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
Scam adverts on Facebook promoting hearing aids imply that they’ve been endorsed by Which?, but this isn't the case.
In September, we were alerted to a series of dodgy adverts for hearing aids using the Which? branding. When we reported them they were removed after a few days. But these adverts have reappeared and despite repeated efforts to get them taken down, they remain live. Take a look at this scam to make sure you don't fall victim.Booking.com scam victims are being forced to report traumatic fraud experiences to an AI bot and are struggling to get the help they need.
As staff cuts at Booking.com continue to erode customer service, we take a deeper look at the scam crisis on the site and reveal what needs to be done to fight back against fraud.
Source: Which? (24 Oct 2025)
Scammers are still using fake AI videos of famous faces to peddle their phoney crypto investment schemes online. Social media is a gateway for these kinds of scams, with adverts appearing on both Meta and Google platforms.
We reveal who the most commonly imitated celebrities are and how we were able to help some victims get their money back after falling for this scam.
Source: Which? (30 Oct 2025)
The festive season, kicking off with the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, means one thing for UK shoppers: a mountain of parcels! While online shopping is convenient, the sheer volume of deliveries between November and Christmas can lead to delays, missed deliveries, and, worryingly, an increased risk of parcel theft and burglary.
Here's our essential advice for securing your festive finds, keeping both your parcels and your home safe.
The single best way to protect your purchases is to stop them being left on your doorstep. With delivery drivers under immense pressure, packages can be left in 'safe places' that aren't very safe, or simply left out in the open.
Security: Services like Amazon Locker, InPost, and those offered by other couriers (like Evri's Lockers or Royal Mail's Local Collect at Post Offices) are secure, often monitored by CCTV, and require a unique code or QR code for collection.
Convenience: Most lockers are available 24/7, meaning you can collect your items at a time that suits you—no more rushing home before the post office closes or waiting in for a driver.
Avoid Advertising: A package left outside your house is a clear sign to thieves that you're not home and valuable goods are present. Lockers keep your shopping discreet.
💡 Top Tip: When checking out online, look for the 'Deliver to a pickup location' or 'Locker' option instead of your home address. Check the locker location's specific holding time (it's usually a few days) so you don't miss the collection window.
Once your festive shopping is safely home, the next crucial step is to discard the evidence. A recycling bin overflowing with branded boxes and packaging from high-value electronics or luxury goods is essentially an advertisement for potential burglars.
Break Down and Conceal: Always break down boxes completely so they lie flat. Better yet, turn them inside out before folding. This hides brand names and logos.
Don't Rush: Avoid putting out all your high-value packaging in one go. If you've bought a new TV, tablet, and game console, spread the disposal of the boxes over several weeks, mixing them in with general cardboard waste.
Use the Caddy/Bin Correctly: If you have a closed recycling bin or caddy, make sure the packaging is fully inside with the lid closed. Do not leave large, identifiable boxes sitting next to the bin on collection day.
Consider a Trip to the Tip: For particularly large or valuable item boxes, consider taking them directly to a local recycling centre or waste disposal site instead of leaving them out for kerbside collection.
By making a small change to your delivery method and being vigilant about your waste, you can enjoy your Black Friday bargains and Christmas gifts without the worry.
A burglary is a terrifying and stressful experience. While the good news is that most UK home insurance policies will cover you if your home is burgled, there are significant limitations and policy conditions that could lead to your claim being rejected.
It is absolutely crucial to understand these exclusions. We break down the top three reasons an insurer might refuse a payout and share vital facts about residential break-ins.
If you’ve taken out a home insurance policy, you assume you’re covered—but the devil is in the detail of your terms and conditions.
Most home insurers require your property to be protected by a minimum level of security. Generally, this includes:
Deadlocks on all external doors.
Locks on all accessible windows (e.g., ground floor).
The biggest risk? Human error.
If you forget to lock your doors while popping to the shops, your home insurer may legitimately reject your claim on the grounds of negligence. This is a massive issue: a staggering 1.9 million people regularly leave their door unlocked when they leave the house, according to new research from MoneySuperMarket, meaning a large number of homes may not be protected by their own insurance policy.
💡 Security Alarms: Investing in more robust security systems, such as burglar alarms and cameras, can help reduce your premium. However, your claim could be rejected if you forget to set your security alarm before going to bed, for example. They must be in proper working order and used.
High-value items such as phones, laptops, and jewellery are often sought after by thieves, but they may not be automatically covered for their full value.
