Watch out for this WhatsApp scam

Watch out for this nasty WhatsApp scam that enables hackers to take control of your account and access all of your messages. Find out here how this scam works and how to protect your account from fraudsters.

WhatsApp Scam

Source: Which? (16 Apr 2024)

Spot the signs of a rogue trader

Victims of rogue locksmiths can experience rip-off prices, poor workmanship and intimidation. Locksmiths aren’t regulated, which means that technically, anyone can call themselves a locksmith, do a shoddy job, charge you a fortune and avoid being held to account.

In 2022, the Master Locksmiths Association received more than 300 reports about fraudulent locksmiths. Victims had been charged anything from £500 to more than £3,000 for emergency call-outs, which is significantly more than a reputable locksmith would charge.

Which? explains the tell-tale signs of a rogue locksmith and how to avoid appointing one.

Avoid dodgy locksmiths

Source: Which? (17 Apr 2024)

Fake flights and phantom hotels

Lloyds Bank is warning holidaymakers to watch out after it saw a 7% spike in travel scams in the past year. Victims lose an average of £765 to these scams, with Lloyds saying nearly half of those affecting its customers started on Facebook.

Find out how to avoid getting caught and the seven steps to take to stay safe when booking your holiday this year.

Spot a holiday scam

Source: Which? (15 Apr 2024)

Ticket Fraud Alert: Protect Yourself Before Buying for Popular Events

Action Fraud is warning people about ticket fraud, especially for popular summer events. Last year, people lost over £6.7 million to ticket scams.

Here's how to protect yourself:

• Buy tickets only from the venue, promoter, an official agent or a well-known ticket exchange site.
• Avoid using bank transfers, especially for sellers you don't know. Use credit cards or payment services for better protection.
• Use strong passwords and be wary of unsolicited emails or texts offering cheap tickets.
• Check if the seller is a member of Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR)👈(pdf) https://www.star.org.uk/
• Report suspicious emails to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service.

https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/ticketfraud

Scam Alert: Don't Fall for This Debit Card Phone Call

A local Borough resident received a call from a spoofed number '07719 127005' and alerted us to warn others.

Here's what you should do about the recorded message claiming a £900 purchase on your debit card:

Don't press any options or reply to the number.

This is a common tactic used by scammers. They try to trick you into giving them your personal information or confirming the fake transaction.

Here's what to do instead:

1. Contact your bank directly. Look for the phone number on the back of your debit card or your bank's website. Don't use any phone numbers provided in the recorded message.
2. Explain the situation to your bank. Let them know about the suspicious call and the alleged £900 purchase.
3. Follow your bank's instructions. They will likely advise you to cancel your debit card and issue a new one.
4. Report the scam. You can report the scam to the National Fraud Reporting Service.

Additional tips:

• Be wary of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, even if they seem to come from your bank.
• Never give out your personal information or card details over the phone unless you initiated the contact.
• If you're unsure whether a call is genuine, it's always best to err on the side of caution and contact your bank directly.

The number is spoofed and associated with a 'Telecoms Scam'.

Doorstep crime

Rogue traders are active across London – if you are not sure don’t open the door

You can help protect yourself with some common simple precautions;

• Use a door chain so you can check who’s calling
• Don’t trade on the door step
• Ask a trusted friend or family member for advice on reputable traders
• Display a sticker visible to callers saying “No cold calling”
• Report suspicious activity to Police or Citizens Advice

For more information and Source: https://www.londontradingstandards.org.uk/projects/doorstep-crime/

Flat fire - Erith 🔥

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a flat fire on Kale Road in Erith.

Part of a three roomed flat on the sixth floor of a block of flats was destroyed by fire. One man left the affected flat before the Brigade arrived, approximately 50 people also evacuated the building. The cause of the fire is accidental and due to the unsafe disposal of smoking materials.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "If you smoke it is vitally important you stub it right out, preferably in an ashtray.

"Always ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire as you don’t know what it may land on which could potentially start a fire."

This was a very visible fire. The Brigade's 999 Control staff received 30 calls alerting them to the blaze. Thankfully no injuries are reported.

The Brigade was called at 1331 and the incident was under control by 1413. Fire crews from Plumstead, Erith, Bexley and East Greenwich fire stations were in attendance.

Smoking safety top tips

• It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
• Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
• Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.

Source: LFB (14 Apr 2024)