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
We
often warn you about some of the most convincing and sophisticated
scams doing the rounds. But what about the more bizarre and far-fetched
attempts we've seen?
At the end of a year of some major wins in the fight against scams, it's
a good time to take a look at some of the wackiest tactics we've seen –
including lunching with the monarch and mystery gifts from billionaires.Most peculiar cons
New
data from the regulator has revealed the true extend of fraud on social
media. More than half of bank transfer scams recorded in 2023
originated on Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp, all of which are owned by
Meta.
We look at what's being done to hold tech
companies, including Meta, responsible for fraud on their platforms. When will tech firms face fines?
If you're planning a road trip to London over the festive period, beware
this scam text that leads to a convincing duplicate of Transport for
London’s website.
The dodgy text, which tells you that your congestion charge Auto Pay
service is ‘disabled', is the latest in a series of text messages
leading to copycat websites.
Check out this example of the scam so you don't fall victim.Don't be caught out
Fraudsters
on Facebook are sharing links to fake websites promising access to
sold-out Lidl mystery boxes. In reality, when victims try to pay for the
box, their details are stolen and used to set up recurring payments to
the scammers.
Take a look at the fraudulent offers so you know how to spot this and similar scams on social media.Avoid social media scams
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at a detached bungalow on Maidstone Road in Sidcup.
Half of the roof was damaged by the fire. Four people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There are no reports of any injuries.
Control Officers took the first of five calls at 1407 and mobilised crews from Orpington, Bexley, Eltham and New Cross fire stations to the scene. The incident was over for firefighters at 1534.
The fire is believed to be accidental and was caused by combustible items placed too close to a heat source.
Millions of O2 customers are being urged to keep an eye out for a new alert on their phones.
O2 has introduced a cutting-edge AI-powered tool designed to combat the rising threat of phone scams. Call Defence, powered by Hiya, will analyse incoming calls in real-time, flagging suspicious activity and alerting users to potential fraudsters.
Why is this important?
Phone scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters often impersonating banks, utility companies, or government agencies. Last year alone, 16% of Brits fell victim to these scams, losing an average of £798 each.
How does it work?
When a potentially fraudulent call is detected, a notification will appear on your phone screen. This will provide you with crucial information about the caller, helping you make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to scams.
Who can benefit?
O2 is the first UK mobile operator to offer this service to its customers at no additional cost. The feature will be available to both Android and iPhone users running iOS 18 or later.
What does O2 say?
Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud at Virgin Media O2, emphasised the importance of this new tool:
"Our AI-powered scam and spam call detection tool is the latest layer of defence we’re rolling out to help protect our customers from fraudsters. We’re the first and only UK provider to give customers this innovative new tool for free."
By staying vigilant and using tools like Call Defence, O2 customers can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to phone scams.
Today marks a significant milestone in the UK's journey towards a safer online environment. Ofcom has published its first major policy statement under the Online Safety Act, outlining the specific steps online providers must take to protect users from illegal harm. This groundbreaking move will have a profound impact on how we interact online, particularly for children and vulnerable individuals.
Key Points from the Policy Statement
Legal Obligation for Online Providers: Online providers are now legally obligated to assess the risks of illegal harm on their platforms and implement effective measures to mitigate those risks.
Risk Assessment Deadline: Providers must complete their risk assessments by March 16, 2025.
Implementation of Safety Measures: From March 17, 2025, providers must implement the safety measures outlined in Ofcom's Codes or adopt alternative effective measures to protect users.
Enforcement Action: Ofcom is prepared to take enforcement action against providers who fail to comply with the new regulations.
Accessibility of Information: To ensure transparency and accessibility, Ofcom has provided various resources, including summaries, chapter overviews, and tailored guidance for different stakeholder groups.
What This Means for Users
This policy statement signifies a significant step forward in safeguarding users from harmful content and activities online. By holding online providers accountable, Ofcom aims to create a safer digital landscape where individuals, especially children, can engage online without fear of exposure to illegal and harmful material.
Conclusion
Ofcom's policy statement is a testament to the UK's commitment to online safety. As we embrace this new era of digital regulation, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including online providers, civil society organisations, and individuals, to work together to ensure the effective implementation of these measures. By fostering a collaborative approach, we can collectively create a safer and more positive online experience for everyone.
"Please remember the guidelines and keep each other safe. That way, we can all enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season and look forward to a brighter New Year. Wishing you all a safe and joyous holiday season."
It's been a big year for scams - in fact, the first quarter of 2024 saw the most fraud complaints ever recorded by the Financial Ombudsman Service.
From the frighteningly fast rise of AI to a resurgence of older tactics, take a look at the biggest scams of the year and follow our tips to avoid falling victim in 2025 and beyond.
Shoppers are at risk from fake listings on online marketplaces that don't have any buyer protection scheme.
To test out just how easy it is for scammers to operate on these sites, we mimicked their tactics and published suspicious listings on Facebook, Gumtree and Nextdoor. Our listings from fake accounts remained live for several days.
