WELCOME TO the official blog of Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association (BBNWA), Bexleyheath Police Station, 2 Arnsberg Way, Bexleyheath, Kent DA7 4QS. Mobile Tel: 07496 385471 bexleynw@outlook.com Charity No: 1072368
See a real life example of an impersonation scam and read our advice on how to handle them.
Source: Which? [23-12-2021]
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| BBNWA Xmas 2022 |
⛄😷🎅☃️👮👮♀️Season's Greetings and a Safe Happy New Year 2022.⛄😷🎅☃️👮👮♀️
Royal Mail text scammers try to take £4,000: here’s how to spot it’s a fake - Which?
UK law enforcement has donated a tranche of 225 million unique passwords to a cyber-security project helping to protect users from hacking.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) recovered the database from cyber-criminals who had collected real users' email addresses and passwords.
That list has been added to free online service Have I Been Pwned (HIBP).
It lets anyone search through hundreds of millions of passwords to see if theirs is in the hands of criminals.
Troy Hunt, the security researcher who runs the site, announced on Friday that it now has a "pipeline" function for law enforcement to add passwords they have recovered to the service.
"The premise is simple," he wrote in a blog post.
"During the course of their investigations, they come across a lot of compromised passwords, and if they were able to continuously feed those into HIBP, all the other services out there using Pwned passwords would be able to better protect their customers from account takeover attacks."
An account takeover attack is when a hacker gains the username and password for an online service and is able to take control of it.
Source: BBC News
Allegedly the first raid happened late Saturday night / early Sunday morning, and then again late Sunday night / early hours of Monday morning. Attached is a still image from CCTV of one of the suspects.
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| CBD gummy ‘endorsements’ are FAKE |
Fake celebrity endorsements remain a popular method of drawing people into scams and fake products online. This time people spotted British tennis legend Andy Murray’s name being used in ads for CBD gummies.
We (Which?) let Andy know – you can read his response here, as well as our advice on how to spot and report the fake ads.
The Mayor has confirmed changes to the Congestion Charge. The primary objective of the Congestion Charge is to reduce traffic and congestion in central London. This will improve London’s air quality, reduce carbon emissions and encourage more journeys to be made by walking, cycling or public transport.
Since its implementation in 2003, Transport for London (TfL) has made changes to the Congestion Charge to ensure it remains effective, including changes to the charge level, days/times of operation, and discounts and exemptions. Temporary changes were introduced in June 2020 in response to the transport challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Between 28 July and 6 October 2021, we consulted on new proposals to change the Congestion Charging scheme. A total of 9,680 responses were received including 92 from stakeholders. The Mayor wants to thank all of those who took part, the feedback received this has been very helpful in making this decision.
The changes will be delivered in two phases:
Phase 1 (from 20 December 2021)
Phase 2 (from 21 February 2022)
The reason that the changes have been split into two phases is to enable the majority of the changes to be implemented as quickly as possible, while allowing sufficient time for changes in new signage and back office systems relating to the changed hours of operation.
If you would like to view the consultation report, you can access this on the website tfl.gov.uk/ccyourview. We have written a short summary of the consultation report which you can access on the website. The full report is also available to view.
The annual Bexley Crime Survey closes on Friday 31st December – the survey is your chance to highlight local crime and disorder issues which concern you most and help the Bexley Community Safety Partnership (BCSP) decide its priorities for 2022/23.
We’re keen to hear from as wide a cross-section of the community as possible, please share with your networks and promote via social media where applicable.
The link for the survey is www.bexley.gov.uk/crimesurvey (Paper copies are available upon request.)
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| Virgin media phishing scam email. |
If you’re unsure about a link, don’t use it – go separately to the website. Report suspicious emails you receive by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to: 7726.
For more information visit Virgin Media.
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| Could you recognise a cloned company scam? |
Warnings on how to spot and report cloned company investment scams will be shared across the National Crime Agency’s social media channels, with those aged 55 to 70 in mind.
Data shows 34% of this age group were impacted by cloned company investment fraud in the first six months of this year, with average losses of £39,218 per victim.
Investment fraud by way of cloned websites has been on the rise in recent years, with Action Fraud reporting a total of £78 million lost last year – the year of the first coronavirus lockdown.