Most standard UK policies have a ‘single item limit’ (often between £1,000 and £2,000). If you own an item—like an engagement ring or high-spec laptop—that is worth more than this limit, you may be under-insured.
Depending on your policy, you will need to:
Specify the item (list it individually) to your insurer.
Get additional cover (sometimes called 'High-Value Item' or 'Personal Possessions' cover) to protect items above a certain value.
If you fail to do this, your home insurance provider may reject your claim or pay out significantly less than the value of your lost item.
Planning an extended holiday or business trip? Be careful. Most home insurance policies specify that your home should not be left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days (this period can vary between 30 and 60 days, so always check your documents).
If a burglary takes place while your home is empty for a period longer than this limit, your claim may be rejected. Some insurers may allow you to put extra cover into place for an extended trip, but you must be sure to check with your provider first.
Burglars are often opportunistic thieves who prey on houses and flats. They seek out any opening they can take advantage of—specifically doors and windows that are left open, unlocked, or are easy to force. Anything of value they might spot through a window will only spur them on. But it really doesn’t take much to deter these thieves—just smart thinking.
Burglar Facts:
Valuable Giveaways: Burglars target homes that they think will contain valuables. A sure giveaway is leaving packaging from expensive items (like a new TV) outside your front door.
Vulnerability Check: They look for homes with windows or doors left open or with vulnerable features that they can exploit.
Pattern Awareness: Burglars are aware of the times when someone is expected to be away from their house, such as during the school run or holidays.
Visibility is Key: They typically do not want to be seen or heard. If they feel that they would be noticed by a neighbour or passerby, they are more likely to move on.
Targeting Keys: Burglars often choose a home because they’ve spotted a specific vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle they want to steal—and they know the keys are more than likely to be inside the residence.
Shed and Garage Risk: Sheds and garages are often vulnerable as they are not well-secured and contain tools which a burglar can use to assist them to gain entry to your home.
The Second-Time Risk: It’s a fact that many burglars return to homes that they’ve previously burgled because the homeowner failed to upgrade security following the first burglary.
It's really important that you double check the terms and conditions of your home insurance policy, as well as updating your home insurer of any changes to your circumstances, to ensure that you have the cover you need. As WHICH? advises, being aware of the rules is the first step in being properly protected.
National Neighbourhood Watch advice
We are urgently appealing for any witnesses or CCTV/dashcam footage following a serious hit-and-run incident that severely damaged our parked car, a dark blue Mazda CX-5, registration DX73 GZS, on Montrose Avenue, Welling, last night (Saturday 25th October 2025).
The collision occurred at approximately 23:20 (11:20 PM). The vehicle that crashed into our car and failed to stop is believed to be a white Ford C-Max.
The other driver drove off, and the impact caused significant front-end damage to our vehicle (see attached photo).
* Any CCTV or doorbell camera footage that covers Montrose Avenue, Welling, or surrounding roads, around the time of the incident (circa 23:20 on 25/10/2025).
* Witnesses who saw the incident or saw a damaged white Ford C-Max leaving the area.
* Anyone with information about the white Ford C-Max's number plate (VRM), even if it is only a partial registration, any distinguishing marks, or logos.
It is suspected the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol, given the nature of the crash and failure to stop.
If you have any information, please contact the police on 101 (non-emergency number) and quote the crime reference number 209-6449-25-0101-VERY. It was reported to them online on 26 October 2025, 00:17. Or via Crimestoppers or on 0800 555 1111
Any detail, no matter how small, could be crucial. Thank you for your help.
There are reports of a resurgence in WhatsApp scam messages, which contain dodgy links that lead to malware being downloaded onto your device.
To help you stay protected, our experts have rounded up the most common scams you're likely to come across on WhatsApp, plus their tips on how to spot and report them.
Source: Which? (15 Oct 2025)
Scam calls are a type of phishing scam, also known as vishing, where a fraudster will attempt to get you to reveal your personal and financial details over the phone under false pretences.
From fake boiler servicing to bank impersonations, check out some of the most common scam calls and how to report them.
Source: Which? (16 Oct 2025)
We recently spoke to Briony, who paid a scam builder £1,050 for materials for her project. Three months later, only two hours of work had been completed, and what had been built was later deemed unstable.
See what happened in this nasty case of a serial scam trader, and find out how to avoid this type of fraud.
Source: Which? (15 Oct 2025)
Got a suspicious text, message or email?
Grab a screenshot, and Ask Silver now.