We've seen a series of dodgy adverts for medical studies and trials appearing on social media, with some links going to phishing websites.
The ads usually call for volunteers to take part in a new study or trial, which requires you to give personal information. When we investigated some of the research projects advertised, we found they didn't exist.
We're writing to alert residents of St Mary's & St. James's Ward about a recent burglary that occurred on Wednesday, December 11th, mid-afternoon, in Cold Blow Crescent. The intruders gained access to the property through the rear, suggesting they may have crossed neighbouring gardens.
As we approach the holiday season, it's important to remain vigilant and take steps to protect your home. Here are some tips to deter potential burglars:
Secure Your Property:
Check the rear of your property regularly.
Ensure back and side gates are securely locked.
Make it difficult for intruders to access your property by using plants, fences, or security measures.
Vary Your Routine:
If you have a regular routine for leaving your home, try to vary it to make it unpredictable.
Lock lobby doors and double-lock both front and back doors.
Leave lights on and ensure all windows are securely closed.
Report Suspicious Activity:
If you notice anyone loitering or sitting in parked vehicles for an extended period, report it to the local police with details such as date, time, and description.
If you believe a burglary is in progress, call 999 immediately.
You can find contact information for the local police team at Bexley SNT list map.
By following these simple precautions, we can work together to keep our community safe and secure.
The ‘cough CPR’ myth has been circulating the internet for a while now, especially on social media sites such as Facebook. If you come across it, please avoid spreading it any further and consider letting the person who posted it know that there’s no truth in it.
While the intent of the post is commendable, it's important to note that there's no definitive medical evidence to support the claim that coughing can prevent or treat a heart attack.
While coughing can be a reflexive action during a heart attack, it's not a guaranteed solution. The best course of action if you suspect you're having a heart attack is to:
Call emergency services immediately.
Chew an aspirin, if advised by medical professionals.
Rest and try to stay calm.
It's crucial to rely on professional medical advice and treatment, rather than self-treating with unconventional methods.
While sharing health information can be beneficial, it's important to ensure accuracy and avoid spreading misinformation.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly, but also with a healthy dose of caution! Christmas is a time for joy, family, and... fraudsters? Unfortunately, criminals don't take a holiday. Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, wants to make sure you have a #FraudFreeXmas.
This year, they're highlighting the "12 Frauds of Christmas," a dastardly dozen of scams designed to steal your festive cheer (and your hard-earned cash). So, before you get swept up in the holiday hustle, be sure to stay vigilant!
Why You Need to Be Extra Cautious:
New figures show these 12 scams cost victims a whopping £224 million during the 2023 festive season!
Nearly 3 million phishing emails were reported between November 2023 and January 2024. Yikes!
The Grinch's Grimoire: The 12 Frauds of Christmas
Phishing: Don't click on suspicious emails or links, even if they seem to come from Santa or a delivery company.
Pet Fraud: Looking for a furry friend? Beware of online scams with adorable (but fake) pups.
Online Shopping Fraud: Double-check websites before purchasing. Unbelievable deals are often too good to be true.
Lost Money or Information: Contact your bank and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and secure Christmas filled with joy, not scams. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in keeping the Grinch at bay!
At Meta, your safety and security are paramount. While we work tirelessly to make our platforms a secure environment, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take proactive steps to protect yourself.
Tips for Staying Safe Online
Strong, Unique Passwords:
Create complex passwords that combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.
Enable 2FA for all your Meta accounts to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts:
Be wary of suspicious emails, messages, or links that claim to be from Meta.
Never share your personal information, such as passwords or credit card details, in response to unsolicited requests.
Verify the sender's identity before clicking on any links or downloading attachments.
Think Before You Share:
Be mindful of the information you share online.
Limit the amount of personal information you disclose on social media profiles.
Be cautious about sharing sensitive information, such as your home address or phone number.
Keep Your Software Updated:
Regularly update your device's operating system and all your apps, including Meta apps.
Updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.
How to Report Scams
If you encounter a scam or suspicious activity on any of Meta's platforms, reporting it is essential. Here's how to report scams on different platforms:
Facebook:
Directly report the content or profile.
Use the "Report" button on posts, comments, or profiles.
Provide as much detail as possible to help Meta investigate.
Facebook Marketplace:
Report suspicious listings or scams.
Use the "Report" button on the listing.
Provide details about the issue, such as fraudulent items or scams.
Messenger:
Report spam messages or scams.
Use the "Report" button in the chat.
Block the sender to prevent further contact.
Instagram:
Report inappropriate content or accounts.
Use the "Report" button on posts, comments, or profiles.
Provide specific details about the issue.
WhatsApp:
Report spam messages or scams.
Use the "Report" button in the chat.
Block the sender to prevent further contact.
By following these tips and reporting scams, you can help protect yourself and others from online threats. Remember, your safety is our priority, and we're committed to making our platforms a safer place for everyone.
