SCAM ALERT: Fake McAfee Invoice

Action Required: Do NOT call the phone number provided in this email. If you have already called them or provided bank details, contact your bank immediately on their official number (usually found on the back of your card).

Why this is a Scam:

• The Sender: The email comes from a personal-looking name (Kamari Wilkins) rather than an official @mcafee.com domain.

• High Pressure/Panic: They claim a large amount ($375.98) has been "Auto-Debited" to provoke an immediate emotional reaction.

• Poor Grammar & Logic: The text contains odd phrasing like "We appreciate you informing us that your... subscription is now active" and nonsensical terms like a subscription "lasting 24 hours" but renewing for "three years".

• The Hook: The primary "Call to Action" is a phone number. Real companies will typically direct you to your online account dashboard to manage subscriptions.

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How to Report This

To help the authorities take down these scammers, please follow these steps:

1. Forward the email: Send the full original email to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) at:

   report@phishing.gov.uk

2. Report the Phone Number: You can also report the fraudulent phone number to 7726 (a free service for reporting spam/scams via SMS).

3. Delete: Once reported, delete the email. Do not reply to the sender, as this confirms your email address is active.

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Stay Safe: Always check your bank statement directly via your banking app or official website if you are unsure about a transaction. Never use contact details provided inside a suspicious email.

Bexley Crime stats ward summary Mar 2026

 

Source: Bexley Watch Viz

Vehicle seizure Glenhurst Avenue - MetEngage St Marys and St James

Whilst officers from St Marys and St James Policing Team were on mobile patrol on Glenhurst Avenue, Bexley, their attention was drawn to a Ford Transit van due to the drivers behaviour. 

Upon noticing the police, the driver parked the vehicle, and the driver along with two  passengers exited the van and walked away. Officers stopped and spoke with the males, who were acting in an evasive manner.

Vehicle checks were conducted, which revealed that the van was uninsured and untaxed.
As a result, the driver was reported for driving without insurance, driving with an expired MOT, and being in possession of a class C drug.  Officers subsequently seized the vehicle. 

 

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/424180/Vehicle-seizure-Glenhurst-Avenue 

Alert: Phishing Scam Targeting Antivirus Users

There is a sophisticated new email phishing scam targeting UK consumers.

Fraudsters are sending emails that impersonate a generic antivirus billing department, alerting you to a fictitious failed subscription renewal. The email uses urgent language and fear tactics to manipulate you into clicking a link and providing your credit card details.

Key Signs to Watch For:

• The 'From' Address is a Giveaway: The email might display a name like "Antivirus Billing," but the actual email address is a random jumble of letters and numbers from a generic provider like Hotmail. This is a primary red flag.

• Created Sense of Panic: The subject line is often generic (e.g., "RE: System notifications"), while the email content is aggressive, using terms like "FINAL NOTICE" and warning of "CRITICAL" risk levels if you don't act immediately.

• Fake Urgency: The email lists multiple, made-up "failed" payment attempts to make the situation seem urgent.

• An Unsolicited 'Deal': In an attempt to further lure you, they may offer a large, unsolicited discount for "renewing" through their link.

What You Should Do:

Do not click on any links, open attachments, or reply to this email. If you receive this message, it should be deleted immediately. If you have an actual antivirus subscription, you can check its status by logging directly into your account on the official company website or by using your trusted, official contact information for their customer service.

This scam has been reported to the UK National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk. If you have clicked on a link in a similar email or are worried about a potential payment, you should contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.

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Infographic Guide: Don't Take the Bait! (pdf)

Spotting a Phishing Email

1. CHECK THE SENDER

• Red Flag: The name says "Antivirus Billing," but the email address is random gibberish: brnabawxfvf@hotmail.com.

• Safe: A legitimate email from a known company will match their official domain (e.g., billing@mcafee.com or support@norton.com).

2. READ THE SUBJECT LINE

• Red Flag: Generic or vague: "RE: System notifications."

• Safe: Specific to your account, such as "Your Antivirus Subscription is About to Expire."

3. WATCH OUT FOR URGENCY & THREATS

• Red Flag: High-pressure words in all caps: "FINAL NOTICE" or "CRITICAL RISK."

• Safe: Clear, informative language that isn't designed to make you panic.

4. VERIFY INFORMATION DIRECTLY

• Red Flag: A fake "Activity Log" of failed attempts created to pressure you.

• Safe: Log in to your actual antivirus provider's official website. Do not use any links in the email.

Report Scams to: report@phishing.gov.uk

click image to view enlarged

Infographic Guide: Don't Take the Bait! (pdf)

Fake British Gas calls and other energy scams

As energy prices are set to increase, scammers are impersonating British Gas through cold calls. Worryingly, some call recipients noted that the caller knew personal information about them.

Energy scams are popular among fraudsters, so it pays to keep up to date with the latest tactics – find out about the most recent examples we've seen and how you can avoid and report them.

Source: Which? (31 Mar 2026)

HMRC scams are circulating

The tax year ends on 5 April, and as always, scammers are attempting to take advantage of this increase in activity by impersonating HMRC.

Take a look at some of the most common HMRC scams, and listen to real voicemails from scammers, so you can be prepared should they contact you.

Source: Which? (19 Jan 2026)

How to spot fake or fraudulent websites

Fraudsters can create fake websites that appear extremely convincing to the untrained eye. Recently, we've seen a rise in sites impersonating WhatsApp, encouraging users to download fraudulent apps or visit dangerous links via text, email and ads.

Here's what you need to know to stay safe, and nine expert-approved ways to spot whether a website is a scam or the real deal.

Source: Which? (30 Mar 2026)