Most people can't tell which is SMS Text Message is Real and which is Fake - can you?

 

https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2022/11/phishing-spot-and-report-scam-emails.html

Stolen Hyundai Tucson RA19ONM Alert: Request for Assistance

Stolen Hyundai Tucson in Blackfen & Lamorbey

The resident posted the theft on Nextdoor. The author is writing on behalf of their friend whose white Hyundai Tucson car with the registration number RA19ONM and year 2019 was stolen on Sidcup Road, DA15 8HL at midnight on March 23, 2023. They are requesting anyone who sees the car to contact them.

Stolen Hyundai Tucson in Blackfen & Lamorbey

This is an appeal to residents to check your CCTV footage or If you think you may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or have any information related to this incident then please contact the owner or Blackfen & Lamorbey Police on 101, or 020 8721 2585, or via email at blackfen.lamorbey.snt@met.police.uk alternatively you can call them above or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.

For further information, Ask the Police.

Lego giveaway scam

Fraudsters are using fake Lego branding to offer a £735 Lego set for only £3 in dodgy Facebook posts. To participate in this ‘giveaway’, victims are asked to play games where they have to choose the right box to ‘win’. The fraudsters set time limits to create a sense of urgency and pressure the victim to act quickly.

Once the victim has ‘won’ the prize, the fraudsters ask for their bank details to make a nominal payment – another tactic used to obtain sensitive personal information. If the victim enters their details, they will be handing them to the scammer.

Check out our step-by-step guide on how to spot this giveaway scam.

Giveaway scams

Source: Which? (22 Mar 2023)

Put to Rights - Get your money back

Do you have an issue that you need to put right? Which? can help you.

For our latest Put to Rights piece, we helped a woman who lost £56,000 to authorised push payment (APP) fraud, where scammers pose as the victim’s bank to lure them into transferring money.

In this instance, a scammer spoofed Barclays' phone number. They informed the victim that her bank account had been compromised and she should move her money to a ‘safe’ account. This resulted in the victim transferring £56,000 to the scammer. Thankfully, they managed to get their money back with our help.

Discover what to do if you fall victim to APP fraud.

Get your money back

Source: Which? (20 Mar 2023)

Protect yourself from fraudsters

Ofcom has conducted a report looking at internet users’ attitudes and perceptions toward online fraud and scams. Alarmingly, nine in 10 people said they had encountered scams or fraud online and nearly half had been drawn into engaging with fraudsters.

It’s important to be on your guard against online scams. Learn how to protect yourself from fraudsters.

Tips on dodging scams

Source: Which? (16 Mar 2023)

Stolen Kia Sportage LV69ABN Alert: Request for Assistance

stolen Kia Sportage in East Wickham

A Kia Sportage LV69ABN was stolen from a driveway at DA161NS by two men who opened the door with a rucksack at 10:30 on March 13th 2023 from East Wickham area. The resident posted the theft on Nextdoor.

stolen Kia Sportage in East Wickham

This is an appeal to residents to check your CCTV footage or If you think you may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or have any information related to this incident then please contact the owner or East Wickham Police on 101, or 020 8721 2025, or via email at eastwickham.snt@met.police.uk alternatively you can call them above or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.

For further information, Ask the Police.

Protect Yourself from Suspicious Shipment Emails and Scams

Scam email - click screenshot to view enlarged

It's important to be vigilant when receiving emails related to shipments, especially if they appear to be suspicious or come from unknown sources. In the case of a "shipment pending for a suspended package" email, it's crucial to exercise caution before clicking on any links or providing any personal or financial information.

One common tactic used by scammers is to request a small payment before delivering a package, and then use that as a way to obtain your bank details and other sensitive information. Always double-check the sender's email address and the content of the email before taking any action.

If you receive an email like this, it's best to do some research on the sender and the company mentioned in the email before clicking on any links or providing any information. Look for reviews or complaints from other customers, and contact the company directly through a verified email or phone number to confirm the legitimacy of the email.

Never provide any sensitive information, such as bank details, passwords, or personal information, unless you are absolutely certain that the email is legitimate. And if you suspect that you may have fallen victim to a scam, contact your bank or financial institution immediately to report the issue and take steps to protect your accounts.

Forward suspicious emails (as screenshots) to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact Action Fraud immediately by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting their website.