​🚨 Scam Alert: Watch Out for Fake "NatWest Payment Hold" Texts

If you’ve recently received a text message claiming to be from NatWest about a blocked payment to Alan Motors LTD, do not call the number provided. It’s a sophisticated phishing attempt designed to panic you into handing over sensitive personal and financial details.

Here is an exact example of the fraudulent message currently circulating:

NatWest Text Alert: We've placed a hold on a payment of £917.23 to Alan Motors LTD on 2026-07-20 14:54:22. Not you? Call us on 020 3896 5000.

How This Scam Works

1. Creating Panic: Scammers deliberate specify a high dollar/pound amount (£917.23) and a specific business name (Alan Motors LTD) to make you think someone is currently spending your money.

2. Fabricated Urgency: The timestamp makes it feel official and immediate, prompting an emotional reaction rather than a logical one.

3. The Trap Number: The number included in the text (020 3896 5000) does not belong to NatWest. Calling it connects you directly to fraudsters posing as the bank's fraud prevention team. They will attempt to coax you into revealing security PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs), or transferring money to a "safe account."

What to Do If You Receive This Text

• ❌ Do NOT call the number in the text.

• ❌ Do NOT click any links if a similar message includes one.

• 📱 Forward the text to 7726: In the UK, 7726 is the free reporting service run by Ofcom. Simply forward the message to this number so network providers can investigate and block the sender.

• 🗑️ Delete the message.

What to Do If You're Unsure or Already Called

• Verify Independently: If you ever want to check if a text from NatWest (or any bank) is real, log in securely via your official mobile banking app or call the number listed on the back of your debit card.

• Call 159: If you are in the UK and suspect you are speaking to a scammer or want to contact your bank quickly, call 159. This is a secure national hotline that connects you directly to your bank's official fraud department.

• If You Shared Details: Contact NatWest immediately using the number on the back of your card or via 159, and report the incident to [suspicious link removed].

Quick Rule of Thumb

Banks will never ask you to transfer money to a "safe account," nor will they ask for your full PIN, passcodes, or banking passwords over the phone.

Stay vigilant, share this warning with friends and family, and always double-check the source before picking up the phone!

Don't get fleeced by a digital pickpocket

Criminals are stealing life-changing sums in digital wallet scams. We spoke to someone who was targeted by one of these scams, losing £18,000 in a matter of hours after he was convinced by a fraudster to transfer money out of his account for 'security purposes'.

Find out how this type of scam works, how to protect yourself and why it's nearly impossible to get your money back.

Source: Which? (16 Jul 2026) 

Avoid these sneaky subscription traps

Watch out for subscription trap tactics used in online ads to trick you into paying for services you don't want or need.

We aren’t talking about Netflix and Spotify here. We're talking about some online subscription businesses that offer a ‘free’ trial or ask you to pay a modest £1 fee, but in reality, leave you facing outrageous weekly or monthly charges. Check out the latest traps to watch out for and explore some of the sneaky tactics at play.

Source: Which? (16 Jul 2026) 

New rules to tackle scam ads

Meta (owner of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram) projected 10% of its 2024 earnings would come from ads for scams and banned goods, according to a damning Reuters exposé.

Finally, tougher rules have been proposed aimed at tackling scam ads on online platforms. Tech giants will be expected to proactively intercept fraudulent advertisers, ban them and stop them from creating new accounts – if they don't they'll face hefty fines. Here's what we know so far about the proposals.

Source: Which? (14 Jul 2026) 

Bexley Crime stats ward summary Jun 2026

 

Source: Bexley Watch Viz

Scam Alert: The Sneaky "Unpaid Parking Fine" Text Messages Targeting UK Drivers

Have you received a sudden text message warning you about an "unpaid parking fine"? If so, take a second before you tap that link. Consumer champion Which? has issued a major warning about a highly convincing, fast-growing SMS scam designed to steal your personal and financial details.

Here is what you need to know to keep your bank account safe.

What Does the Scam Look Like?

The scam arrives as a text message on your mobile phone, often spoofing official-looking sender IDs or appearing from a random mobile number.

The message claims that a record shows you have an outstanding Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or an "unpaid parking fine." To make the threat feel urgent, the scammers include a tight deadline, warning that if you do not pay immediately, you will face:

• Increased court fees or legal action

• Bans from driving

• Negative impacts on your credit file

The message then directs you to click a link (often hidden behind URL shorteners like qrco.de or tinyurl) to settle the fee.

An example of the fake text message claiming a parking penalty charge is due.. Source: GOV.UK

 

The Trap: Copycat Government Websites

If you click the link, you are taken to a highly sophisticated copycat government website designed to look exactly like the official GOV.UK portal.

To trick you into lowering your guard, the fraudulent page links out to genuine government pages (such as actual challenge portals or public transport rules). However, once you click through to "pay," the site will ask you to input:

1. Your vehicle registration number (VRN)

2. Your full name, home address, and contact details

3. Your credit or debit card details

The only major giveaway is the URL (web address). While the page looks perfect, the address bar will not start with the official gov.uk domain.

Why Real Parking Fines Never Arrive by Text

The absolute simplest way to spot this scam is to understand how UK parking enforcement actually works:

Government bodies, local councils, and private parking companies will never contact you by text message to issue or chase a PCN.

They do not have access to your mobile number. Real parking tickets are either:

• Fixed physically to your vehicle’s windscreen in a yellow plastic packet.

• Sent strictly by post to the address of the Registered Keeper on file with the DVLA. Official letters will always contain your vehicle's make and model, specific details of the location, and photographic evidence of the alleged contravention.

What to Do If You Get One of These Texts

• Do not click the link: Even just clicking can let scammers know your number is active, leading to more targeted spam.

• Report the message: Forward the scam text to 7726 (a free UK reporting service). This helps mobile network providers investigate and block the sender.

• Report the website: You can report copycat or fraudulent websites directly to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

• Check securely: If you are genuinely worried you might have a real, outstanding fine, go directly to your local council’s official website or the government's official page by typing the URL into your browser yourself. Never use the link in the text.

If you have already entered your details: Contact your bank immediately using the trusted number on the back of your card to freeze your accounts and stop any fraudulent transactions.

Source: Which? (15 Jul 2026) 

Roof fire - Erith 🔥

Six fire engines and around 30 firefighters responded to a fire on Collins Way, Erith.

The fire was located in a semi-detached house of three floors. The buildings roof has destroyed by the fire and collapsed. The second floor of the property has also been destroyed as a result of the roof structure failing. One of the Brigade's 32m ladders was deployed to the scene to help firefighters tackle the flames from height. There are no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade was first called about the incident at 1250, and crews from Bexley, Erith, Greenwich and surrounding fire stations were mobilised to the scene. Firefighters had the incident under control by 1436. 

The cause of the fire is not yet known. 

Source: LFB (15/07/2026)