Don't Get Grinched This Christmas: 12 Frauds to Watch Out For!

Action Fraud reveal the 12 frauds of Christmas

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, but also with a healthy dose of caution! Christmas is a time for joy, family, and... fraudsters? Unfortunately, criminals don't take a holiday. Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, wants to make sure you have a #FraudFreeXmas.

This year, they're highlighting the "12 Frauds of Christmas," a dastardly dozen of scams designed to steal your festive cheer (and your hard-earned cash). So, before you get swept up in the holiday hustle, be sure to stay vigilant!

Why You Need to Be Extra Cautious:

• New figures show these 12 scams cost victims a whopping £224 million during the 2023 festive season!
• Nearly 3 million phishing emails were reported between November 2023 and January 2024. Yikes!

The Grinch's Grimoire: The 12 Frauds of Christmas

1. Phishing: Don't click on suspicious emails or links, even if they seem to come from Santa or a delivery company.
2. Pet Fraud: Looking for a furry friend? Beware of online scams with adorable (but fake) pups.
3. Online Shopping Fraud: Double-check websites before purchasing. Unbelievable deals are often too good to be true.
4. Social Media & Email Hacking: Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-step verification.
5. Courier Fraud: Don't fall for calls about unpaid fees or undelivered packages.
6. Romance Fraud: Be wary of online love connections that move fast and involve money.
7. Gift Card Fraud: Only buy gift cards from reputable retailers, never from online strangers.
8. Charity Fraud: Research charities before donating. Don't give in to pressure tactics.
9. Investment Fraud: If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
10. QR Code Fraud: Don't scan random QR codes. They could lead to malicious websites.
11. Holiday Fraud: Always book holidays through reputable companies. Beware of unrealistically cheap deals.
12. Ticket Fraud: Only buy event tickets from authorised sellers.

How to Stay Scrooge-Proof This Christmas:

• Protect Your Accounts: Strong, unique passwords and 2-step verification are your best friends.
• Do Your Research: Before making any big purchases, donations, or investments, verify the company's legitimacy.
• Be Cautious with Money: Avoid bank transfers and pressure tactics. Use a credit card when shopping online for added protection.
• Beware of Unsolicited Contact: Don't be fooled by "amazing" offers. Verify everything before buying or sharing information.

Report It!

• Phishing Emails: Forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk
• Suspicious Texts: Report them to 7726 (free)
• Lost Money or Information: Contact your bank and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

By following these tips, you can have a safe and secure Christmas filled with joy, not scams. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in keeping the Grinch at bay!

Source: Action Fraud (09-12-2024)

Action Fraud reveal the 12 frauds of Christmas

Raise awareness of child exploitation and abuse with #LookCloser in your area

Any child can become a victim of exploitation and abuse: from sexual abuse, to being forced to work for no money, or made to sell drugs from properties taken over by criminals; these children need your help to protect them from horrific abuse and lifelong trauma.   At Neighbourhood Watch, we as neighbours are in a position to spot the signs and report them, so we can keep children safe. That’s why The Children’s Society is asking everyone to #LookCloser.   If something doesn’t feel right, it might not be. Report it now to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. If you’re unsure you can call the NSPCC for advice on 0808 800 5000. Some of the signs to look out for include: Unaccompanied children visiting a house where only adults live Young people who appear anxious, frightened, angry, showing signs of neglect or displaying other behaviours/injuries that make you worried Increased anti-social behaviour at a property Not seeing the resident for long periods of time Unfamiliar vehicles at the property To find out more about what you can do and what to look out for, as well as to access free resources, visit childrenssociety.org.uk/lookcloser.

Catch the Cost of Living Bus coming to Bexley

click image to view enlarged

Many Londoners are struggling with the increasing cost of living, including rising prices for energy, food, and bills. The charity Debt Free Advice has set up a bus to provide debt advice and support to those in need. The bus will be in The Broadway, Bexleyheath on 20 February 2023 from 10am-4pm. Visit Bexley Cost of Living for more information.

