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
Phone scammers are targeting Amazon customers by claiming that iPhones
or other expensive items have been added to their shopping baskets.
Their aim is to take over your device and gain access to your bank accounts. We reveal the tactics being used and explain how you can secure a hacked Amazon account.
Source: Which? (15 Jul 2026)
London is a city that captures hearts. For Artem Liholitov, his first visit last summer was nothing short of cinematic. Between the historic landmarks and the buzzing atmosphere, he ‘fell in love’ with the capital—so much so that he chose it as the setting to propose to his girlfriend.
However, as many Londoners and seasoned visitors know, the city’s charm often hides a grittier reality. After his trip, Artem began a ‘deep dive’ into the darker side of the Big Smoke. What he discovered was a landscape increasingly littered with scammers and sophisticated thieves targeting the millions of people who traverse the streets every day.
Disturbed by online videos detailing common street scams and discouraged by reports of low arrest rates and lenient sentencing, Artem felt a call to action. He realised that while the police are stretched thin, the power of community intelligence remained untapped.
"Wouldn’t it be nice if everybody could report pickpockets to locals and tourists?" he asked himself.
That thought was the catalyst for
The concept is simple: if you see something, you say something. The site allows users to report incidents or suspicious behaviour as they happen. By mapping these reports, the platform provides a live look at where thieves are operating, from the ‘bottleneck’ distractions at Underground stations to the moped-based phone snatches that have become all too common in the West End.
The goal isn't just to vent frustration, but to arm others with the knowledge to stay safe. Whether you’re a tourist admiring the sights or a local on your daily commute, having a heads-up about a particular street or station can make all the difference.
While tools like Artem’s provide a vital layer of community protection, the Metropolitan Police and safety experts continue to urge vigilance. Key advice includes:
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Scammers often use distraction techniques—spilling a drink, asking for directions, or creating a ‘commotion’—to catch you off guard.
Secure Your Tech: Phone snatching is on the rise. Avoid walking with your phone out in your hand, especially near the roadside where moped thieves operate.
Bag Security: Keep bags zipped and wear them across your chest rather than over one shoulder.
Artem’s journey from a smitten tourist to a tech-driven crime-fighter serves as a reminder: we all play a part in keeping our city safe. By sharing information and looking out for one another, we can ensure that London remains a place people fall in love with—for all the right reasons.
Read the full story at the original source 👉
There’s a deadline looming on the 8th that many people are unaware of, but it’s a crucial one for staying on the right side of the law. A new police registration scheme is now in effect called Met Engage, and we're here to give you the rundown on what you need to do and by when.
For all the details and to make sure you're compliant, head over to our new website. We’ve dedicated a whole section to this topic, with a clear step-by-step guide to help you through the process. It's quick, easy, and will save you a lot of hassle down the line.
As the days get busier, it's the perfect time for opportunistic thieves to take advantage. We've seen an increase in reports of pickpocketing and snatching of mobile phones, purses, and wallets in busy high streets and even from cafe tables.
Remember to be extra vigilant:
Keep your phone out of sight when you’re not using it. Avoid leaving it on a cafe table where it can be grabbed in an instant.
Secure your bags. Wear them across your body, and never leave them unattended on the back of a chair.
Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. Pickpockets often work in groups to distract you.
Stay safe, and for more security tips and updates, be sure to bookmark our blog and new site. We'll be keeping you informed on everything from local safety alerts to important legal changes. You can also bookmark for future reference the following link at https://linktr.ee/bbnwa.
We've all been there. You download a shiny new app – a game, a fitness tracker, a social media platform – and immediately you're met with a barrage of permission requests. "Allow access to your location?" "Grant permission to your photos?" "Consent to data sharing with third parties?" In our eagerness to get started, it's all too easy to tap "Accept" without a second thought. But here in the UK, with our strong data protection laws like the UK GDPR, it's more crucial than ever to understand why blindly consenting to data sharing by smartphone apps can be a significant risk.
Your smartphone is a goldmine of personal information. From your contacts and photos to your location history, Browse habits, and even your health data, these apps can collect an astonishing amount of detail about your life. When you consent to data sharing, you're essentially handing over the keys to this treasure trove.
But where does that data go? Often, it's not just the app developer who gets to see it. Many apps share your information with "third parties" – these can be advertising networks, data brokers, or even other companies you've never heard of. The purpose? To build detailed profiles about you, which can then be used for targeted advertising, market research, or even sold on to other entities.
So, what are the potential downsides of this widespread data sharing?
Loss of Privacy: This is the most obvious one. Do you really want companies you don't know to have a complete picture of your daily routine, your friends, your interests, and even your most private moments? This data can be combined and analysed to reveal surprisingly intimate details about your life.
Targeted Advertising Overload: While some might not mind seeing "relevant" ads, others find the constant tracking and highly personalised ads intrusive and even manipulative. Your data is being used to influence your purchasing decisions, and often, without you truly understanding the extent of it.
Security Vulnerabilities: Every time your data is shared, it creates another potential point of vulnerability. If a third-party company that holds your data experiences a data breach, your personal information could be exposed to hackers, leading to identity theft, fraud, or other malicious activities.
