Cops have been mocked for asking locals to write FAIRY TALES to prevent fraud.
Police are encouraging the public to put themselves in the shoes of a fraudster and think like a con artist.
They have launched a bizarre competition for the public to create stories to help prevent people from falling victim to it.
Dorset Police has created the contest to help spot common signs of fraud.
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It will hopefully encourage conversations about fraudulent behaviour and help prevent people.
This includes unknowingly sharing personal details or banking information with criminals.
The idea has divided opinion among locals.
One Mike Powley joked: “Once upon a time, someone bought a kitchen from Wickes… nightmare.”
Yet Zoe Fry said: “Great idea.”
The competition launched on Monday (4 Mar).
But the public has until midnight on 30 April 2024 to submit their entries.
Prizes will be awarded to the selected winners in each of the five age categories.
Cops say fraud equates for over 40% of all crime reported in England and Wales.
Shockingly, an estimated 80% of fraud offences not reported – according to data released by the National Crime Agency.
Between December 2022 and January 2024, people living and working in Dorset have reported 4,599 incidents to Action Fraud.
Action Fraud – who are a national agency that investigates the majority of fraud offences – estimate Dorset residents have lost £19.9 million to fraud within the 13-month period.
Dorset Police say that fairy tales have been used for years to teach people about dangers.
Damian Cranny, said: “We know that fraud remains significantly underreported and can have devastating consequences on victims, with some being left in financial difficulty and feeling ashamed of having been manipulated by the fraudsters.
“Fairy tales and fables have been used for centuries to warn people of danger.
”These stories are often entertaining and easy to remember; and we believe they could be a powerful tool to educate people about the dangers of fraud and how to protect themselves from it.
“I hope that both children and adults will support us by taking part in this competition to help us protect people from fraud and make life difficult for the scammers.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I wholeheartedly support this initiative to encourage more conversations about fraudulent behaviour, which could help prevent more people becoming victims to these abhorrent scammers and fraudsters.
“I know how damaging incidents of fraud can be for victims, who include some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
”As well as the impact on finances, it leaves people feeling vulnerable and with a sense of embarrassment, which can be difficult to overcome.
“Therefore, it is vital we shine a light on the ways people can be tricked, and highlight how we can all protect ourselves, as well as family and friends.
”Together, we could help make a difference and stop these scammers.”
This story features on Need To Know.
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