Cost of living advice on Broadway Bexleyheath.

Volunteer Fair at Geddes URC

click to view enlarged

If you like to keep busy and care passionately about your local community, go along to the Volunteer Fair at Geddes Place United Reformed Church on Saturday 21st June. Lots of charities and organisations will be there, telling you about their voluntary roles and how you can give some of your free time to help them make a real difference helping the people of Bexley borough. Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch will be there looking to recruit residents to act as Neighbourhood Watch scheme co-ordinators in their own roads. We are also looking to recruit an Auditor. So, start the new year with a new challenge, pop along to find out more and say 'hello' to us!  

The Metropolitan Police Christmas Tree Appeal 2021

 

The Metropolitan Police Christmas Tree Appeal 2021

It is the 10^th anniversary of the Metropolitan Police Christmas Tree Appeal.  This was launched at NSY on the 24^th November with the switching on of the Yard’s lights.  

There are nearly 17,000 children who might not receive a gift other than for this appeal.  If you can spread the word and support this worthy cause by using the link below.

The MET link is

https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/campaigns/2021/met-christmas-appeal/

The givergy page is (Public)

 https://givergy.uk/christmastreeappeal2021/?controller=home

Christmas Tree Appeal [pdf]

Public urged to donate safely this Christmas

 

Charity Fraud : The 12 Frauds of Christmas

The Fundraising Regulator, the Charity Commission for England and Wales, National Trading Standards and Action Fraud are joining forces to call on the public to give safely when donating online.

Data from Action Fraud reveals that £1.6m of the public’s money was lost to online charity fraud over the past year.

The fraud captured by this data includes asks for donations for non-existent charities and the fraudulent collection of funds from genuine charities. Action Fraud’s data shows that the £1.6m loss to fraud is up by 16% on the figure reported in the previous year.

The call for the public to give safely this Christmas is being co-ordinated by the Fundraising Regulator – the body which oversees charitable fundraising in the UK. It is encouraging the public to take steps to protect themselves online, particularly as the nation approaches the festive period, during which appeals for charitable donations increase.

The campaign is urging members of the public to conduct some simple checks before giving to charity, to make sure their donations reach the intended recipient. This includes:

• Check the charity name and its registration number on the Charity Commission website to find out whether the charity is legitimate.
• Use the Fundraising Regulator’s online Directory to find out whether a charity has registered with it and committed to excellent fundraising.
• Look out for the Fundraising Badge on charity marketing materials – when people see it, they can have confidence in charity’s fundraising.
• Ask questions about the cause – if people are still unsure about giving, they should always ask for more information. Legitimate causes will be happy to respond.

Gerald Oppenheim, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator said:

“The British public is always exceedingly generous when giving to charity, and we want to make sure that they can continue to do so, safe in the knowledge that their donation is going to its intended cause.

“Just a few simple steps – including looking out for the Fundraising Badge, which means a charity has committed to best practice – will help the general public to make informed decisions when donating to good causes, and we are pleased to be working closely with other regulators to deliver this important message.”

Pauline Smith, Director of Action Fraud, said:

“Charities work tirelessly all year round to help those in greatest need. Sadly, criminals will try to abuse the generosity and goodwill of others and this can have a huge financial impact on charities and the causes they support.

“We would encourage people not to be put off donating to charities, but to follow a few simple steps to ensure your donations don’t end up in the wrong hands this Christmas. Make sure you do your research before donating to ensure you’re giving your money to a legitimate charity this Christmas.”

Mike Andrews, National Co-ordinator at the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, said:

“Online fraudsters are preying on the goodwill of generous people digging deep to give to charitable causes. If you are looking to make a charitable contribution online this festive period, it's important to carry out some checks to ensure your money goes where you intend it to. Follow the advice from the Fundraising Regulator and, before you part with your money, check the website to ensure it is genuine.”

