Bexley Crime stats ward summary Aug 2026

 

Source: Bexley Watch Viz

Beware screen-sharing scammers posing as banks

Screen-sharing scammers are posing as banks to steal your sensitive information. These scams typically begin with a phone call, where the fraudster attempts to move you to a video call and trick you into sharing your screen with them.

If screen-sharing is enabled, scammers can see what's displayed on your phone, including notifications of one-time passwords sent by banks to authorise payments. Our expert explains how to stop screen-sharing scams and the tactics fraudsters use to con you.

Source: Which? (10 Sep 2026) 

The signs of a recovery scam

Recovery scams are when victims of fraud are retargeted and offered help to recover the money that was stolen from them. The scammers promise to get your money back for a fee, but any money given to them won't be returned.

We've spotted suspicious accounts on social media offering scam advice, but there are a few signs that these are profiles to be wary of and most likely recovery scams in disguise. 

Source: Which? (10 Sep 2026)

Scammers are thriving on Meta's social media platforms

Platforms including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp remain squarely at the centre of the UK’s scam epidemic, as our survey of victims has shown.

While the tech giants profit, consumers are paying the price for a relentless wave of fraud. We expose how criminals operate, why reimbursement remains a postcode lottery and why urgent reforms are needed to tackle this crime.

Source: Which? (09 Sep 2026) 

Test the new JustMe scam protection app (via Which?)

We have an exclusive free trial for Which? Scam Alerts subscribers. Cifas, the not-for-profit scam-prevention organisation, needs help with testing its new app JustMe. It allows you to scan for suspicious texts, emails and QR codes, plus other scam-detecting features.

You can download the JustMe app from Apple App store or Google Play. Search ‘JustMe – Scam Protection’.

For free access, you'll need to open the app and select ‘Activate or restore subscription’, then ‘Activate with code’ and use the code GCP7ANF3. The trial is for six months, no payment information is collected and there's no auto-renewal.

Cyber Security Alert: Beware Fake 'Verify You're Human' Screens (ClickFix Scam)

Cybersecurity researchers have highlighted a dangerous cyber attack known as ClickFix, which is currently targetting users across Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

Unlike traditional viruses that rely on hidden downloads, this scam relies on tricking you into manually installing the malware yourself under the guise of solving a routine web check.

How the Scam Works

1. You visit a website (often a compromised legitimate site, expired domain, or fake link) and a pop-up appears stating "Verify you are human", "Fix audio driver", or "Sign-in failed".

2. The page instructs you to follow quick verification steps—typically prompting you to open your system command line (PowerShell on Windows or Terminal on Mac) or press Win + R and paste a provided line of text.

3. The moment you paste and press Enter, a hidden background script executes. This secretly installs info-stealing malware designed to hijack saved passwords, online banking credentials, and personal files.

How to Prevent This from Happening

• Golden Rule: No legitimate company—whether Google, Microsoft, Cloudflare, or Meta—will ever ask you to open PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Terminal to prove you are a human or fix a browser issue.

• Never Paste Unfamiliar Commands: If a website instructs you to press Win + R, paste text into a command terminal, or download an unverified app to view a page, close the browser tab immediately.

• Beware of Artificial Urgency: Scammers rely on countdown timers and warning messages to trigger panic. Take a moment to think before following unusual instructions.

• Keep Devices Updated: Ensure your operating system, web browsers, and anti-virus software are fully up to date with real-time web protection enabled.

What to do if you have already fallen for this: Immediately disconnect your device from Wi-Fi/Ethernet, change your key account passwords (email, online banking, social media) from a secondary secure device, and run a full system anti-virus scan or consult an IT professional.

 Source: The Phone Guardian

How to Stop Scammers in Their Tracks: Key Lessons from Today’s Channel 5 Broadcast

In today’s episode of Matt Allwright on Channel 5, consumer champion Matt was joined by fraud prevention expert Harleen Nottay to break down the latest tactics fraudsters are using—and, more importantly, how we as a community can protect ourselves.

At Bexley Neighbourhood Watch, keeping our local residents safe from fraud is a top priority. Here is a roundup of the core advice and action points highlighted during today’s show.

1. The Golden Rule: Stop, Challenge, Protect

Scammers rely heavily on creating a sense of urgency—whether they claim your bank account is compromised, a parcel couldn't be delivered, or a family member is in emergency financial trouble.

• Stop: Take a moment to pause. Legitimate organizations, banks, or police officers will never pressure you into making an immediate financial decision or transferring funds on the spot.

• Challenge: Ask yourself: Could this be fake? It’s okay to reject or ignore requests for personal information. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

• Protect: If you suspect a contact is fake, report it immediately and contact your bank using the trusted number on the back of your card.

2. Common Scam Tactics Highlighted Today

• Number Spoofing: Criminals can fake the caller ID displayed on your phone to make it look like your bank or the Metropolitan Police are calling. Tip: Hang up immediately. Wait at least 5 minutes (or use a different phone) to ensure the line is clear, then call the official organization directly.

• Suspicious Texts (Smishing) & Emails (Phishing): Never click on links in unsolicited messages claiming you owe money or need to update account details.

• Safe Account Lies: No real bank or police department will ever ask you to transfer money to a "safe account." If someone tells you to do this, it is a scam.

3. Actionable Tips to Protect Yourself & Neighbours

1. Use the 159 Hotline: If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from your bank or credit card provider, hang up and dial 159. This secure, national hotline routes you directly to your bank's genuine customer service team.

2. Report Suspicious Messages:

   • Texts: Forward scam text messages free of charge to 7726 (which spells 'SPAM').

   • Emails: Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

3. Set Up Call Blockers: For elderly or vulnerable relatives in Bexley, consider setting up landline call blockers or checking if their phone provider offers free nuisance-call shielding.

4. Talk to Your Neighbours: Scammers thrive in isolation. Check in on your neighbours and share these tips. If a crime is currently in progress or someone is at your door, call 999.

Need Further Support?

If you think you have lost money to a scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Stay vigilant, look out for one another, and let's keep Bexley safe!

— Your Bexley Neighbourhood Watch Team

Watchpoint: Stopping Fraud - click to view enlarged