Millions Lost to Social Media Hacks: Protect Yourself Now!

Have you ever gotten a message from a friend asking for a strange code? Or maybe a tempting offer that seems too good to be true? These could be signs your social media accounts are at risk!

Action Fraud, the UK's national cybercrime reporting service, is raising the alarm. Over 33,600 people fell victim to social media and email hacks in the past year, resulting in a staggering £1.4 million loss. It's the most common cybercrime reported, and it's crucial we take action to protect ourselves.

How are Hackers Winning?

These cybercriminals use a few sneaky tactics:

    On-Platform Chain Hacking: Hackers take over an account and impersonate the owner. They trick friends into revealing verification codes, then use them to access the real account. Often, victims think they're just helping a friend, but they're unknowingly giving away their own security.
    Leaked Passwords and Phishing: Hackers exploit data breaches and phishing scams. They use stolen passwords or information you unknowingly reveal to access your accounts.

Simple Steps, Big Security Boost

The good news: you can easily prevent these attacks! Here's how:

    Unique, Strong Passwords: Create unique passwords for every email and social media account. Forget birthdays or pet names - combine three random words to make them memorable and uncrackable.
    2-Step Verification (2SV) is Your Friend: Turn on 2SV! This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a code sent to your phone when logging in from a new device. It's like having a double lock on your accounts!

Think You've Been Hacked? Here's What to Do:

    Report It: If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, report fraud or cybercrime to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101.
    Forward Suspicious Emails: Help stop future attacks by forwarding suspicious emails to SERS at report@phishing.gov.uk.

Stay Safe & Stay Informed

Don't wait until it's too late! By following these simple steps and staying informed, you can keep your online accounts secure and protect yourself from cybercriminals.

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

Source: Action Fraud (01-10-2024)

How to spot parking fine scams

Scammers are continuing to impersonate the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) with fake parking fine claims and ‘final warning’ messages.

But the good news is, these scams are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Find out how to tell real parking fine notices from the fakes.

Steer clear of parking fine scams

Source: Which? (08 Oct 2024)

Stay ahead of extortion scammers

An extortion scam email that’s been circulated repeatedly now includes a worrying number of personal details about its targets. It could even contain images of your house.

But don't be alarmed – it's knowing how to react to these messages that will keep you and your data safe. So find out what you can do if you’re targeted by a scam email like this.

Be prepared and stay safe

Source: Which? (09 Oct 2024)

How to get your money back after a bank transfer scam

New mandatory reimbursement rules for bank transfer scams (also known as authorised push payment or 'APP' scams) came into effect on Monday 7 October. So the way your bank handles reimbursement claims has changed.

Find out what this means for scam victims and what you should do if you're tricked into sending money to a fraudster.

Essential steps to take

Source: Which? (07 Oct 2024)

Over-running generator - Bexleyheath

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended an incident at a supermarket on Broadway in Bexleyheath.

An over-running generator in the lower ground floor boiler room of the two-storey supermarket was isolated by Brigade crews. The supermarket was safely evacuated and there were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers were first called about this incident at 1719 and mobilised crews from Bexley, Erith, Plumstead and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The incident was over for firefighters by 1921.

Source: LFB (04 Oct 2024)

Bexley Crime stats ward summary Sep 2024

Source: Bexley Watch Viz

Fake antivirus scam emails return

Which? have seen a resurgence in fake AVG and McAfee antivirus emails trying to trick people into 'renewing' antivirus software. The fake emails ask you to review an agreement before ringing a number to authorise payment, and sure enough, a scammer is at the end of the line to steal your details.

Here's what they look like so you know how to act. Never click a link or ring a rogue phone number.

See the latest scam email

Source: Which? (25 Sep 2024)