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
Online shopping scams, where you pay and get nothing or something significantly different from your order, peak during the festive period. These scams are often very convincing – just like a recent scam M&S website we exposed. Here's how we uncovered a network of scams, and how you can spot a fake website yourself.
Source: Which? (12 Nov 2026)
There were a record 4.5m fraud incidents in England and Wales in the year ending June, driven by a rise in hacking and malware attacks. Our expert advice can help you stay one step ahead – we break down the different types of fraud offences to watch out for and how to stay safe from scams.
Source: Which? (11 Nov 2026)
Stay in the know about scams that are currently targeting people across the UK. Our experts share real examples and telltale signs to look out for, so you can protect yourself.
The latest ones we've spotted include a Lloyds Bank scam to nab your personal data and a fake Aldi website hoax. Check out our full list.A sophisticated bank scam is currently targeting individuals across the UK. If you receive a text message claiming money is about to be deducted from your account, stay alert—it could cost you your savings.
Here is how the scam works, the specific phone numbers involved, and what to do to protect yourself.
The Initial Text Message It begins with an urgent SMS claiming that a payment is coming out of your Lloyds Bank account. The message typically arrives from a mobile number starting with +212 777 963 426 (an international mobile number originating from Morocco). The prompt creates a sense of urgency, urging you to contact them or wait for a call.
The Follow-Up Phone Call A few days later, you receive a phone call from 020 8072 5700—a London-based landline number that has been repeatedly reported for spoofing fake Lloyds Bank fraud alerts. The caller pretends to be from the bank's fraud department and claims your account is compromised.
Courier Collection Fraud The scammer talks you into putting your bank card inside an envelope, assuring you that a courier is on their way to safely collect it for "investigation" or "destruction." Once the courier takes your card, the fraudsters use it along with details gathered during the phone call to drain your funds.
Both the phone numbers and the courier collection method have been formally reported to Lloyds Bank and the police.
International SMS Numbers: Genuine security alerts from UK banks will not arrive from random international mobile numbers (such as +212 / Morocco).
Demands for Physical Cards: Your bank or the police will never send a courier to collect your payment card, PIN, or banking details.
Pressure Tactics: Fraudsters attempt to panic you into taking immediate action without verifying the call.
Do not respond or call back: Ignore text messages from unknown numbers and hang up immediately if you receive a call from 020 8072 5700.
Verify independently: Call Lloyds Bank directly using the official number printed on the back of your bank card, or dial 159 (the secure bank fraud helpline in the UK).
Never hand over your card: Never give your bank card, PIN, or passcodes to anyone who comes to your door or sends a courier.
Report it:
Forward suspicious text messages for free to 7726 (SPAM).
Report the incident to Action Fraud online at Report Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Stay vigilant and pass this warning along to friends and family to help keep everyone safe!
Cybercriminals are constantly finding sneaky new ways to target consumers—taking advantage of system outages, impersonating trusted brands, and exploiting family trust. Here is a roundup of the latest scam warnings you need to know about right now, along with steps you can take to keep your personal details secure.
Scammers are currently exploiting recent Google outages to impersonate banks and major financial organisations.
The Risk: You may receive urgent requests asking you to verify account details or share sensitive personal information.
What to Do: Never share financial details over unsolicited messages. If you need to contact your bank, use the phone number on the back of your payment card or dial 159 to connect directly to their fraud department. Keep in mind that customer service lines may be busier than usual, so only call if it is urgent.
Cybersecurity firm McAfee has identified nearly 1,000 fraudulent apps on the Google Play Store targeting British consumers.
The Risk: These apps fake the identity of well-known brands—including PayPal, Apple Pay, and Netflix. One fake PayPal app was downloaded over 10,000 times, and several apps tricked users into fraudulent subscriptions costing up to $49.99 a month.
What to Do: Only download apps directly from official developer sites or verified links, check publisher reviews carefully, and monitor your bank statements for unauthorized recurring payments.
Be on guard against cold calls claiming to represent the consumer group Which? regarding home roofing insulation.
The Danger: Which? is not making these calls. Engaging with the caller will likely expose you to an insulation or home improvement scam.
What to Do: Hang up immediately without giving away any personal information. Report suspicious text or call numbers by forwarding them via text to 7726 (a free reporting service).
The classic family impersonation scam is circulating again across SMS, email, and messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
How It Works: Scammers pose as your adult children or a friend in distress. They often claim their phone is broken, or give an excuse like "I can't talk on the phone right now, I have laryngitis," to prevent you from calling to verify their voice.
The Goal: They aim to manufacture urgency and panic before asking you to transfer money or order items online for them.
What to Do: Pause and verify. Always try calling your relative or friend on their original, known phone number before taking any action or sending money.
