BBC Scam Safe week 23rd-30th November 2024

 

BBC Scam Safe week

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Don't get caught out! BBC Scam Safe Week returns Nov 23rd with content across TV, Radio, iPlayer & more.

New this year: The Scam Safe Roadshow! Get answers to your questions and expert advice.

Learn more & see the roadshow schedule: Link to BBC Scam Safe Week page

Phonely is a UK-based provider of digital landline services. Their services are designed to be more affordable and reliable than traditional landlines, and they offer a number of additional features such as call blocking and voicemail. Phonely is a good option for people who want to keep a landline but are looking for a more modern and cost-effective solution. Find out more at Morning Live, Series 6: 28/11/2024: Scam Special: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0025bpc via @bbciplayer.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1lGnq3mfpVhGX6PNRgfp2Vf/bbc-scam-safe-week-23rd-30th-november-2024

External links:

• MyLostAccount - Lost track of your account or savings?
• Royal Mail Keepsafe® - keep your mail safe while you’re away
• Stop Scams UK - Working together to stop scams at source
• External Links (on blog)
• Reporting (on blog)

Top 5 most-impersonated delivery firms

With Christmas fast approaching and the Black Friday sales in full swing, we're warning shoppers to expect a flurry of fake delivery texts and emails.

These messages invite you to click dodgy links, where scammers can steal your details. Take a look at the five delivery firms that are most impersonated by scammers and how to spot this kind of fraud.

How delivery scams work

Source: Which? (27 Nov 2024)

We exposed a global AI scam

Social media has been flooded with suspicious videos impersonating well-known faces and organisations, promoting a dodgy financial scheme called Quantum AI.

Over the course of months, Which? journalist Tali Ramsey unravelled this tangled web of fraud, exposing a global operation. See what she found and how to protect yourself from similar scams.

How this financial scam works.

Source: Which? (26 Nov 2024)

Beware non-existent glamping sites

Tranquil Garden Pods are peddling a non-existent glamping site by impersonating real holiday homes. Excited holidaymakers expecting to relax in the Yorkshire countryside are instead left out of pocket and without a holiday.

Which? reveal how this scam operates, why so many people have fallen victim, and give tips on how to stay safe from holiday fraud.

The holiday from hell

Source: Which? (27 Nov 2024)

5 ways AI is fuelling shopping scams

Black Friday and Christmas are notoriously exploited by scammers trying to cash in on shoppers looking for deals on gifts.

But now, fraudsters are increasingly using AI-generated content to make their scams more convincing than ever. Check out the latest tactics being used this sales season.

AI shopping scam tactics

Source: Which? (28 Nov 2024)

Millions scammed online despite fraud pledge

The likes of Amazon, Facebook and Google all signed a ‘world-first’ pledge in November 2023 to do more to tackle fraud on their platforms.

Yet Which? estimates 6.6 million people in the UK lost money to online scams in the past 12 months. We're calling on the government to bring forward the Online Safety Act and fine firms that fail to stamp out online fraud.

Why we need action now

Source: Which? (25 Nov 2024)

Taking Control Of Your Online Privacy : A Guide to Cookie Management

Example screenshots of 'Cookies' in action:

on standard browser

on standard browser

on Brave browser

Watch RIP off Britain aired morning of today 27 Nov 2024 (watch on iPlayer in case you missed it) about 'cookies'.

Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device to remember your preferences and track your browsing activity. While cookies can be helpful for enhancing your online experience, they can also raise privacy concerns. Here's how you can manage cookies in your browser:

Understanding Cookie Types

 * Session Cookies: These temporary cookies are deleted when you close your browser. They are used to store information like items in your shopping cart.

 * Persistent Cookies: These cookies remain on your device until they expire or are manually deleted. They are used to store information like your login credentials or website preferences.

 * First-Party Cookies: These cookies are set by the website you are currently visiting.

 * Third-Party Cookies: These cookies are set by other websites or services embedded on the page you are visiting (e.g., ads, analytics).

Managing Cookies in Your Browser

The specific steps for managing cookies vary depending on your browser, but here's a general overview:

 * Open Your Browser Settings:

   * Chrome: Click the three dots in the top right corner and select "Settings."

   * Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner and select "Preferences."

   * Safari: Click the gear icon in the top right corner and select "Preferences."

   * Edge: Click the three dots in the top right corner and select "Settings."

 * Find the Privacy and Security Settings:

   * Look for options related to "Privacy," "Security," or "Cookies."

 * Manage Cookie Settings:

   * View Cookies: See a list of all cookies stored on your device.

   * Block Cookies: Prevent all cookies from being stored.

   * Delete Cookies: Remove all or specific cookies.

   * Allow Cookies from Specific Sites: Create exceptions for trusted websites.

Additional Tips:

 * Use Incognito or Private Browsing Mode: This mode prevents your browser from storing cookies or browsing history.

 * Install a Privacy Extension: Consider using a browser extension like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger to block trackers and manage cookies more granularly.

 * Clear Your Browsing History Regularly: This will remove cookies and other browsing data.

 * Be Cautious About Third-Party Cookies: These cookies can track your browsing habits across multiple websites.

 * Check Website Privacy Policies: Understand how websites use cookies and other tracking technologies.

By following these steps and being mindful of your cookie settings, you can protect your privacy and control your online experience.