Data Misuse and Unforeseen Consequences: What if your health data is used to deny you insurance? Or your location data is used to track your movements without your explicit knowledge or consent for purposes beyond what you originally agreed to? Once your data is out there, it's incredibly difficult to control how it's used in the future.
Less Control Over Your Digital Footprint: In an age where our digital footprint is becoming increasingly significant, giving away control of your data makes it harder to manage your online reputation and privacy.
The good news is that you have rights under UK data protection laws, and you can take steps to protect your data:
Read the Permissions Carefully: Before you download an app, check the permissions it requests. Does a simple photo editing app really need access to your microphone or contacts? If something seems excessive, reconsider downloading it.
Scrutinise Privacy Policies: We know, they're long and often full of legal jargon. But try to skim the sections on "data collection," "data sharing," and "third parties." Look for information on how to delete your data if you stop using the app.
Limit or Revoke Permissions: You can always adjust app permissions after installation. Go into your smartphone's settings (usually under "Apps" or "Privacy") and review what each app has access to. You can revoke permissions you're uncomfortable with, though be aware that some app features might be affected.
Check In-App Privacy Settings: Many apps have their own privacy settings within the app itself. Explore these to see if you can limit data tracking, revoke consent for certain types of sharing, or adjust ad personalisation.
Delete Unused Apps: If you're no longer using an app, delete it. This stops any ongoing data collection and reduces the risk of your data being exposed through inactive accounts. Remember to check if the app offers a way to delete your account data entirely, not just the app from your phone.
Be Wary of "Free" Services: If an app is free, chances are its business model relies on collecting and monetising your data. Be extra cautious with these.
In the UK, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) provides guidance and regulations to ensure app developers handle your data responsibly. But ultimately, the first line of defence is you. By being mindful of what you consent to, you can take significant steps towards safeguarding your digital privacy.
So next time an app asks for permission to share your data, hit pause. Ask yourself: Is this really necessary? Do I trust this company with my information? Your privacy is worth more than a quick tap.
For
many of us, our smartphone is an essential part of daily life – as a
result, learning how to secure your device against threats is crucial.
It only takes a few minutes to tweak to your device settings, including
checking for security updates and enabling two-factor authentication. It
can have a huge impact.
Our expert walks you through the simple steps to make sure your smartphone data is protected.
Keep your phone safe from scammers
Source: Which? (22 Jan 2025)
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:
2. Find Security and Privacy:
3. Choose More Security Settings:
4. Locate Theft Protection:
5. Enable Auto-Lock Protection:
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:
By following these steps and taking additional precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of your Samsung device being compromised.
Sources:
Our phones are treasures, but in the wrong hands, they're easy pickings. Whether it's a classic pickpocket or a sneaky distraction theft, here's how to outsmart them:
Lanyards: Use Them Wisely
Lanyards can deter theft, but use them strategically:
Maximise Lanyard Power:
Remember:
Lanyards are a tool, but combine them with other tips for ultimate protection. Stay aware, secure your phone, and don't be an easy target. With a little planning, your phone stays safe!
Look out for anyone on a bike or moped near youDon't text while walking
Sim swapping, also known as SIM hijacking or SIM splitting, is a sneaky way hackers can steal your money and personal information. Here's how it works:
The Scam:
Protecting Yourself:
By following these steps, you can make it much harder for SIM swappers to steal your identity and your money. If you suspect you've been a victim of a SIM swap, contact your mobile carrier immediately and report the incident.
SIM Swap: How to Protect Yourself
Further information at
https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2023/12/what-is-sim-swap-fraud.html
It can be challenging to detect phone scams, as there are many types in operation. One common example is when fraudsters mask their phone numbers to disguise themselves as your bank's fraud department – known as spoofing. They then urge you to transfer your money to a 'safe' account before disappearing with your cash.
Scammers can be persuasive, so don't trust calls that come out of the blue. Learn more about the most common types of phone scams and follow our tips to stay safe.
Our expert tips
Source: Which? (05 Mar 2024)
In today's digital world, our smartphones are more than just communication devices – they're mini-computers carrying sensitive information. Unfortunately, this makes them prime targets for scammers. With the cost of living rising, fraudsters are getting even more creative in their attempts to steal your money and personal details. This blog post, adapted from an article shared by the Metropolitan Police, equips you with the knowledge and tools to stay safe in the mobile jungle.
The Cost of Not Knowing:
Protect Your Passwords and Data:
Mobile Safety Essentials:
Common Mobile Scams and How to Spot Them:
Remember:
If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to Action Fraud (UK):
By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself from mobile phone scams and keep your money, data, and peace of mind safe.
Here's a summary of the scam and how to protect yourself:
SIM SWAP FRAUD is a type of scam where criminals trick your mobile phone provider into transferring your phone number to a SIM card under their control. This allows them to intercept your text messages, including those used for two-factor authentication (2FA), and access your online accounts, including your bank account.
The criminals will call you and pretend to be from your mobile phone company.
They will tell you that there is a problem with your network and that you need to press 1 to fix it.
If you press 1, the criminals will be able to take control of your SIM card.
Once they have control of your SIM card, they will be able to intercept your text messages and access your online accounts.
When we think of Neighbourhood Watch , our minds naturally jump to physical home security: locking front doors, fitting window latches, and ...