A growing phishing tactic involves sending unsolicited calendar invitations via email. Tapping Accept, Maybe, or Decline on your device sends an automatic reply to the scammer, confirming that your email account is active and inviting more spam.
If an invitation gets stuck in your Apple Calendar app via an Outlook account, follow this quick step-by-step fix:
Disable Outlook Calendar on iPhone: Go to Settings > Apps > Calendar > Calendar Accounts. Select your Outlook account, toggle off Calendars, and choose Delete from My iPhone when prompted.
Clean Up via Web Browser: Log into your Outlook account on a web browser (outlook.live.com). Locate the spam email, right-click, select Report > Report phishing, and then permanently delete it from your Deleted Items folder.
Re-enable Calendar: Go back to your iPhone settings and toggle your Outlook Calendars back on. Your calendar will resync without the offending invitation.
Never rush: Urgency is a scammer’s strongest tool.
Verify independently: Use official numbers on cards or trusted websites.
Report suspicious activity: Text spam numbers to 7726 and report phishing emails directly within your email app.
We want to bring an urgent scam warning to the attention of our local community. A resident in our neighbourhood watch recently reported a highly sophisticated fraud call that almost sounded believable.
Fortunately, the resident spotted the warning signs, challenged the caller, hung up, and reported the incident. However, because the caller had specific personal details, it serves as a strong reminder of how convincing these criminals can be.
Here is how the scam works, the warning signs to watch out for, and what to do if you receive a similar call.
The resident received a cold call from someone claiming to be an officer with the Metropolitan Police Cyber Security Team.
They had real details: The scammer called the resident by their full name, making the call feel legitimate from the start.
They created extreme panic: The scammer claimed police had just apprehended a suspect at Heathrow Airport carrying hundreds of cloned devices containing the resident's personal government IDs, bank details, and crypto accounts (specifically mentioning exchanges like Kraken and Coinbase).
They used fake authority: The caller offered a fake, short crime reference number and invented fictitious locations (such as "Chedoheath station") to sound official.
The trap: The scammer asked if the resident held a "24-word recovery seed phrase" or crypto login details.
When the resident stated they didn't hold any cryptocurrency, the scammer was caught off guard, began giving contradictory information, and eventually hung up.
Urgency & Panic: Scammers use high-stress scenarios (like an arrest at an airport or imminent financial loss) to make you react emotionally before thinking logically.
Asking for Security Credentials: Real police will never ask for your passwords, PINs, 24-word crypto recovery seed phrases, or online banking details.
Vague Identity: The caller avoided giving a real name or verifiable collar number and provided an invalid crime reference number.
Requests to Transfer Funds: Law enforcement will never ask you to transfer money or cryptocurrency to a "safe account" or "police wallet" for safekeeping.
Hang Up Immediately: Do not feel obliged to be polite or engage in debate.
Take a 5-Minute Pause: Scammers can sometimes keep landlines open even after you hang up. Wait at least 5 minutes, or use a completely different phone or mobile line.
Verify Independently: If you want to check if a call from the police was genuine, call the non-emergency police number on 101.
Never Disclose Recovery Keys or Passwords: No legitimate organization or officer will ever ask for your private crypto seed phrases or banking passwords.
Sharing these attempts helps police build intelligence and protects vulnerable neighbours.
Report to Report Fraud (Action Fraud): If you've been targeted by a scam call or fraud in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, report it online at
Report Nuisance Calls / Mobile Spam: You can report suspicious calls or text messages on your mobile by forwarding the details to 7726 (free of charge on all UK networks).
Check If Your Data Was Leaked: Scammers often get your name and phone number from past data breaches. You can check if your email address or phone number has been exposed by visiting
Please share this warning with neighbours, friends, and family—especially anyone who might be vulnerable to phone scams.
Some unwanted calls are just annoying, but others could cost you thousands, with scammers coaxing people into engaging with their schemes. We've uncovered seven tactics fraudsters are using and explained how to avoid them.
Source: Which? (05 Nov 2026)
If you click the link to vote, you're then asked to provide your mobile number and to enter a code you're sent. Doing this will link your WhatsApp account to the scammers' computer, and they'll be able to spread their scams to your contacts.
Source: Which? (03 Nov 2026)
In the lead-up to Black Friday and Christmas, watch out for scam text messages claiming to be from couriers. The messages may tell you there's an issue with your delivery and instruct you to follow a fake tracking link.
Scammers are getting more cunning at making messages look like the real thing, so follow our tips on how to spot them and what to do if you're targeted.The annual Danson Park Fireworks display returns this weekend on Saturday 7 November 2026. While it promises to be a spectacular evening for those attending, local residents and park users should prepare for significant local disruption, parking restrictions, and staggered park closures.
