A Serious Cyber Threat Looms Over the Holiday Shopping Season

Be Wary of Phishing Scams Targeting Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shoppers

As the holiday shopping season approaches, cybercriminals are gearing up to exploit the increased online activity. A new wave of phishing attacks is targeting unsuspecting shoppers, aiming to steal sensitive personal and financial information.

How to Protect Yourself:

1. Verify Website Authenticity:

   • Check the URL: Be cautious of typosquatting, where scammers mimic legitimate websites with slight URL variations.
   • Look for HTTPS: Ensure the website uses a secure HTTPS connection, indicated by a padlock icon in the address bar.
   • Inspect Website Design: Look for poor grammar, misspellings, or unprofessional design elements.

2. Avoid Suspicious Deals:

   • Scrutinize Discounts: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
   • Research Online Retailers: Check reviews and ratings to verify the legitimacy of the website.

3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords:

   • Create Strong Passphrases: Combine words and numbers to make passwords difficult to crack.
   • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

4. Be Cautious of Phishing Emails:

   • Verify Sender Addresses: Double-check the sender's email address for any irregularities.
   • Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Hover over links to see the actual destination URL before clicking.

5. Keep Your Software Updated:

   • Install Security Patches: Regularly update your operating system and web browser to protect against vulnerabilities.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these malicious attacks. Happy and safe holiday shopping! 

Visit forbes.com for further information.

House fire - Belvedere 🔥

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a house fire on Lyndon Road in Belvedere.

The ground floor of the two-storey house was partially damaged by fire. Four adults left the property before the arrival of the Brigade and were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers received a call regarding this fire at 0553 and mobilised crews from Erith, Bexley and Plumstead fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 0648.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Source: LFB (15 Nov 2024)

Bogus Winter Fuel Payment ads

Scammers are promoting bogus 'Winter Fuel Payments' that don't exist. Which? has uncovered seven adverts on Facebook and Instagram that claim people of a certain age can receive a 'winter fuel payment' of £500 or £575 per person.

If you're eligible for the legitimate winter fuel payment from the government, you’ll have received a letter in October, or will get one in November, saying how much your payment will be. In the meantime, find out how to spot these scams on social media.

Fake ads to watch out for

Source: Which? (12 Nov 2024)

Avoid Black Friday scams

A fake offer isn't anything new, but the hype of the Black Friday and Christmas sales period, and all the advertising that's pumped out at this time of year, allows scammers to disguise their traps.

Which? reveal the latest Black Friday scams and show you how to tell the genuine bargains from the dodgy deals.

How to spot a scam deal

Source: Which? (12 Nov 2024)

Nuisance callers flogging appliance warranties

Rogue firms continue to bombard the public with misleading calls about appliance and white goods repair cover. We spoke to Sam, from Yorkshire, who believes he was deliberately misled during a phone call from HomeShield, when he inadvertently shared his bank details.

Using a recording of the call, we've transcribed Sam's conversation with HomeShield, so you can understand what to watch out for.

Cold caller tactics revealed

Source: Which? (11 Nov 2024)

Don't Be Fooled: Tampering With Cars is a Crime in the UK! 🇬🇧

Think a quick tug on a car door handle is harmless? Think again! In the UK, interfering with a vehicle is a crime, even if the perpetrator doesn't gain entry.

This might surprise some, but thieves often test their luck by trying door handles first. They're checking for unlocked cars – easy targets for later theft.

Here's the bottom line: If you see someone messing with a car – pulling handles, peeking in windows, or anything suspicious – don't hesitate to call 999 immediately.

Here's why you should take action:

• Thwarting Theft: By reporting suspicious activity, you could be preventing a crime from happening altogether.
• Protecting Property: Every car break-in is a hassle for the owner. Your quick thinking could save someone a lot of trouble.
• Deterring Criminals: Knowing they're being watched discourages thieves.

Remember: Even if the person doesn't seem to be getting in, their actions are still criminal.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe:

• Keep your car doors locked, even in seemingly safe areas.
• Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
• Consider installing a dashcam to capture any suspicious activity.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Report it!

By working together, we can make our communities safer and deter car crime. Let's keep our streets secure, one watchful eye at a time.

Spread the Word! Share this post with your friends and family to raise awareness about vehicle interference.

Together, we can keep our cars – and our neighbourhoods – safe!

Source: https://x.com/MPSEastWickham/status/1766394077216416211?s=08

Phishing Alert: Beware of Fake Home Office Heating Subsidy Text

A new phishing scam is targeting UK residents with a fake text message claiming to be from the Home Office.

The fraudulent message urges recipients to fill out their personal information by a specific date to receive a heating subsidy. It includes a malicious link that, if clicked, can lead to identity theft or other cybercrimes.

Here's what the fake text message looks like:

fake text message

How to Identify the Scam:

• Suspicious Sender: The sender of the message is not in your contact list.
• Urgent Tone: The message creates a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly.
• Malicious Link: The included link leads to a fake website designed to steal your personal information.

What to Do if You Receive This Message:

1. Do Not Click the Link: Avoid clicking on any links or attachments in the message.
2. Report the Scam: Forward the message to 7726, the free SMS number to report spam.
3. Be Wary of Similar Messages: Be cautious of any unsolicited messages asking for personal information, especially those related to government benefits or subsidies.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks:

• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: Always be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls.
• Verify the Sender: Double-check the sender's email address or phone number to ensure it's legitimate.
• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Never click on links or attachments in unsolicited messages, even if they appear to be from a trusted source.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Use two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Keep Your Software Updated: Keep your operating system and software up-to-date with the latest security patches. 

By staying informed and following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to phishing scams.

Virustotal flags it as Malicious and Phishing

For more resources on staying safe online, visit the Stop Think Connect campaign website: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk