Brrrr! Don't Fall for This Winter Heating Scam Text

With the chilly weather creeping in, it's tempting to believe any offer of help with heating costs. But watch out! Scammers are on the prowl with a phishing text pretending to be the "Winter Heating Subsidy Office."

Here's why you should DELETE this text immediately:

• Urgency and Scarcity: The text creates a sense of urgency by claiming limited spots for the subsidy. This is a classic tactic to pressure you into clicking the link without thinking twice.
• Suspicious Link: TinyURL links often hide the actual destination website. Don't click on it!
• Vague Language: The text uses phrases like "if you need to" and "you have obtained the qualification to apply" without mentioning any specific criteria.
• Government Impersonation: The text mentions "parliament" and "UK Government" to sound official. Remember, legitimate government agencies wouldn't contact you through unsolicited texts with shortened links.

Here's what to do instead:

• Report the Text: Forward the scam text to 7726 (reporting number for spam texts in the UK) to help block similar messages in the future.
• Check Official Websites: If you're unsure about your eligibility for winter heating assistance schemes, head to the official government website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment) or contact your local council directly.
• Stay Alert: Scammers are constantly changing their tactics. Be wary of any text or email offering unexpected financial benefits, especially if it involves clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information.

Spread the Word: Share this information with friends and family, especially those who might be more vulnerable to these scams. Together, we can keep everyone warm and scam-free this winter!

SCAMARAMA: Don't Get Caught Out This Christmas! - Latest from WHICH?

With Christmas just around the corner, many of us will be flocking online for our festive shopping. But amidst the convenience and cheer, scammers lurk, waiting to prey on unsuspecting consumers.

WHICH? is here to help you navigate the digital minefield and avoid falling victim to holiday scams. Here's the latest on some of the cons doing the rounds:

Beware the Phishing Frenzy:

• Fake TikTok Job Offer: Watch out for text messages claiming to offer a "part-time online job" from TikTok. These are likely to be task scams, where you're lured in with promises of easy money but end up pressured to "upgrade" your account by investing your own cash. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
• "Free" Starbucks Coffee Scam: Emails promising a free coffee bundle from Starbucks are a phishing trap. Clicking their link will take you to a malicious website designed to steal your personal and financial information.
• Nationwide Text Scam: A text impersonating Nationwide claiming a declined transaction is another phishing attempt. Don't call the provided number, it's likely linked to other scams.

Report These Scams:

• Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (free for most UK networks).
• Report phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
• Report phishing websites to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website

Fake Dyson Vacuum Giveaway:

Social media ads offering a free Dyson V15 vacuum cleaner in exchange for a survey are a complete hoax. Don't be fooled! Clicking the link will take you to a website designed to steal your personal and payment details.

Report these scam ads through the social media platform itself. Most platforms have a reporting option within the ad itself (usually three dots on the top right corner).

Heating Subsidy Scam:

Texts claiming a "heating subsidy" due to cancelled winter heating are a cunning attempt to steal your information. Clicking the link will lead to a fake website designed to capture your personal details.

Stay Alert This Christmas:

• Shop from reputable retailers: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to familiar brands and established websites.
• Beware of spelling mistakes and generic images: These are often red flags on a poorly made fake website.
• Check for clear contact details and a returns policy: A legitimate retailer will have these readily available.

By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, we can all have a safe and scam-free Christmas!

For more festive shopping tips and consumer advice, visit the WHICH? website.

Beware the Evri Scam Text: Don't Fall Victim to This Delivery Prank

Evri phishing scam text

What is the Evri Scam Text?

Recently, many people in the UK have been receiving a text message claiming to be from Evri (formerly Hermes). The message states that a parcel delivery was attempted but failed because no one was home. It then includes a link to a fake website where the recipient is asked to provide personal information.

Why is it a Scam?

Here's why you should be wary of this text:

• Evri doesn't send texts like this. The company has confirmed that they do not send out text messages with delivery updates or links to websites.
• The link is suspicious. The URL provided in the message often leads to a website that looks like the official Evri website but is actually a fake one designed to steal your personal information.
• The message is poorly written. The text often contains grammatical errors and typos, which is a common sign of a scam.

What to Do if You Receive the Text

If you receive a text message like this, here's what you should do:

1. Don't click on the link. This is the most important step. Clicking on the link will take you to a fake website that could potentially infect your device with malware or steal your personal information.
2. Delete the text message. Once you've read the message, delete it from your phone to avoid any accidental clicks.
3. Report the scam. You can report the scam to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. You can also report it to your mobile network provider.

How to Protect Yourself from Similar Scams

Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from similar scams:

• Be wary of unsolicited text messages. If you receive a text message from an unknown sender, be cautious and don't click on any links or attachments.
• Check the sender's number. Legitimate companies usually send text messages from a recognisable number.
• Don't provide personal information over text message. Never share your personal information, such as your bank details or credit card number, over text message.
• Use strong passwords. Create strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and change them regularly.
• Keep your software updated. Make sure your phone and other devices have the latest security updates installed.

Conclusion

The Evri scam text is a reminder that scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people into giving away their personal information. By being aware of these scams and following the tips above, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Additional Resources:

• Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
• Get Safe Online: https://www.getsafeonline.org/
• National Cyber Security Centre: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/

Please share this blog post with your friends and family to help spread awareness of this scam.

An elaborate Facebook Marketplace scam

Scammers will go to extraordinary lengths to con you out of your money. Even after seeing official paperwork, carrying out independent checks and searching official registers, Sarah Harding from Somerset was left £7k out of pocket to a Facebook Marketplace scam.

Sarah's bank, Monzo, refused to reimburse her – find out what our scams expert advises them to do next.

Facebook Marketplace cons

Source: Which? (23 Oct 2024)

Google impersonations scams

Scammers are cleverly combining emails and phone calls to trick you into giving them your Google account security codes.

Once the fraudsters have access to your account, they can lock you out and gain access to personal information such as payment details, emails and contact lists. Discover how the scam works and what you can do to protect yourself.

Keep your account safe

Source: Which? (22 Oct 2024)

How to spot dodgy text messages

From scammers impersonating the government and offering non-existent discounts on energy bills to fraudsters pretending to be your adult children and asking you to transfer money, we've seen it all.

Scam messages are engineered to steal your personal details to con you now or in the future. We run through what you need to look out for to ensure you don't get caught out.

How to spot these scams

Source: Which? (22 Oct 2024)

Don't Get Hacked! Why You Need Unique Passwords for Every Account

We've all been there: juggling a million online accounts, each demanding a unique password. It's tempting to reuse the same trusty (or not-so-trusty) password across the board, but hold on! This shortcut could leave you wide open to online criminals.

One Password Cracked, Multiple Accounts Hacked

Imagine this: a hacker stumbles upon your password for a random online forum. No big deal, right? Wrong! If you've reused that same password for your email, bank account, or social media, that hacker now has a golden ticket to your entire digital life. They can access your personal information, financial details, and even impersonate you online.

Security Through Uniqueness

Here's the key: use a strong and unique password for every single online account. This way, even if a hacker breaches one account, your others remain safe. But creating unique passwords for everything can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips:

• Get Crafty: Think of a phrase or sentence that holds meaning for you. Turn it into a password by incorporating uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Example: "ILoveMyFish@123!"
• Mix it Up: Don't just add a number to the end of an existing password. Shuffle letters, use symbols in different places, and make each password truly unique.
• Use a Password Manager: These handy tools securely store your passwords and can even generate strong, unique passwords for you. Popular options include Bitwarden, LastPass, Dashlane, and 1Password.

Stay Secure Online

Creating unique passwords may take some effort, but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind. Remember, strong password hygiene is essential for protecting yourself from online fraud.

Want to learn more?

Head over to the Stop Think Fraud website for valuable tips on protecting yourself online: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/protect-yourself-from-fraud/protecting-against-online-fraud/

By following these simple steps, you can create a stronger defence against online threats and keep your digital life secure.

How to Enable Theft Protection on Android 10 or Newer

How to Enable Theft Protection on Samsung Devices

Keep Your Samsung Phone Secure with Auto-Lock Protection

Samsung devices offer a robust theft protection feature called Auto-Lock Protection. Here's how to enable it:

1. Access Settings:

• Open your device's "Settings" app.

2. Find Security and Privacy:

• Look for and tap on the "Security and privacy" option.

3. Choose More Security Settings:

• Select "More security settings."

4. Locate Theft Protection:

• Find and tap on the "Theft protection" option.

5. Enable Auto-Lock Protection:

• Activate the "Auto-lock protection (for theft and offline)" toggle.

That's it! Your Samsung device is now equipped with theft protection. This feature helps prevent unauthorised access to your device if it's lost or stolen.

Additional Tips:

• Set a Strong Lock Screen: Use a complex password or biometric authentication to protect your device's lock screen.
• Enable Remote Control: Activate remote control features through Samsung's Find My Mobile service to locate, lock, or erase your device remotely.
• Regularly Update: Keep your device's software up-to-date to benefit from the latest security enhancements.

By following these steps and taking additional precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of your Samsung device being compromised.

Sources:

• https://www.androidauthority.com/how-to-enable-theft-protection-android-3490422/
• https://www.samsung.com/uk/apps/smartthings-find/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtRPFIzGENc [Great Demo video]
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1484r0r3m6o

Urgent: UK Home Office Scam Alert!

UK Home Office Scam Alert!

Beware of Phishing Attempt Targeting Winter Heating Subsidies

This is to warn everyone about a concerning phishing scam that's currently circulating. A text message is being sent to UK residents claiming to be from the UK Home Office, informing them about a reduction in winter heating subsidies and offering a living expenses subsidy.

Here's what you need to know:

• This is a scam. The UK Home Office would never send sensitive information or request personal details via text message.
• The message contains a link ([invalid URL removed] (see screenshot above). Clicking on this link will likely lead to a malicious website designed to steal your personal information.

If you receive this message, do not click on the link and delete it immediately.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious of unsolicited texts and emails. Never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.
• Verify the sender's identity. If you're unsure, contact the organization directly using a phone number or email address that you know is legitimate.
• Never share personal information like your bank details, passwords, or social security number over the phone or online unless you're absolutely sure you're dealing with a trusted source.

Please spread the word about this scam to help protect others from falling victim. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the UK Home Office directly.

Official site is https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

#UKHomeOfficeScam #PhishingAlert #StaySafeOnline

For more resources on staying safe online, visit the Stop Think Connect campaign website: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk

Virustotal flags the link as phishing

'A scammer impersonated my solicitor'

A couple who were in the process of buying a house were duped out of thousands of pounds by a convincing scam that involved impersonating their solicitor.

An email, which came from their solicitor's address, asked them to transfer their house deposit. After they realised they'd been scammed, they reported it to their bank, which refused to fully reimburse them. Find out what happened when our scam expert stepped in to help.

How to get your money back

Source: Which? (15 Oct 2024)

Watch out for 'the British Lung Foundation' cold calls

Companies calling themselves ‘UK Energy Hub’ and ‘UK Eco Home Services’ are reportedly pressuring homeowners over the phone to upgrade their loft insulation.

The scammers claim that their insulation products are endorsed by ‘the British Lung Foundation charity’, to add credibility to the con. But the British Lung Foundation no longer exists.

See how the scam works

Source: Which? (16 Oct 2024)

Fraud victims who pay the 'wrong' way could be left with nothing

Fraud victims face wildly different outcomes depending on how they transferred their money to criminals, leaving many victims with nowhere to turn.

People who pay a scammer by anything other than UK transfers using Faster Payments and CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payment System) may have no protection whatsoever under the new fraud reimbursement rules introduced on 7 October.

What the new rules mean

Source: Which? (16 Oct 2024)

Millions Lost to Social Media Hacks: Protect Yourself Now!

Have you ever gotten a message from a friend asking for a strange code? Or maybe a tempting offer that seems too good to be true? These could be signs your social media accounts are at risk!

Action Fraud, the UK's national cybercrime reporting service, is raising the alarm. Over 33,600 people fell victim to social media and email hacks in the past year, resulting in a staggering £1.4 million loss. It's the most common cybercrime reported, and it's crucial we take action to protect ourselves.

How are Hackers Winning?

These cybercriminals use a few sneaky tactics:

    On-Platform Chain Hacking: Hackers take over an account and impersonate the owner. They trick friends into revealing verification codes, then use them to access the real account. Often, victims think they're just helping a friend, but they're unknowingly giving away their own security.
    Leaked Passwords and Phishing: Hackers exploit data breaches and phishing scams. They use stolen passwords or information you unknowingly reveal to access your accounts.

Simple Steps, Big Security Boost

The good news: you can easily prevent these attacks! Here's how:

    Unique, Strong Passwords: Create unique passwords for every email and social media account. Forget birthdays or pet names - combine three random words to make them memorable and uncrackable.
    2-Step Verification (2SV) is Your Friend: Turn on 2SV! This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a code sent to your phone when logging in from a new device. It's like having a double lock on your accounts!

Think You've Been Hacked? Here's What to Do:

    Report It: If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, report fraud or cybercrime to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101.
    Forward Suspicious Emails: Help stop future attacks by forwarding suspicious emails to SERS at report@phishing.gov.uk.

Stay Safe & Stay Informed

Don't wait until it's too late! By following these simple steps and staying informed, you can keep your online accounts secure and protect yourself from cybercriminals.

For more resources on staying safe online, visit the Stop Think Connect campaign website: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk

Source: Action Fraud (01-10-2024)

How to spot parking fine scams

Scammers are continuing to impersonate the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) with fake parking fine claims and ‘final warning’ messages.

But the good news is, these scams are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Find out how to tell real parking fine notices from the fakes.

Steer clear of parking fine scams

Source: Which? (08 Oct 2024)

Stay ahead of extortion scammers

An extortion scam email that’s been circulated repeatedly now includes a worrying number of personal details about its targets. It could even contain images of your house.

But don't be alarmed – it's knowing how to react to these messages that will keep you and your data safe. So find out what you can do if you’re targeted by a scam email like this.

Be prepared and stay safe

Source: Which? (09 Oct 2024)

How to get your money back after a bank transfer scam

New mandatory reimbursement rules for bank transfer scams (also known as authorised push payment or 'APP' scams) came into effect on Monday 7 October. So the way your bank handles reimbursement claims has changed.

Find out what this means for scam victims and what you should do if you're tricked into sending money to a fraudster.

Essential steps to take

Source: Which? (07 Oct 2024)

Over-running generator - Bexleyheath

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended an incident at a supermarket on Broadway in Bexleyheath.

An over-running generator in the lower ground floor boiler room of the two-storey supermarket was isolated by Brigade crews. The supermarket was safely evacuated and there were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers were first called about this incident at 1719 and mobilised crews from Bexley, Erith, Plumstead and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The incident was over for firefighters by 1921.

Source: LFB (04 Oct 2024)

Bexley Crime stats ward summary Sep 2024

Source: Bexley Watch Viz