The crime is committed when fraudsters replicate or clone real company websites by using the name, address and ‘Firm Reference Number’ (FRN) attached to a company and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Once a fake website is up and running, fraudsters typically draw people in with adverts on search engine websites and social media.
The promise is usually of an attractive return on an investment, most commonly on bonds, cryptocurrency and ISAs.
Returns advertised are typically moderate, but just above the market rate, making the adverts appear genuine.
Losses with one particular scam, which used the guise of a popular comparison website, recently totalled £750,000.
Victims of this scam described how they had searched online for investment opportunities, and were presented with an online form, similar to forms typically found on genuine comparison websites.
Those who completed the forms were then contacted by a fraudster purporting to be from a known investment firm. They were able to persuade the victims to invest their savings in non-existent bonds, quoting legitimate company details and even using the identity of actual employees of the company.
The National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), part of the NCA, is working with City of London Police to reinforce steps that the public can take to protect themselves.
If you think you’ve fallen victim to an investment fraud, report it to Action Fraud as soon as possible online at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Jon Shilland, fraud lead at the NECC, said: “People can, and have lost their entire life savings to cloned website investment scams.
“Even tech-savvy and seasoned investors can be vulnerable, given that many of the adverts for them appear on or through well-known and trusted websites.
“Everyone should be highly alert and take caution before parting with any amount of money online. If it looks too good to be true then it probably is, but in today’s low-yield environment investors should be mindful that criminals can tempt investors with rates of return which sound ever more plausible. It is becoming ever harder for investors to recognise these websites as being fraudulent.
“The Online Harms Bill will be a great step forward but alone is not sufficient. It only covers user generated content and will not address the criminal exploitation of online advertising which is having a devastating impact through investment and pension fraud. We therefore welcome the Government’s recognition that other steps will be needed, and look forward to working together with the tech sector, law enforcement, regulators and the Government to take them”.
Temporary Detective Inspector Craig Mullish, from the City of London Police, said: “Every year, victims lose thousands of pounds to criminals imitating genuine investment firms with some even losing their life savings. This trend of ‘cloned companies’ is particularly worrying as it makes it even harder for people to spot a fraudulent investment opportunity.
“Investing any amount of money comes with an element of risk so always remember to stop and think as it could protect you and your money. It’s really important people take time to do their research and seek independent impartial advice before making an investment.
“If you think you’ve fallen victim to an investment fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud as soon as possible online at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.”
Source: Action Fraud [06-12-2021]
Neighbourhood Watch are appealing for help with the existing Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Glenmore Road, East Wickham.
There are currently 2 coordinators, but the road is long and ideally, needs one or two residents to become coordinators.
If anyone is interested, they should contact bexwatch-office@btconnect.com for information.
So many people use the internet everyday without checking the security of their browser, it's important to regularly check your browser to make sure it's safe and secure, especially when shopping or banking online. Follow the browser security settings and steps to make sure your browser is safe and secure.
Watch the useful video to see how:-
Kent Community Watch Magazine - December 2021 [pdf]
Digital online version [Open flip page view]
National Trading Standards director Wendy Martin said: "Criminals are exploiting people's genuine efforts to make their homes more eco-friendly. Residents are pressurised on their doorsteps and peppered with phone calls, emails and SMS messages.
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| The Metropolitan Police Christmas Tree Appeal 2021 |
It is the 10th anniversary of the Metropolitan Police Christmas Tree Appeal. This was launched at NSY on the 24th November with the switching on of the Yard’s lights.
There are nearly 17,000 children who might not receive a gift other than for this appeal. If you can spread the word and support this worthy cause by using the link below.
The MET link is
The givergy page is (Public)
https://givergy.uk/christmastreeappeal2021/?controller=home
Christmas Tree Appeal [pdf]
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| Scam alert: Omicron variant PCR test phishing emails |
Another new fake email attempting to cash in on the confusion and anxiety surrounding the pandemic is doing the rounds, impersonating the NHS and offering ‘a free Omicron PCR today to avoid restrictions’.
Which? has reported this website to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) but other scam texts, emails and calls related to Omicron are likely to follow suit.
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| Beware Bitcoin scam email |
The above email screenshot was received on 2 December 2021 by a local resident who alerted Neighbourhood Watch.
