What to do immediately after a data breach

This year has seen several high-profile organisations fall victim to hackers. Just this week, online fashion brand Asos confirmed that some customers' 'basic personal information' has been accessed by criminals. We reveal the steps you should immediately take if you become aware that an organisation has lost your personal data. Find out how to protect yourself and, in some cases, claim compensation following a data breach. Source: Which? (07 Oct 2026)

A confusing debit card scam

We recently helped someone whose phone alerted him to two mystery debit card charges in Dubai totalling £3,850. His bank cards were safely tucked away in his gym locker, but scammers still used them to make Chip and Pin payments in the Middle East.

When he reported the fraud to his bank, HSBC refused to reimburse him. Find out what happened when our expert stepped in and how this sophisticated scam really works.

Source: Which? (07 Oct 2026)

Blocklisted firms’ ads are still online

Adverts from firms on a regulator's 'warning list' are still appearing on social media platforms and search engines. Despite advertisers not having permission from the FCA to promote financial services in the UK, this hasn't stopped big tech firms like Meta and Google from taking their money and pushing their ads out to the public.

Read our full investigation and what the tech companies have to say about this.

Source: Which? (07 Oct 2026)

🎃 No Trick or Treat Posters 🎃

🎃 Halloween is fast approaching!

While many families enjoy taking part in trick-or-treating, we understand that not everyone feels comfortable answering their door, particularly as the evenings become darker.

To help make your preference clear, we have ‘No Trick or Treat’ Halloween posters available for residents to display on their front doors. These signs can help indicate that you would prefer to not be disturbed.

We will be distributing these posters at our weekly contact sessions at Bexley Library. Alternatively, they are attached to this post and can be printed at home for your convenience.

Thank you for helping us make Halloween enjoyable and respectful for everyone in our community. 👻 

Attachments

NoTrick or Treat 1.pdf

NoTrick or Treat 2.pdf

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/504378/No-Trick-or-Treat-Posters

Watch Out for the "Geek Squad" Renewal Email Scam

Greek Squad email scam

Have you recently received an email confirming a direct debit or card charge for a software renewal you never asked for? You aren't alone. A widespread tech support refund scam is currently circulating, targeting UK inbox addresses.

Here is a breakdown of how this scam works, what to look out for, and how to protect yourself.

How the Scam Works

The email claims that your "Geek Squad Internet Security Plan" has automatically renewed and that a payment—often around $434—has been successfully taken via auto-debit.

It explicitly includes a warning: If you did not authorise this transaction, you have 24 hours to contact customer support for an immediate refund.

This payment is completely fake. No money has actually left your account. The scammers intentionally create fake financial panic so that you immediately ring the "Help Desk" number listed in the email.

If you call the number:

1. The scammer pretends to be a customer service representative helping you cancel the subscription.

2. They will ask you to download remote-access software (such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer) to "process your refund" on your device.

3. Once inside your computer or phone, they will attempt to access your online banking or lock your device until you pay them real money.

Key Dead Giveaways to Spot

Even though the email looks official at first glance, several red flags expose it as a fraud:

• Contradictory Branding: The top of the email claims to be from Geek Squad, but the small print at the bottom reads "Copyright, 2026 Windows Defender"—two completely unrelated companies.

• Sent from a Personal Email: Official receipts come from company domains. This message came from an individual's personal email account rather than an official Best Buy or Geek Squad domain.

• Artificial Urgency: Demanding action within "24 hours" is a classic pressure tactic designed to stop you from thinking clearly or double-checking.

• Generic Greetings: It addresses the recipient by their email address rather than their actual name.

• Dollar Billing: For UK targets, receiving an invoice in US Dollars ($) for a local service is a clear sign of an automated international scam.

What to Do If You Receive This Email

1. Do NOT call the telephone number listed in the email.

2. Do NOT reply or click any links inside the message.

3. Check your actual bank account: Log in via your official mobile banking app or internet banking. You will see that no such transaction has taken place.

4. Report and Delete: Mark the message as phishing or spam in your email provider, then delete it.

If you ever accidentally fall for one of these scams or give out banking details, contact your bank immediately using the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card, or call 159 (the UK's direct hotline to bank fraud departments). You can also report phishing scams in the UK to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk).

Houses of Parliament used in new Booking.com scam

The world’s biggest accommodation booking platform is still failing to stop fraudsters scamming its customers. Armed security guards at an office block belonging to the House of Commons have had to turn away Booking.com customers after criminals used the address to set up a scam listing.

According to reviews under the listing, despite it being an obvious scam, Booking.com refused to refund them or offer an alternative genuine apartment stay unless they travelled to Westminster and physically tried to check in. 

Source: Which? (25 Sep 2026)

How to spot a police impersonation scam

Scammers are posing as police officers to convince victims into handing over money and personal details. Typically, you will be cold called and told that a fraud case is being investigated, that a relative is in custody or that someone has your bank card and ID.

The aim is to get you to hand over cash either physically or digitally, find out how to keep you and your loved ones safe from this scam. 

Source: Which? (30 Sep 2026)