Cllr Dave Curtois (Falconwood & Welling Ward) has shared the key arrangements local residents need to be aware of:
4:00 PM – Gates open (Parkrun will go ahead as normal on Saturday morning).
5:15 PM – Stage entertainment begins.
8:00 PM – The 20-minute main fireworks display.
9:00 PM – Event closes.
If you regularly use Danson Park, note that closures will take effect early on Saturday:
11:00 AM – The south side of the park closes.
12:00 PM (Midday) – The remainder of the park closes.
Note: Event equipment has been arriving throughout the week from Wednesday 4 November.
Temporary parking restrictions will be in force across surrounding roads. Local concerns have been raised regarding the short notice of the warning signs, so residents are urged to check public notices carefully to avoid parking fines or vehicle removal—especially if vehicles are left parked while away.
No Event Parking: There is no parking available within the park or surrounding streets.
Public Transport / Walking: Visitors are strongly advised to walk or use public transport.
Disabled Parking: Limited disabled parking spaces must be pre-booked.
Bag searches will be in operation at the gates, which may lead to minor entry queues.
Prohibited Items: Alcohol, sparklers, and personal fireworks are strictly banned and will be confiscated at security.
For more information, tickets, and full event guidelines, visit the official
Source: Nextdoor
With community travel groups and coach excursions being so popular across the UK, fraudsters are increasingly targeting holidaymakers with convincing lookalike pages and counterfeit booking sites.
Recently, a suspicious site operating under the name "Emma's Explorers" (emmasgr8explore.netlify.app / linked via Facebook) came to light. While Facebook has been notified, the page and site may still be active.
To help protect our local community, here is a quick breakdown of the key red flags to look for before paying for any trip online.
Free Developer Hosting Instead of a Custom Domain
Legitimate travel agencies and tour operators use secure, professional domain names ending in .co.uk or .com. Be extremely cautious if a booking page uses a free web-builder or developer subdomain like .netlify.app, .wixsite.com, or .weebly.com.
Generic Email Addresses
Established travel companies typically use email addresses tied to their registered business domain (e.g., info@companyname.co.uk). Relying strictly on a free Gmail or Hotmail address is a major warning sign.
Unverifiable ABTA / ATOL Numbers
Scam sites often display fake or stolen ABTA or ATOL protection numbers to build trust. You should always verify any listed membership number directly on the official
Unusual Payment Methods Be wary of any seller asking for payment via direct bank transfer, "Friends & Family" PayPal, or gift cards rather than a standard, secure card checkout. Bank transfers offer minimal buyer protection if the seller vanishes.
Report it to the NCSC: You can report suspicious web links directly to the UK National Cyber Security Centre via their
Report to Action Fraud: If you have lost money to a fake listing, report it to https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040 (or Police Scotland via 101).
Report Social Media Listings: Report suspicious posts or pages directly within Facebook (Report Page/Post > Fake Page or Scam).
Please share this post with friends or family members who regularly book local trips or coach excursions online!
If you’ve noticed more couriers pulling up outside your house recently, you’re not alone. Between seasonal shopping and online bargains, parcel deliveries are at an all-time high across the UK. But alongside legitimate posties and drivers, a sneaky new doorstep scam has been making the rounds.
It starts off looking completely normal. A delivery driver arrives with a package you’ve been expecting, scans it, and asks to take a photo of it on your doorstep or in your hallway as proof of delivery (POD).
However, as soon as the photo is taken, the driver claims there’s a glitch: "Sorry, mate, the system’s gone down," or "This hasn't cleared payment proper, I'll have to take it back to the depot." They scoop up the parcel and drive off.
The sting comes later: you get an automated email from the retailer stating your order has been successfully delivered—complete with the photo of the box right in your doorway. When you contact customer support to explain that the package was taken back, the retailer points to the photographic proof. Because the driver has 'evidence' it was delivered, claims are rejected, and the buyer is left out of pocket while the culprit keeps the goods.
Keep your hands on the parcel: Don't let anyone photograph or scan a package until it is safely inside and staying with you.
Know the rules: If a handheld terminal loses signal or crashes, standard procedure is to log a failed attempt or retry later—not to photograph a package and take it back.
Report suspicious behavior immediately: If a driver attempts this trick, note down the vehicle registration, company logo, and time, then contact both the retailer and the courier company straight away.
When you've had a problem with a company, contacting customer support is a first step to resolving your issue. However, scammers are setting up fake accounts on Facebook and WhatsApp to try to trick people into contacting them, rather than genuine customer services.
