issues advice on how to talk to children about mental health
Shed workshop rejected partly due to archaeology concerns
Social football for ladies and girls promoted in Skipton
MP launches Small Business Awards in South Craven
Christmas tree farm in Steeton celebrates 40 year anniversary
Councillors told to decline allowances if they don't agree with increase
Leisure centre expansion to depend on council balancing finances
Apprentice winner helps to launch new Skipton Business
BGT finalist to headline Your Skipton stage at Christmas lights event
Warning over taxi drivers with criminal records getting licences from other authorities
Sales income means council-owned house builder is back in black
Anger as council refuses to issue key home-to-school transport maps
