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
Which? have seen a resurgence in fake AVG and McAfee antivirus emails trying to trick people into 'renewing' antivirus software. The fake emails ask you to review an agreement before ringing a number to authorise payment, and sure enough, a scammer is at the end of the line to steal your details.
Here's what they look like so you know how to act. Never click a link or ring a rogue phone number.
See the latest scam email
Source: Which? (25 Sep 2024)
In a truly nasty scam, we've seen reports of fraudsters hacking Student Finance accounts and replacing the proper recipient's bank details with their own. This is nothing short of theft, and it all starts when scammers ring, text or email an unwitting student.
Find out what's involved and what the Student Loans Company told us about staying safe.
How students can protect themselves
Source: Which? (24 Sep 2024)
They look and feel the same as official government websites, but with some crucial differences. If you need to renew an official document, such as a driving licence or a passport, take these steps to make sure you're in the right place.
Telltale signs of a copycat
Source: Which? (28 Aug 2024)
Action Fraud receives over 100 reports of "People's Keto Gummies" scam emails!
Watch out, folks! A new scam is targeting Brits, promising magical weight loss with "People's Keto Gummies." Don't be fooled! These emails are designed to steal your personal and financial information.
Here's the lowdown:
How to Fight Back:
Beyond Emails: Stay Alert to Other Scams!
Scammers don't just use email. Here are some other common cons to watch out for:
Remember:
By staying informed and being cautious, you can protect yourself from these scams and keep your hard-earned cash safe!
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| Scam Alert: Fake Parking Fine Text - VT reports url phishing |
The text message received above appears to be a scam. Here's why:
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and others:
You can also report the scam to the following organizations:
By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself and others from falling victim to scams.
Scammers love to jump on anything newsworthy and the introduction of the new fraud refund scheme is no exception. We've already seen a phishing attack from fraudsters posing as NatWest, leading potential victims to a copycat website designed to steal their details.
We expect to see more impersonation scams like these as the fraud refund scheme comes into force in October – take a look at this example so you know what to watch out for.
See the new scam email
Source: Which? (17 Sep 2024)
Fraudsters are attempting to steal personal information using a phoney 'annual living allowance' text and website. With an imitation of the government's Cost of Living Payments scheme, this scam includes a link to a very convincing copycat government website.
Find out what this scam looks like, what the cost of living payment is and how you qualify for it.
Avoid dodgy copycat websites
Source: Which? (18 Sep 2024)
How to Protect Yourself:
What to Do if Scammed:
Stay Informed:
By following these steps, you can protect your hard-earned retirement savings and avoid falling victim to pension scams.
Spread the word! Share this post and help others safeguard their financial future.
Source: Action Fraud (10-09-2024)
Have you seen this car?
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| Stolen BMW from The Green, Welling |
A BMW 330e with the registration LP66DXX was stolen from our driveway on The Green, Welling at 2:26 AM on September 7th. The theft was captured on our Ring doorbell footage. The perpetrator used a device to intercept and clone the signal from a key fob inside our house, allowing them to open the car and drive away.
We have already reported the incident to the police (reference number 01/812538/24).
We urge residents in the Welling area, particularly those living near The Green, to review any CCTV or surveillance footage they may have. If you have seen this car or have any information regarding its whereabouts, please contact us directly or report it to the police.
Here are the reporting options:
Please be aware of this type of theft and take steps to secure your vehicles.
Thank you for your assistance.
Source: Nextdoor (September 7, 2024)
Bexley Council has expressed strong opposition to the Mayor of London's plans to introduce charges for drivers using the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels. The council fears that these charges could create a "two-tier City," disproportionately affecting residents in east London.
In a statement, Bexley Council highlighted the need for greater parity with west London, where there are currently no charges for crossing the Thames. The council is calling for a more comprehensive package of concessions and improvements, including:
Cllr Richard Diment, Bexley's Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, expressed concerns about the current proposals: "We need more information from TfL and a broader commitment on public transport investment. As things currently stand, it looks like the interests of Bexley’s residents have once again been ignored by TfL."
The council is also requesting additional technical information, such as traffic modelling and details on how the charges and discounts have been calculated. Without this information, Bexley Council maintains that it cannot provide a fully informed response.
For more information on the charging proposals, please visit the TfL website.
Source: LBB (Bexley Bulletin - 6 September 2024)
Many drivers are unknowingly cruising the roads with illegal number plates. This can lead to hefty fines and even MOT failure. Don't let your car become a ticking fine machine!
This guide will equip you with the knowledge to ensure your number plates are road legal:
Understanding Your Plate:
Number plates, also known as licence plates, display your vehicle's registration number. This format was introduced in 2001 and consists of:
Twice-Yearly Updates:
New cars are registered with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) twice a year:
Number Plate Legalities:
The DVLA has strict standards for number plates. Here's what you need to know:
The Cost of Non-Compliance:
Ignoring these rules can be expensive:
Private Number Plates:
If you have a personalised plate, the DVLA issues a certificate (V750) for legal display. These plates must also adhere to the same regulations as standard plates.
Keeping it Clean:
Dirty number plates are not just unsightly, they can also be illegal.
Ghost Plates and Clones:
Beware of illegal practices like using "ghost plates" (infrared reflective, unreadable by cameras) or cloned plates (replicas of existing plates). These are serious offences with hefty fines.
Stay Legal, Stay Safe:
By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you can avoid unnecessary fines, ensure your car passes its MOT, and contribute to safer roads. Keep your number plates clean, legal, and visible – it's a simple step towards responsible driving.
Based on the flyer you provided, the VAWG event will take place on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, at 7 PM.
Location: Slade Green and Howbury Community Centre, Chrome Rd, Erith, DA18 2EL
Purpose: This event aims to discuss gender-based safety concerns, provide information and advice, and allow residents to ask questions related to violence against women and girls in the Slade Green area.
Who is invited: Ladies that work or live in Slade Green are welcome to attend.
For more details, you can visit: www.bexley.gov.uk/vawg
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| [click screenshot to view enlarged] |
A convincing new scam text about an unpaid parking fine is circulating and leads to a copycat government website.
The text from a random number tells you: ‘an unpaid parking fine was found on your vehicle,’ and that you need to ‘pay immediately.’ Check out the new scam and get clued up on how to spot and report it.
How to spot a parking scam
Source: Which? (04 Sep 2024)
A new mandatory scheme to protect fraud victims will launch next month, but a last-minute change to reduce the reimbursement limit on claims from £415,000 to £85,000 has been proposed, which could mean that victims of high-value frauds, such as conveyancing scams, will lose out.
Make sure you understand the new rules and find out what you can do if you think your bank hasn't handled your claim correctly.
See what's changing
Source: Which? (04 Sep 2024)
As the new academic year begins, large numbers of students looking for accommodation could be at risk from rental scams, Action Fraud warns.
But it's not just younger people who should be vigilant. Anyone who rents through the private sector could also fall victim of this type of scam. Discover the warning signs to avoid.
What to watch out for
Source: Which? (04 Sep 2024)
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire in a storage container on Maidstone Road in Sidcup.
A steel storage container was destroyed by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by mechanical damage to electrical items within the container.
The Brigade was called at 2220 and the incident was over for firefighters at 2342. Crews from Orpington, Sidcup, Eltham and Bexley fire stations attended the scene.
Source: LFB (24 Aug 2024)
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| Be aware of ATM distraction thefts |
Have you received a suspicious phone call claiming there's an unauthorised charge on your Amazon account? We've been hearing reports of a new scam targeting unsuspecting customers. Here's what you need to know:
The Scam:
How to Protect Yourself:
Remember: Amazon will never call you asking for your personal financial information. If you receive a suspicious call, be cautious and take immediate action to safeguard your account.
Share this information with your friends and family to help raise awareness about this scam.
Starting a new school or university year is exciting! But before you get swept up in the whirlwind of freshers' events and new friends, be aware: young people are prime targets for fraudsters.
Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has some sobering statistics. In 2023, nearly 69,000 people aged 11-29 reported fraud, with a total loss of a whopping £143.7 million.
Here are the top five fraud types students need to be aware of:
Investment Fraud: Dreaming of quick cash? Scammers love targeting students with promises of high-return investments, especially in cryptocurrency. They often operate through social media, so be skeptical of any "get rich quick" schemes you see online.
Fake Job Fraud: Hunting for that perfect part-time job? Watch out for fraudulent job ads. These scams aim to steal your personal information or money by asking for upfront payments for consultations or "extra help" finding a job.
Rental Fraud: Finding student accommodation can be stressful. Unfortunately, fraudsters exploit this by advertising fake properties and pressuring you to pay fees upfront. Never send money without seeing the property in person and verifying its legitimacy.
Online Shopping Fraud: Everyone loves a good deal, but be cautious! Fraudulent websites often mimic legitimate retailers to trick you into providing your personal and financial information for purchases that never arrive.
Ticket Fraud: Excited about that upcoming concert or event? Beware of fake tickets! Students searching for cheap deals on events like freshers' week can easily fall prey to this scam.
Protecting Yourself from Fraud:
Don't become a statistic! Here's how to stay safe:
Secure Your Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Consider using three random words and enabling two-step verification (2SV) for added security.
Be Smart About Money Transfers: Avoid sending money through bank transfers, especially under pressure. Legitimate organisations won't rush you. For online purchases, consider using a credit card for better protection.
Beware of Unsolicited Contact: From unbelievable deals to suspicious rentals advertised online, double-check everything before committing.
Reporting Fraud:
If you suspect fraud, take action:
Need More Help?
Visit Action Fraud's student safety campaign for more tips: actionfraud.police.uk/studentsafety
Remember, if you've been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud:
Stay safe and have a fantastic school year!
Source: Action Fraud (26-08-2024)
According to new data from LV=, one in seven UK adults has been the subject of an attempted pension scam in the past 12 months.
With scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated and pension rule changes providing more opportunities for fraudsters looking to steal your savings, make sure you're able to spot the warning signs.
Be savvy on pension fraud
Source: Which? (23 Aug 2024)
September is a popular time of year for job seekers, which means scammers, posing as recruiters, are primed and ready with exciting offers designed to steal money and personal details.
If you or a loved one are thinking of changing jobs, check out some of the common tactics used in this type of fraud.
What to look out for
Source: Which? (28 Aug 2024)
Holidays should be a time to unwind, but for hundreds of Booking.com customers who say they paid for accommodation that turned out not to be real, their trips were anything but relaxing.
Some guests were forced to sleep in their car as a result, while others struggled to get a refund. Find out how to avoid being scammed on booking sites.
Avoid suspicious listings
Source: Which? (23 Aug 2024)
Identity theft is when your personal details are stolen and used to obtain goods and services in your name – and new data shows that cases have soared this year.
Over 127,000 cases were recorded in the first half of 2024 – we take a closer look at the data and explain how you can protect yourself.
How to avoid ID theft
Source: Which? (21 Aug 2024)
An incredibly convincing scam letter is doing the rounds, purporting to be from HMRC. However, there's one tell-tale sign that gives it away.
Find out what to look out for and what you should do if you suspect a letter you've received is an HMRC scam.
How to spot a scam letter
Source: Which? (21 Aug 2024)
Evri and UPS are the latest companies being impersonated in scam texts and emails. These messages attempt to con victims with claims of 'missing address information' and requests to 'reschedule' a delivery.
Discover the latest tactics being used in this type of scam so you know what to watch out for.
Don't be duped by dodgy deliveries
Source: Which? (20 Aug 2024)
Finding or navigating your way through the list by ward for the London Borough of Bexley, by BBNWA, screenvideo. [No sound]
Be Alert!
There was an attempted break-in last night on Gerda Road, New Eltham. The intruders accessed the property through the back garden on the even-numbered side of the road. Thankfully, they were disturbed and fled the scene.
The incident has been reported to the police, but we want to make our community aware of this attempted break-in. Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Safety Tips:
Let's work together to keep our neighbourhood safe.
#NewEltham #CommunityAlert #SafetyFirst
Nobody is immune to being scammed, and although she's not yet fallen victim, even our scams expert knows it could happen to her.
Find out the five things Faye Lipson will never do, to help her stay ahead of the fraudsters – even as their tactics evolve.
What not to do
Source: Which? (14 Aug 2024)
After losing £5,000 to a convincing NHS scam, the victim was only reimbursed 50% by Santander. But after following Which? advice, they were able to reclaim the full amount.
Discover how it worked, what to look out for and what you should do if you fall victim to a similar scam.
How to recover your money
Source: Which? (13 Aug 2024)
If you or a loved one are getting ready to start a new term, make sure you're clued up on the most common scams targeted at students.
Losses can range from a few quid to tens of thousands of pounds, so a few minutes reading our guide now could save you a lot of time and money down the road.
Swot up on scams
Source: Which? (15 Aug 2024)
A Wake-Up Call
Imagine waking up to an empty driveway. No broken windows, no signs of forced entry. Your luxury BMW, simply vanished. This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s a reality for an increasing number of car owners. The culprit? A sophisticated crime known as a 'relay attack'.
In this method, thieves use electronic devices to intercept and clone the signal from your key fob, which is often innocently sitting inside your home. Within minutes, your car is gone without a trace.
Spotting the Suspicious
Unlike the stereotypical car thief, these criminals often blend into the background. Here are some signs to watch out for:
Safeguarding Your Car
While it's disheartening, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect your vehicle:
Stay Informed
By understanding the methods used by car thieves and taking preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to this crime. Stay vigilant and protect your investment.
Excellent Resources
For some excellent advice and tips from the charity Crimestoppers that has been published this week, please click on the below link to access their information on Keyless Vehicle Theft. Their advice provides some excellent and sensible options to consider and potentially take to protect your vehicles with keyless entry systems from being stolen.
Crimestoppers - The Invisible Threat: The Rise in Keyless Vehicle Theft
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a grass fire on Whitehall Lane in Erith.
Around four hectares of grass was alight.
Control Officers took over 30 calls regarding the fire. The first call was received at 1436 and the fire was under control by 1557. Crews from Sidcup, Bexley and Plumstead Fire Stations attended the scene alongside Kent Fire & Rescue Service.
Today's fire comes as London experiences temperatures of over 20 degrees Celcius. During this type of weather, the risk of grass fires increases and the Brigade is asking the public to follow crucial safety advice that will help protect themselves, others, the environment and their property.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Craig Carter, said: "We know many Londoners will want to enjoy the nice weather by visiting a park or open space. However, we’re asking people not to take disposable barbecues with them as they can cause grass fires, especially in hot weather when the ground is dry. These fires are unpredictable and can spread rapidly, causing a significant amount of damage.
"Don’t be tempted to barbecue on your balcony either. Balconies can contain combustible materials which can pose a risk to those barbecuing and others living nearby.
"If you are having a barbecue, never leave it unattended and be careful where it’s positioned. Aim for level ground and keep barbecues well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees or tents."
As well as disposable barbecues, discarded smoking materials and leftover rubbish also pose a huge fire risk. People are asked to ensure their rubbish is placed securely inside a bin or to take it home with them. If you have had a cigarette, please make sure that it is completely out.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Craig Carter, said: "We know many Londoners will want to enjoy the nice weather by visiting a park or open space. However, we’re asking people not to take disposable barbecues with them as they can cause grass fires, especially in hot weather when the ground is dry. These fires are unpredictable and can spread rapidly, causing a significant amount of damage.
"Don’t be tempted to barbecue on your balcony either. Balconies can contain combustible materials which can pose a risk to those barbecuing and others living nearby.
"If you are having a barbecue, never leave it unattended and be careful where it’s positioned. Aim for level ground and keep barbecues well away from anything flammable like sheds, fences, trees or tents."
As well as disposable barbecues, discarded smoking materials and leftover rubbish also pose a huge fire risk. People are asked to ensure their rubbish is placed securely inside a bin or to take it home with them. If you have had a cigarette, please make sure that it is completely out.
Source: LFB (09 Aug 2024)
Have you received a suspicious text message claiming to be from Evri? Be on high alert! A new phishing scam is circulating, targeting unsuspecting recipients with fake delivery notifications.
The scam typically involves a text message claiming that your Evri parcel couldn't be delivered due to an unclear address. It then directs you to a fraudulent website to update your details. Once you enter your personal information, scammers can gain access to your accounts and steal your identity.
If you believe you have been a victim of a phishing scam, report it to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. You can report online at
By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this and other scams.
Share this information with your friends and family to help raise awareness.
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| Evri phishing scam text |
Keywords: Evri scam, phishing scam, parcel delivery scam, online fraud, cybercrime, data protection, online safety.