Visit https://www.getsafeonline.org/asksilver/
Please do not upload screenshots with personal or sensitive information, including:
Telephone numbers
Postal addresses
Email addresses
Photographs of you or anyone else you know
Financial information (including bank account numbers, sort codes and card numbers)
While Ask Silver aims to provide you with an accurate result, the final result is not guaranteed to be 100% correct. Always do your own research.
It is also available on Whatsapp.
Visit previous post at https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2025/02/ask-silver-scam-checker.html
You can always keep up to date on the most recent scams targeting people across the UK.
The latest warnings to be aware of include a TV Licence scam, fake Screwfix ads and dodgy cryptocurrency emails. Take a look at the full list, based on your reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and to our scam sharer tool.
Source: Which? (07 Oct 2025)
Last year, we exposed a global financial scam called Quantum AI, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to impersonate well-known people, aiming to lure victims into dodgy investment schemes.
It's now reappeared, but this time on YouTube, where we found eight dodgy videos. Take a look at what we uncovered and what you can do to avoid falling victim to similar AI scams.
Source: Which? (08 Oct 2025)
A year ago, new rules were introduced, requiring firms to reimburse victims of bank transfer fraud (when you accidentally transfer money to a scammer) within five business days in all but exceptional cases. The good news is that the reimbursement rates are relatively high, however 30% of claims were rejected in first nine months of the scheme.
Find out how it works and how to fight your corner if a claim gets rejected and you think you've been treated unfairly.
Source: Which? (08 Oct 2025)
If you’re anything like us, you have a cupboard, a drawer, or a folder somewhere that holds all your essential life admin. You know the one—the place where insurance policies, utility bills, and that elusive car registration paper go to live (and be forgotten).
But what if you suddenly needed to access that information quickly? More importantly, what if a family member or a trusted friend needed to sort out your affairs in an emergency?
The thought alone is stressful.
That’s where Age UK’s LifeBook comes in—a completely free and invaluable resource designed to help you bring all those practical details together in one safe place. It’s not just for older people; it’s a brilliant tool for anyone who wants to get their life admin sorted.
The LifeBook is a structured guide that encourages you to record the key practical details of your life. It ensures that your loved ones have the non-sensitive information they need if they ever have to sort something out on your behalf, providing immense peace of mind.
It breaks down your life into easy-to-manage sections, so you don’t have to do it all at once:
| Section | What it Covers | Why it Matters |
| Personal Details | Family and friend contacts, pets, and key medical information. | Immediate contacts for emergencies. |
| Life Contacts | Solicitors, doctors, utility suppliers (gas, water, electricity), and clubs. | Helps a loved one know who to call to manage ongoing services. |
| Financial | Names of your banks, savings, insurance, and investment providers. | Provides an index of where your money and policies are. |
| Documents | Location of your Will, Power of Attorney, birth, and marriage certificates. | Crucial for settling an estate or managing your care. |
| Possessions | Details of your home, car, and other valuable items. | Aids in inventory and insurance management. |
| Final Wishes | Your preferences for funeral arrangements and any personal thoughts. | Ensures your wishes are respected and relieves a major burden on your family. |
Because the LifeBook brings so much important information together, safety is paramount. Age UK is very clear that you must treat this document as highly confidential.
The purpose of the LifeBook is to act as an index and contact list—not a master key to your finances.
🛑 Do NOT write down: Full bank account numbers, PINs, passwords, or key security codes.
Do write down: The name of the bank, the type of account (Current, ISA, etc.), and the contact telephone number for the organisation.
If you are using a physical copy, store it in a locked place, such as a fireproof safe or a locked filing cabinet.
If you download the digital version to complete on your computer, ensure the file itself is password-protected on your device.
The LifeBook is only helpful if the right person can find it when needed. Be sure to tell a trusted individual—such as your Power of Attorney, spouse, or executor—exactly where you keep it and, if applicable, what the password or key is.
This resource is an essential part of later-life planning, and Age UK provides it completely free.
Download Online: Visit the official Age UK page to download a copy to fill out on your computer or print:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/end-of-life-planning/lifebook/
Order a Print Copy: If you prefer a physical booklet, you can order one for free by calling the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602.
Taking this small step today will make a monumental difference to your future organisation and the peace of mind of your loved ones.
Source: LifeBook | Age UK
City of London Police and Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, are urging the public to remain vigilant following a rise in payment diversion fraud - commonly known as conveyancing fraud. This type of fraud often involves criminals impersonating solicitors or estate agents to intercept large financial transfers during property transactions.
Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, 143 cases of conveyancing fraud were reported to Action Fraud, resulting in £11.7 million in losses. The vast majority involved residential property transactions, accounting for 140 reports and £10.97 million in losses, with an average loss of £78,393 per case.