The new scam involved convincing him to use a famous name to try and endorse the scam about Bitcoin.
He immediately reported to gov official phishing sites.
Check out the labels on this blog for phishing, scams, fraud for further posts on these topics.
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| Facebook - Action Fraud received 300 reports in one week! |
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| Beware Santander phishing scam email |
The above email screenshot was received on 2 December 2021 by a local resident who alerted Neighbourhood Watch.
The new scam was well constructed aiming to confirm his mobile for adding 2 factor authentication involving personal details of the recipient. It even had their phishing link referenced on the page. Most links are false and he may or may not bank with them.
He immediately reported to Santander and gov official phishing sites.
Check out the labels on this blog for phishing, scams, fraud for further posts on these topics.
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| Here to help you raise unlimited funds - Bexley Community Lottery |
Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association provides a valued service for the community.
We need your help so we can continue to offer and expand our service!
Our aim is to work work with all the different groups, young and old, to help build a better and safer community for all. We work with partner organisations in the Borough towards reducing crime and promoting safety.
Neighbourhood Watch is not just about reducing burglary figures- its about creating communities who care. It brings local people together and can make a real contribution to improving their lives. The activity of Watch members can foster a new community spirit and a belief in the community's ability to tackle problems. At the same time, you feel secure, knowing your neighbours are keeping an eye on your neighbourhood.
Thank you for your support and good luck!
Dana Wiffen, Chairman
Good Luck & Happy Fundraising! |
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| Charity Fraud : The 12 Frauds of Christmas |
The Fundraising Regulator, the Charity Commission for England and Wales, National Trading Standards and Action Fraud are joining forces to call on the public to give safely when donating online.
Data from Action Fraud reveals that £1.6m of the public’s money was lost to online charity fraud over the past year.
The fraud captured by this data includes asks for donations for non-existent charities and the fraudulent collection of funds from genuine charities. Action Fraud’s data shows that the £1.6m loss to fraud is up by 16% on the figure reported in the previous year.
The call for the public to give safely this Christmas is being co-ordinated by the Fundraising Regulator – the body which oversees charitable fundraising in the UK. It is encouraging the public to take steps to protect themselves online, particularly as the nation approaches the festive period, during which appeals for charitable donations increase.
The campaign is urging members of the public to conduct some simple checks before giving to charity, to make sure their donations reach the intended recipient. This includes:
Gerald Oppenheim, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator said:
“The British public is always exceedingly generous when giving to charity, and we want to make sure that they can continue to do so, safe in the knowledge that their donation is going to its intended cause.
“Just a few simple steps – including looking out for the Fundraising Badge, which means a charity has committed to best practice – will help the general public to make informed decisions when donating to good causes, and we are pleased to be working closely with other regulators to deliver this important message.”
Pauline Smith, Director of Action Fraud, said:
“Charities work tirelessly all year round to help those in greatest need. Sadly, criminals will try to abuse the generosity and goodwill of others and this can have a huge financial impact on charities and the causes they support.
“We would encourage people not to be put off donating to charities, but to follow a few simple steps to ensure your donations don’t end up in the wrong hands this Christmas. Make sure you do your research before donating to ensure you’re giving your money to a legitimate charity this Christmas.”
Mike Andrews, National Co-ordinator at the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, said:
“Online fraudsters are preying on the goodwill of generous people digging deep to give to charitable causes. If you are looking to make a charitable contribution online this festive period, it's important to carry out some checks to ensure your money goes where you intend it to. Follow the advice from the Fundraising Regulator and, before you part with your money, check the website to ensure it is genuine.”
Paul Latham, Director of Communications and Policy at the Charity Commission said:
“Many people give very generously at Christmas. By making simple online checks, donors can ensure their hard-earned money reaches genuine registered charities, which are accountable to the Charity Commission and the public for the way they are run, and how they spend their income.”
Source: Action Fraud [29-11-2021]
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| DVLA urges drivers aged 70 and over to keep their money in their pocket this Christmas |
"Drivers looking to renew their licence at 70 and over should use our online service which is secure, free of charge, and also the quickest and easiest way to transact with DVLA. Customers usually receive their driving licence in just 5 days.
Always remember to always use GOV.UK when using any of DVLA’s many online services."
