|
For the information of everyone to enable them to protect themselves, their families and the Council against the most current threats from fraud and cybercrime. Please feel free to distribute these messages to anyone you feel may benefit from them.
While a lot of fraud is now happening online as it is easier, cheaper, you can reach a lot of people quickly, and there is less chance of getting caught, please remember that fraud can happen in person, right on your doorstep. Treat unsolicited callers to your door in the same way I hope you are treating unsolicited telephone calls: a quick ‘no thank you’ and shut the door. |
|
Current smishing scams
Attempting to get you to part with your money by text message is called smishing, and there’s lots of it about. Which? has collated some of the worst to warn people:
A fake crisis. These messages will often address you by name and describe an ‘urgent’ situation where they need some money, such as a medical crisis; they are designed to try and make you act quickly. Be wary if you don’t recognise the sender.
Mobile network impersonation. These messages pretend to be from your network provider, telling you a payment has failed or that your contract will be disabled. They also include a link to a site that looks genuine but is designed to steal your personal and financial information.
The ‘Hi mum’ messages. These have been around for a while but are still going strong. They usually claim to be your child but are using a friend’s phone. They will ask for emergency money or for you to contact them on a different number, which belongs to the scammer.
Missed deliveries. These have risen in line with the increase in online shopping. Nearly all of us are expecting a parcel at some time or other. They include a link to a scam site to steal your information.
You can read the full article on the Which? website.
Report suspected scam text messages by forwarding them to 7726.
|
|
Looking after your money
Nearly all frauds are about money, even if they’re after your personal information. Personal information can be used to impersonate you and then apply for credit cards, loans etc., or it can be sold on to someone to do this. Financial scams have been rising steadily for some time now.
Things to look out for:
Uninvited investment offers. Be cautious of ‘too good to be true’ investment offers; promises of high returns with little risk are a red flag that this is a scam.
Pressure tactics. Scammers often push for quick action, trying to avoid you taking time to think about something or take advice. Legitimate companies would never rush you for these decisions.
Unusual payment requests. If you are asked to transfer money to an unrelated account before it is invested, the scammer is trying to disguise the transaction.
Requests to install software. The scammers ask for you to download software or grant remote control of your device. They are seeking to gain all your information stored there and may then have control of all your personal and financial information.
Staying safe
Verify the source, check that the people you are talking to are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
Seek a second opinion before making financial commitments; a professional will help you assess whether the opportunity is for real.
Pay attention to warnings. Banking apps now have several warnings that you need to confirm before making a transaction, these are there to protect you so read them.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
|
|
Strong passwords
The National Cyber Security Centre’s current advice on strong passwords is to use three random words. I have seen other advice that suggests separating them with a dash.
These days, everyone has lots of passwords, at least I hope you do and don’t have the same password for every account. Using three random words makes them easier to remember but also hard to crack. For example, ‘Bucket-Soup-Tank’, I know that many sites now ask for letters, numbers, and symbols and that example doesn’t cut it, but you can get round this by always using certain numbers instead of letters such as 3 for e, 0 for o, 4 for a. If you always do it, it will be easier to remember, and my example now says ‘Buck3t-S0up-T4nk’.
You can read the advice on the National Cyber Security Centre’s website.
If you still need to repeat passwords, at the very least have unique passwords for your important accounts: banking and finance, email, social media etc. Even if someone gets hold of your email and common password, this should stop them getting hold of your precious information and money. Otherwise, they get everything.
|
|
Item name
Amazon have highlighted their most common scams, being aware of what they are and how they
work will help you to spot them and avoid losing money. These scams are everywhere, not just on
|
|
 |
|
‘Tell2 over a brew’ is a communication initiative that empowers you to discuss crime prevention messages with others in your life, who otherwise may never know. Start with ‘tell2’ and ask them to do the same. An unbroken chain of 26 tell2’ers would reach 67 million people. It starts with YOU |
|
|
 |
|
’Take Five’ is a national campaign to offer straight-forward, impartial advice that helps prevent email, phone-based and online fraud – particularly where criminals impersonate trusted organisations. Find out more at www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk. |
|
|
If you suspect someone is trying to defraud the Council call the Counter Fraud and
Investigation Team on 01702 215254 or email us at counterfraud@southend.gov.uk.
If you or someone you know is vulnerable and has been a victim of fraud, please call
Essex Police on 101.
Report fraud or attempted fraud by contacting Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. |
|
|
|
