Devon & Cornwall Police are warning residents to remain vigilant following data breaches that could allow criminals to target victims with convincing scam messages.

The force said a data breach occurs when information held by an organisation is accessed, stolen or disclosed without permission. Criminals may use details exposed in a breach, such as names, addresses, dates of birth or email addresses, to create convincing emails, text messages and phone calls.

Police said that knowing personal information about someone does not prove a caller or message is genuine.

Residents are being urged to verify any requests through official channels only, by visiting an organisation’s website directly or using a trusted telephone number.

People are advised not to click links or use contact details provided in unexpected messages, and to be cautious of anyone requesting passwords, PINs, bank details or one-time security codes.

If a password may have been exposed, police recommend changing it immediately and updating any other accounts where the same password has been used, particularly email accounts.

You can also check whether your email address has appeared in known data breaches by visiting: https://haveibeenpwned.com. The free and secure service helps users find out if their account details have been exposed online.

The force is also encouraging people to enable two-step verification or multi-factor authentication where available, and regularly check online and bank accounts for unusual activity.

Devon and Cornwall Police said suspicious emails can be forwarded to the National Cyber Security Centre at [email protected], while scam text messages can be reported by forwarding them to 7726 free of charge.

Messages received through WhatsApp and other messaging apps should be reported using the app’s own reporting tools.

The force is reminding people to follow the ABC approach: “Assume Nothing. Believe Nothing. Check Everything. Then Check It Again.”

Anyone who believes they have become a victim of fraud or cyber crime should report it to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040. Those needing to quickly contact their bank following suspected fraud can call 159.

Police are also asking residents to share the advice with friends, family and anyone who may be less confident online.