Bexley Crime stats ward summary Oct 2024

Source: Bexley Watch Viz

Brrrr! Don't Fall for This Winter Heating Scam Text

With the chilly weather creeping in, it's tempting to believe any offer of help with heating costs. But watch out! Scammers are on the prowl with a phishing text pretending to be the "Winter Heating Subsidy Office."

Here's why you should DELETE this text immediately:

• Urgency and Scarcity: The text creates a sense of urgency by claiming limited spots for the subsidy. This is a classic tactic to pressure you into clicking the link without thinking twice.
• Suspicious Link: TinyURL links often hide the actual destination website. Don't click on it!
• Vague Language: The text uses phrases like "if you need to" and "you have obtained the qualification to apply" without mentioning any specific criteria.
• Government Impersonation: The text mentions "parliament" and "UK Government" to sound official. Remember, legitimate government agencies wouldn't contact you through unsolicited texts with shortened links.

Here's what to do instead:

• Report the Text: Forward the scam text to 7726 (reporting number for spam texts in the UK) to help block similar messages in the future.
• Check Official Websites: If you're unsure about your eligibility for winter heating assistance schemes, head to the official government website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment) or contact your local council directly.
• Stay Alert: Scammers are constantly changing their tactics. Be wary of any text or email offering unexpected financial benefits, especially if it involves clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information.

Spread the Word: Share this information with friends and family, especially those who might be more vulnerable to these scams. Together, we can keep everyone warm and scam-free this winter!

SCAMARAMA: Don't Get Caught Out This Christmas! - Latest from WHICH?

With Christmas just around the corner, many of us will be flocking online for our festive shopping. But amidst the convenience and cheer, scammers lurk, waiting to prey on unsuspecting consumers.

WHICH? is here to help you navigate the digital minefield and avoid falling victim to holiday scams. Here's the latest on some of the cons doing the rounds:

Beware the Phishing Frenzy:

• Fake TikTok Job Offer: Watch out for text messages claiming to offer a "part-time online job" from TikTok. These are likely to be task scams, where you're lured in with promises of easy money but end up pressured to "upgrade" your account by investing your own cash. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
• "Free" Starbucks Coffee Scam: Emails promising a free coffee bundle from Starbucks are a phishing trap. Clicking their link will take you to a malicious website designed to steal your personal and financial information.
• Nationwide Text Scam: A text impersonating Nationwide claiming a declined transaction is another phishing attempt. Don't call the provided number, it's likely linked to other scams.

Report These Scams:

• Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (free for most UK networks).
• Report phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
• Report phishing websites to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website

Fake Dyson Vacuum Giveaway:

Social media ads offering a free Dyson V15 vacuum cleaner in exchange for a survey are a complete hoax. Don't be fooled! Clicking the link will take you to a website designed to steal your personal and payment details.

Report these scam ads through the social media platform itself. Most platforms have a reporting option within the ad itself (usually three dots on the top right corner).

Heating Subsidy Scam:

Texts claiming a "heating subsidy" due to cancelled winter heating are a cunning attempt to steal your information. Clicking the link will lead to a fake website designed to capture your personal details.

Stay Alert This Christmas:

• Shop from reputable retailers: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to familiar brands and established websites.
• Beware of spelling mistakes and generic images: These are often red flags on a poorly made fake website.
• Check for clear contact details and a returns policy: A legitimate retailer will have these readily available.

By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, we can all have a safe and scam-free Christmas!

For more festive shopping tips and consumer advice, visit the WHICH? website.

Beware the Evri Scam Text: Don't Fall Victim to This Delivery Prank

Evri phishing scam text

What is the Evri Scam Text?

Recently, many people in the UK have been receiving a text message claiming to be from Evri (formerly Hermes). The message states that a parcel delivery was attempted but failed because no one was home. It then includes a link to a fake website where the recipient is asked to provide personal information.

Why is it a Scam?

Here's why you should be wary of this text:

• Evri doesn't send texts like this. The company has confirmed that they do not send out text messages with delivery updates or links to websites.
• The link is suspicious. The URL provided in the message often leads to a website that looks like the official Evri website but is actually a fake one designed to steal your personal information.
• The message is poorly written. The text often contains grammatical errors and typos, which is a common sign of a scam.

What to Do if You Receive the Text

If you receive a text message like this, here's what you should do:

1. Don't click on the link. This is the most important step. Clicking on the link will take you to a fake website that could potentially infect your device with malware or steal your personal information.
2. Delete the text message. Once you've read the message, delete it from your phone to avoid any accidental clicks.
3. Report the scam. You can report the scam to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. You can also report it to your mobile network provider.

How to Protect Yourself from Similar Scams

Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from similar scams:

• Be wary of unsolicited text messages. If you receive a text message from an unknown sender, be cautious and don't click on any links or attachments.
• Check the sender's number. Legitimate companies usually send text messages from a recognisable number.
• Don't provide personal information over text message. Never share your personal information, such as your bank details or credit card number, over text message.
• Use strong passwords. Create strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and change them regularly.
• Keep your software updated. Make sure your phone and other devices have the latest security updates installed.

Conclusion

The Evri scam text is a reminder that scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people into giving away their personal information. By being aware of these scams and following the tips above, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Additional Resources:

• Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
• Get Safe Online: https://www.getsafeonline.org/
• National Cyber Security Centre: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/

Please share this blog post with your friends and family to help spread awareness of this scam.

An elaborate Facebook Marketplace scam

Scammers will go to extraordinary lengths to con you out of your money. Even after seeing official paperwork, carrying out independent checks and searching official registers, Sarah Harding from Somerset was left £7k out of pocket to a Facebook Marketplace scam.

Sarah's bank, Monzo, refused to reimburse her – find out what our scams expert advises them to do next.

Facebook Marketplace cons

Source: Which? (23 Oct 2024)

Google impersonations scams

Scammers are cleverly combining emails and phone calls to trick you into giving them your Google account security codes.

Once the fraudsters have access to your account, they can lock you out and gain access to personal information such as payment details, emails and contact lists. Discover how the scam works and what you can do to protect yourself.

Keep your account safe

Source: Which? (22 Oct 2024)

How to spot dodgy text messages

From scammers impersonating the government and offering non-existent discounts on energy bills to fraudsters pretending to be your adult children and asking you to transfer money, we've seen it all.

Scam messages are engineered to steal your personal details to con you now or in the future. We run through what you need to look out for to ensure you don't get caught out.

How to spot these scams

Source: Which? (22 Oct 2024)