Test the new JustMe scam protection app (via Which?)

We have an exclusive free trial for Which? Scam Alerts subscribers. Cifas, the not-for-profit scam-prevention organisation, needs help with testing its new app JustMe. It allows you to scan for suspicious texts, emails and QR codes, plus other scam-detecting features.

You can download the JustMe app from Apple App store or Google Play. Search ‘JustMe – Scam Protection’.

For free access, you'll need to open the app and select ‘Activate or restore subscription’, then ‘Activate with code’ and use the code GCP7ANF3. The trial is for six months, no payment information is collected and there's no auto-renewal.

What not to click from Which?

Lisa Barber is the editor of Which? Tech magazine and has worked in consumer tech journalism for more than 20 years. Her experience has taught her that staying safe online comes down to spotting the red flags before it's too late.

She reveals the links, messages and websites she'd never click on to avoid falling victim to an online scam, from fake delivery texts to dangerous QR codes

Source: Which? (20 May 2026)

Working Together for a Safer Bexley 🛡️🏡

Keeping our community safe is a team effort. We’ve put together this essential Resident Safety & Crime Prevention guide to help you protect your home, stay secure online, and know exactly how to report concerns.

Small steps—like checking your car is locked or joining your local Neighbourhood Watch—make a huge difference. Scan the QR code in the top left for more resources and let’s keep Bexley one of London’s safest boroughs.

(click image to view enlarged)

Click to Download above as flyer (pdf)

What are brushing scams?

A brushing scam is when dodgy online sellers send out parcels to people unexpectedly. Why do they do it? So that they can write fake positive reviews to boost their rankings on online marketplaces, helping them to generate genuine income.

Some mystery deliveries contain QR codes (those black-and-white squares you can scan with a smartphone), which could direct you to a malicious website or cause malware to be downloaded to your device if scanned. Here's what to do if you receive a suspicious parcel.

Source: Which? (25 Feb 2026) 

🚨 Community Alert: The "Brushing" Scam is Hitting Local Doorsteps

We’ve recently had several reports from neighbours across the UK receiving unexpected Amazon parcels. While it might feel like a "secret Santa" moment, it’s actually a common tactic known as a Brushing Scam.

Here is what you need to know to stay safe and protect your data.

What is "Brushing"?

Scammers buy their own cheap products (like phone cases, seeds, or plastic trinkets) and ship them to real addresses found online. Because a tracking number is generated, the scammer can then post a "Verified Purchase" 5-star review on their own profile to boost their rankings.

Is your money at risk?

In most cases, no. Your Amazon account hasn't been hacked, and you haven't been charged. However, it does mean your name and home address are likely on a leaked marketing list being used by unscrupulous sellers.

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🛑 What to do (and NOT do)

If a mystery parcel arrives with your name on it:

• DON'T scan any QR codes: Some scammers include leaflets with QR codes that lead to phishing sites designed to steal your login details.

• DON'T contact the seller: They are the ones scamming the system; engaging with them confirms your phone number or email is active.

• DON'T leave a review: Even a negative one helps their "engagement" metrics.

• DO report it: Use the Amazon Unsolicited Parcel Report page. This helps Amazon shut down the fraudulent seller accounts.

• DO dispose of it: Under UK law, you are generally under no obligation to pay for or return unsolicited goods. You can keep it, donate it, or bin it.

Protect Your Privacy

Since your address is clearly "in the wild," now is a great time to change your Amazon password and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) just to be safe.

Stay vigilant, and don’t let curiosity give the scammers a win!

Amazon QR code scams

Scammers are sending cards through the post which claim to be from Amazon and include dodgy QR codes. When scanned with your phone or tablet, these QR codes (the 2D barcode images made up of black and white squares) lead to dodgy websites that aim to steal your personal information.

The fake postcards claim to offer freebies through Amazon's 'Early Reviewer Program', which actually ended in 2021. Find out what they look like so you can spot one if it's posted through your door.

Source: Which? (17 Dec 2025) 

Report Damaged or Missing Signs

We occasionally check the signs, but if you spot one that is missing or damaged, please email the office so we can arrange a replacement as soon as we possibly can.

Key Feature: The QR Code

The most important update is the QR code printed clearly at the base of every new sign. This is your instant link to essential community safety information:

• Simply scan the code with your smartphone camera.

• You'll be instantly directed to our digital hub (Linktree).

• The hub provides quick access to the Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association (BBNWA) website and blog, plus useful resources and guidance on reporting incidents.

Scanning the QR code is the best way to ensure you always have the most current information to help keep our neighbourhood secure.

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Spotted a Problem?

As we continue replacing the signs, we rely on your help. If you notice an old sign that is missing or damaged, please email the office right away so we can arrange for its replacement.

https://linktr.ee/bbnwa

QR code scam warning

QR codes in pubs or restaurants are usually safe to scan, but fraudulent QR codes (also known as quishing scams) are most commonly found in car parks as stickers placed on parking machines.

Local councils and trading standards have recently put out warnings about QR code scams in car parks – use our six tips to identify a dodgy QR code.

