MerPol Cyber Team

Need us but our lines are busy? Why not send a DM instead? Our contact centre @MerPolCC is open 24/7 & takes non-emergencies on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram. You can also report a non-urgent crime at merseyside.police.uk or have your query answered at askthe.police.uk

🚨Talking to somebody new online? Criminals perpetrating romance fraud stole over £102M last year. ℹ️Stay on the dating website or app until you’re confident the person is who they say they are. #RomanceFraud

🚨Talking to somebody new online? Criminals perpetrating romance fraud stole over £102M last year. “£1,010,451.00 lost to romance fraud in Merseyside in 2025.” ❌ Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. #RomanceFraud

🚨Talking to somebody new online? Criminals perpetrating romance fraud stole over £102M last year. ℹ️ Use reverse image search tools to check that the person's profile photos are not associated with another name. #RomanceFraud

🚨 Never share your WhatsApp OTP — not with friends, not with “support”, not with anyone. 📈 WhatsApp account takeovers are up 58% compared to this time last year. Once shared, attackers can take control of your account. #StaySafe #WhatsApp

🚨Talking to somebody new online? Criminals perpetrating romance fraud stole over £102M last year. ❌ Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. #RomanceFraud

🚨Talking to somebody new online? Criminals perpetrating romance fraud stole over £102M last year. £1,010,451.00 lost to romance fraud in Merseyside in 2025. ℹ️ Stay on the dating website or app until you’re confident the person is who they say they are. #RomanceFraud

🚨Talking to somebody new online? Criminals perpetrating romance fraud stole over £102M last year. ℹ️ Use reverse image search tools to check that the person's profile photos are not associated with another name. #RomanceFraud

⚠️ 10,784 people reported being victims of romance fraud in 2025. Their losses totalled over £102M. £1,010,451.00 lost to romance fraud in Merseyside in 2025. ℹ️Find out how to spot the signs of romance fraud: orlo.uk/0G89w #RomanceFraud

You don’t need to be an astronaut to spot cyber risks. Cyber Essentials gives businesses simple, grounded steps to stay secure and keep threats out of your orbit. More info: orlo.uk/KbxUp

You don’t need a moon mission to keep your business safe. Cyber criminals look for easy targets, but Cyber Essentials gives you simple, government‑backed protection that keeps your systems secure and your business grounded. Learn more: orlo.uk/V4ZbI

No need to fly to the moon to be protected from cyber criminals. There’s an easier way. Protect your business from online threats with Cyber Essentials certification. orlo.uk/sV6C8

1 in 2 UK SMOs were hit by cyber attacks in '25. Cyber Essentials is the NCSC’s government‑backed scheme. Certified organisations make 92% fewer cyber insurance claims, and it’s needed for many contracts. Start with a free advisor call and Readiness Tool. orlo.uk/TPvxe

🚨Scam alert – fake job offers 🚨 Criminals are sending messages posing as recruiters. If you receive a message like this, stop and think. Ask yourself, could it be fake? Always do your research and #StopChallengeProtect #TakeFive #Jobscams

Received a message about a job offer? January can be a great time for job hunting, but make sure you watch out for: 1️⃣ They’ve reviewed your CV even though you never sent it 2️⃣ Pressure to act fast or pay to secure a role 3️⃣ Coaching or CV services with no credentials

💙Blue Monday reminder 💙 Feeling tired, low, or maybe a bit distracted today? Keep your guard up against scammers 💪 Watch out for: 🔴 Unexpected requests for your money or information 🔴 Messages which pressure you to act fast 🔴 Offers that sound too good to be true

New Year comes with new opportunities. Spot the red flags of a job scam: ❌ Vague job offers ❌ High pay, little effort ❌ “Trial tasks” with a fee ❌ Pressure to act fast Stay safe: ✅ Use trusted platforms ✅ Research companies ✅ Never pay to apply

Browsing the January sales? Spot the signs of a purchase scam: ⚠️ Heavily discounted prices. ⚠️ Asking you to pay by bank transfer instead of using secure payment options. ⚠️ Recently set up website Do you research and read reviews before you part with money.

January sales can be tempting, but make sure your finances come first! 💸 Purchase scams are when a criminal uses fake adverts to convince you to buy goods that don’t exist. Stop and think. Research the seller before you part with your money or information.

New Year = new deals! But make sure they’re genuine. Criminals can create fake ads on social media and clone legitimate websites to steal your money. Take Five before you buy to: ✅ Research the seller ✅ Check the website is genuine ✅ Use secure payment methods

Start the year scam savvy💡 Criminals spend hours researching you for their scams, but you have the power to protect yourself. Test your defences with our Scam Savvy quiz today orlo.uk/x1xCt #TakeFive #NewYearNewMe #StopChallengeProtect