We spoke to one Sky customer who was targeted by fraudsters after he posted on what he believed was an official Sky Facebook page. Our fraud expert Faye Lipson explains how this scam works and what to do if you're targeted.Stay in the know about the scams that are currently targeting people across the UK. Our experts share real examples and telltale signs to look out for, so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
The latest scams we've spotted include a PayPal invoice scam and fraudsters impersonating banks. Check out our full list.Two years on from the last Which? investigation into the impact of fraud on victims, financial losses reached new highs in 2025, and the UK's scam crisis remains stuck in a cycle of systemic failures.
Our investigative reporter Chiara Cavaglieri reveals the lasting mental and financial scars left by fraud and explains why the safety nets designed to protect victims are falling short.Local officers are appealing for information following a burglary at a residential property on Wren Road, which occurred between 19th October and 27th October.
Neighbourhood policing teams are carrying out enquiries and increasing patrols across the immediate area. In light of this recent incident, residents on Wren Road and nearby streets are urged to check their home security measures and remain vigilant.
Police are seeking information, witness reports, or digital footage that could assist with the investigation.
CCTV & Doorbell Footage: If you live on or near Wren Road, please check your home security systems, Ring doorbells, or dashcam footage recorded between 19th and 27th October for any unusual movement, unfamiliar vehicles, or suspicious activity.
Suspicious Activity: Did you notice anything out of the ordinary—such as individuals loitering, knocking on doors under unusual pretexts, or vehicles driving slowly along the road?
Opportunistic thieves often target vulnerable access points. Protect your home by following these practical precautions:
Lock Doors and Windows: Ensure UPVC doors are double-locked (lift the handle and turn the key) and windows are secured, even when you are briefly out or in the garden.
Set Timers for Lighting: With darker evenings approaching, set plug-in timer switches for lamps to make your home look occupied when you are away.
Keep Valuables Hidden: Avoid leaving car keys, handbags, laptops, or cash on hall tables, window sills, or near letterboxes where they can be seen or fished out.
Secure Boundaries and Outbuildings: Lock side gates, sheds, and garages, and clear away any ladders or garden tools that could be used to force entry.
If you have any information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings relating to the Wren Road burglary, please contact the authorities promptly:
Non-Emergency & Information: Call 101 or submit information online via the official Metropolitan Police reporting page, referencing the incident on Wren Road.
Anonymous Reporting: Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
In an Emergency: Always dial 999 if a crime is in progress or a suspect is nearby.
MetEngage Alert - https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/517209/Local-Burglary-Message
Incident Summary Residents in the Cold Blow Crescent area are advised to stay vigilant following an incident on Friday, 23 October 2026, at approximately 18:46hrs.
Occupants of a property on Cold Blow Crescent were inside when they heard a loud bang and glass smashing coming from the kitchen. Upon investigating, they found that the glass panel in their rear door had been deliberately broken.
CCTV footage captured a male suspect approaching the rear door and smashing the glass. The suspect fled immediately when the occupant screamed. A Police Dog Unit attended the scene and tracked from the rear of the property across adjacent fields towards the A2, where the trail was lost.
Police and Neighbourhood Watch are appealing to anyone in the surrounding area who may have seen or heard anything suspicious around this time.
CCTV / Ring Doorbells: If you live on Cold Blow Crescent or adjacent roads, please check your footage between 18:30hrs and 19:15hrs on Friday, 23 October.
Dashcam Footage: If you were driving along the A2 near the Cold Blow / Dartford Heath area around 18:45hrs–19:15hrs, please check your dashcam for any pedestrians or suspicious activity on or near the main road.
If you have any information or footage, please contact the Police quoting the incident date and location using the contact details below.
Check Rear Perimeter Doors: Ensure rear kitchen/patio doors are fitted with laminated safety glass or internal window security film to make glass harder to shatter.
Security Lighting: Consider installing motion-activated floodlights covering rear gardens, side passages, and access paths leading from open fields.
CCTV & Alarms: Ensure cameras cover rear access points and that motion zones are properly calibrated. Keep alarms set, even when at home.
Report Immediately: If you hear glass breaking or see suspicious individuals scoping out properties from nearby fields or roads, call 999 straight away.
In an Emergency: Call 999 immediately if a crime is in progress, an offender is still at or near the scene, or there is a threat to life or safety.
Non-Emergency Enquiries & Crime Reporting:
Call 101 (Metropolitan Police non-emergency line).
Report online via the Met Police portal at
St Mary's & St James' Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT):
Email (Ward Team): Stmarys.stjames.SNT@met.police.uk
SNT Telephone: 020 8721 2816
Team Base: Bexleyheath Police Station, 2 Arnsberg Way, Bexleyheath, DA7 4QS
Met Engage Ward Updates: You can follow local priorities or reach your ward team directly on
Report Anonymously: Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at