Avoid dodgy QR codes

Source: Which? (25 Jun 2025) 

Scam Savvy: A Resounding Success at Bexleyheath Broadway!

Bexleyheath Broadway was buzzing on Tuesday, June 24th, as residents gathered for an engaging and highly informative event focused on combating cybercrime and enhancing community safety. From 10 AM to 12 PM, shoppers had the unique opportunity to meet BBC TV's Nick Stapleton, a renowned Cyber Crime specialist, alongside members of the Bexley Neighbourhood Watch Committee and Bexleyheath Police Officers.

The event, spearheaded by Grant Murrell, Chairman of Bexley Neighbourhood Watch, and supported by dedicated team members like Amrik and his wife, was a huge hit with the community. Madame Mayor of Bexley Borough, Cllr Christine Catterall, also attended, expressing her delight at the active interest shown by residents in the safety and well-being of Bexley.

Local police were on hand, offering invaluable advice and strengthening the vital partnership between residents and law enforcement. Their visible presence fostered confidence and encouraged meaningful conversations about neighbourhood safety. They also distributed their Met Engage initiative flyers, providing further resources for community involvement.

The highlight was Nick Stapleton, from the BBC programme Scam Interceptors, whose insightful and energetic contribution was incredibly well-received, adding significant value to the occasion. Attendees could also easily access a wealth of resources, including leaflets and guides, by scanning QR flyers displayed on the tables.

This fantastic display of community collaboration truly showcased what makes Bexley such a strong and connected borough. A big thank you to the Neighbourhood Watch team, the police, and everyone involved in making the day such a success!

 

 

 

Don't Get Hooked! The UK is Fighting Back Against Phishing Scams – Here’s How You Can Help

It's a digital world out there, and unfortunately, that means a constant barrage of sneaky scams trying to reel us in. But here in the UK, we're not just sitting ducks – far from it! Recent figures show a monumental effort from the public in reporting suspicious emails and texts, leading to significant disruption of cybercrime.

As of April 2025, an incredible 41 million phishing scams have been reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) since its launch in April 2020. This astounding collective action has empowered the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to take down a staggering 217,000 scams across 393,395 website pages. That’s a serious dent in the criminals' operations!

Who Are They Impersonating?

Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has revealed that the top industries impersonated in these reported phishing attempts are familiar faces: streaming services, tech and telecommunication companies. Even various UK government schemes have been mimicked, highlighting the diverse tactics criminals use to trick us.

Your Phone is Your Weapon: Reporting Texts and Calls

It's not just emails. Those annoying spam calls and suspicious text messages can also be reported, and it makes a real difference. By forwarding suspicious text messages to 7726, a free service offered by mobile network providers, you're helping to remove scam websites and allowing networks to block those sending scam texts. Between April 2020 and April 2025, over 27,000 scams were removed thanks to this simple action.

Superintendent Amanda Wolf, Head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police, stresses the importance of every single report: "Every phishing email reported helps us gain a better understanding of the tactics being used and enables us to tackle it head on by identifying malicious URLs trending in phishing emails and texts - they can be taken down and disrupted, preventing further activity. The more reports received, the more people we can protect, preventing them from becoming victims."

Sarah Lyons, NCSC Deputy Director for Economy and Society Resilience, echoes this sentiment: "Since 2020, over 41 million phishing attempts have been reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service — a powerful sign that the public is staying alert to online threats, helping to protect themselves and others."

So, What Exactly Is Phishing?

In simple terms, 'phishing', ‘quishing’ (using QR codes), or ‘smishing’ (via text messages) is when criminals use fake communications – emails, texts, QR codes, or phone calls – to trick you. Their goal? To get you to click a malicious link, scan a fraudulent QR code, or divulge personal and financial information on a genuine-looking but fake website. They often impersonate well-known brands or organisations you already have a connection with to make their scams more convincing.

How Can You Protect Yourself? Stay Alert!

The key is to STOP, THINK FRAUD. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

If you’ve received an email that doesn’t feel right, STOP!

• Break the contact: Don’t reply, click on any links, call any phone numbers, or make any payments.
• Check if it’s genuine: Contact the organisation directly using a known, correct email address or phone number (e.g., from your utility bills, their official website, or by calling 159 for banks).
• Before you delete it, forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk

If you’ve received a text message that doesn’t feel right, STOP!

• Break the contact: Don’t reply, click on any links, call any phone numbers, or make any payments.
• Check if it’s genuine: Contact the organisation directly using a known, correct email address or phone number.
• Forward the message for free to: 7726

If you’ve received a call that doesn’t feel right, STOP!

• Hang up!
• Check if it’s genuine: Contact the organisation directly using known, correct contact details.
• Don’t trust Caller ID: It can be faked!
• Report it: Send a text to 7726 with the word ‘call’ followed by the scam caller’s number.

For more comprehensive advice on protecting yourself from fraud, visit: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/

What if you've been caught out?

If you've unfortunately lost money or provided financial information as a result of a phishing scam, notify your bank immediately. Then, report it to Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

Every report counts. By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious communications, we're all playing a crucial part in making the UK a safer place online. Don't get hooked – keep reporting!

Source: Action Fraud (02-06-2025)