What is conveyancing fraud or payment diversion fraud?
Conveyancing fraud, also referred to as lawyer or solicitor impersonation fraud, occurs when criminals gain access to email chains between property buyers, sellers, solicitors, and estate agents. Once inside, they impersonate a trusted party and send convincing messages requesting that funds, such as deposits or final payments, be transferred to bank accounts under their control.
These scams are often timed to coincide with the final stages of a transaction, when large sums are expected to be moved quickly. Fraudsters apply pressure, claiming urgency, and convincing victims that delays could jeopardise the deal.
This type of fraud isn’t limited to home purchases - it has also been reported in rental agreements and probate transactions, where funds are transferred as part of estate settlements. Fraudsters will often use hacked or spoofed email accounts so that their messages can appear highly authentic. Victims may not realise they’ve been deceived until the money is gone.
How to protect yourself from conveyancing fraud:
What to do if you are a victim of conveyancing fraud:
You could be targeted again: fraudsters sometimes re-establish contact with previous victims claiming that they can help them recover lost money, this is just a secondary scam. Hang up on any callers that claim they can get your money back for you.
Do you want to learn more about payment diversion fraud? Check out the City of London press release here.
We are heartbroken to report that our car was stolen off our driveway on Lyme Road, Welling, very early yesterday morning.
The vehicle is a grey Hyundai IONIQ with the registration number DP23 OCL.
It was taken sometime around 12:15 AM (midnight) on Thursday, October 3rd, 2025 (the exact time noted is 00:18).
The car contained essential family items that might help identify it if it's been dumped or seen:
Child Seats: It had a 360-degree baby swivel seat and a pink booster seat inside.
We are incredibly sad to hear from previous posts that this type of theft seems to be happening more often in our area.
If you live locally or were in the Lyme Road area around that time, or if you have dashcam or doorbell camera footage that might have captured a grey Hyundai IONIQ or any suspicious activity, please check it.
If you see a vehicle matching this description with the registration DP23 OCL, do not approach it.
Please contact the police immediately by calling 101.
You can quote the Crime Reference Number: 01/8045725/25.
Or via Crimestoppers or on 0800 555 1111
Any information, no matter how small, could be vital. Thank you so much for your help and for keeping an eye out.
Source: Facebook
Don't be fooled into thinking it's easy to spot a bank impersonation scam. We spoke to a Santander customer who almost fell for a scam after an incredibly convincing phone call with a fraudster.
Our scams expert Faye Lipson explains how to tell if a call is genuine, and what you might expect to hear if you pick up the phone to a scammer.
Source: Which? (01 Oct 2025)
Revolut customers referred more scam and fraud complaints to the Ombudsman than any other payment firm. Data exclusively obtained by Which? reveals that fraud complaints from customers of the e-money provider continue to outstrip all banks, as they did in 2023.
See the other firms in the top 10 for fraud complaints, how uphold rates compare and what the banks have said in response.
Source: Which? (01 Oct 2025)
We've spoken to several people who say they were unexpectedly contacted by a cancellation service called 'Termination Experts' to be chased for payments. The company says it cancels services on your behalf, but we're concerned that people feel they're being charged for a something they didn't agree to.
See some of the complaints shared with us and what to do if you're being charged for a service you didn't ask for.
Source: Which? (02 Oct 2025)
We're putting out an urgent call for information regarding a stolen white Kia EV6 taken from the Izane Road area of Bexleyheath (DA6).
This electric vehicle was stolen on Monday, September 22nd, around 11:30 pm.
Make/Model: Kia EV6
Colour: White
Year: 2023
Original Registration: LV73 VLS
Key Identifying Feature: This vehicle has a highly distinctive black roof which is not factory standard. Please look out for this unusual feature!
The owners are understandably devastated and are offering a CASH REWARD for information that leads to the return of the vehicle.
If you were in the area around Izane Road or Bexleyheath on Monday night, or if you've seen a white Kia EV6 with a black roof since the 22nd of September, no matter how insignificant the detail seems, please get in touch.
Please report any sightings or information immediately.
Police Crime Reference: 01/8003403
Contact Bexleyheath SNT (Safer Neighbourhood Team) directly via email: bexleyheath.snt@met.police.uk
Crimestoppers or on 0800 555 1111
Please share this post widely in the local DA6, Bexleyheath, and surrounding areas. The more eyes we have looking, the better the chance of getting this distinctive car back to its owner. Thank you for your help!