Paul Latham, Director of Communications and Policy at the Charity Commission said:

“Many people give very generously at Christmas. By making simple online checks, donors can ensure their hard-earned money reaches genuine registered charities, which are accountable to the Charity Commission and the public for the way they are run, and how they spend their income.”

Source: Action Fraud [29-11-2021]

🎱'Tis The Season To Make A Difference And Play Bexley Community Lottery

It will soon be the season of goodwill and Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association is asking you to think of them when shopping online.  

BBNWA is registered with Easy Fundraising, which means that every time you make an online purchase, the retailer makes a donation to BBNWA.  

It costs you nothing and every penny helps us purchase street signs, window stickers, stationery etc.  

Registering for Easy fundraising is quick and simple.  

Plese support us, just select Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch as your cause.  

Thank you.

To register visit https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/how-it-works/

Scan the QR to support us!

Protecting Hedgehogs in Bexley

HELPING HEDGEHOGS

Nearly a quarter of the hedgehogs born into the world die before leaving their nest; probably a half of the rest do not survive their first hibernation. We can all assist hedgehogs that have endured these early adversities in several ways:-

ON THE ROADS

Most of us see more squashed hedgehogs than live ones. Their natural defence mechanism - rolling into a ball - is no protection against ROAD TRAFFIC. All nature-loving people want to do something about this carnage. So, do drive carefully, especially at night, do all you can to avoid hedgehogs that may be crossing the road and if it is safe to do so stop and assist hedgehogs to get across quickly. Ask your friends to be kind to hedgehogs on our roads too.

 

AROUND & ABOUT

Hedgehogs are sometimes subjected to DELIBERATE CRUELTY by heartless or thoughtless people. This is now illegal. Should you see this occurring, contact the police or RSPCA. Wildlife Crime must be stopped!

Hedgehogs are protected by British law under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to kill or capture them using certain methods. 

They are also protected in Britain under the Wild Mammals Protection Act (1996), prohibiting cruelty and mistreatment.

If the unfortunate hedgehog is injured, try to get it to a Veterinary Surgeon, or local hedgehog carer,and report the matter to the local RSPCA. In any case, please let the British Hedgehog Preservation Society know about it.

The aims of the Society are:-
a) To encourage and give advice to the public concerning the
care of hedgehogs particularly when injured, sick, treated cruelly,
orphaned or in any other danger.
b) To encourage children to respect our natural wild-life - by
supplying information and giving lectures, and thus fostering an
interest in hedgehogs.
c) To fund research into behavioural habits of hedgehogs and to ascertain the best methods of assisting their survival. For further information please send a s.a.e. to:-

 

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society,
Hedgehog House, Dhustone, Ludlow,  Shropshire SY8 3PL
Tel: 01584 890801 E-mail: info@britishhedgehogs.org.uk
www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk

Charity Toy and Train Fair - 26 August 2021

See flyers for details [click on images to view enlarged]

Source: https://bexleych.wixsite.com/bexley-charities-78/toy-and-train-fair

How to decide if a collector or charity is (a) genuine, or (b) misleading/bogus

1. The first leaflet: MV Clothing Ltd is active, but does not state they are fundraising for a charity with the charity number. Possible scam as do not have sight of the reverse of leaflet to state that fact. This has been reported this to Trading Standards on their freephone number on 0808 223 1133 as a consumer issue and a possible scam and been a given a reference.
2. The second leaflet by Fundraising Support Ltd appears genuine as the leaflet states the company name and the charity details they are collecting for.
3. Clothing Collection is a possible scam as per reasons above. No company name or the charity name they are claiming to fund raise for. Only Company number which does not suffice.

Have you received a charity bag for collection through your door?

People need to know whether they're "genuine" for two reasons:

• If they're not genuine, you don't want to donate your clothes to them.
• If they're not genuine, the regulators can stop them collecting.

You can also do a company search to see if they are active or not.

You can call Trading Standards FREE phone number on 0808 223 1133 to report it as a consumer issue and/or report the scam to Action Fraud or call them on 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm.