West Mercia Police Fraud and Scam Bulletin- March
TELEPHONE FRAUD
The number of “Nuisance” calls has risen in recent years from 21% to 40% and according to OFGEN, nearly 40% of Scams start with a phone call.
These scams involve fraudsters trying to gain your personal and financial information, and are often referred to as “Vishing” – an amalgamation of “Voice” and “Phishing”.
Very often the fraudster has disguised their call identity by using an apparently legitimate number so appearing genuine; this is known as “Spoofing”. If you do receive a call from a company which is not expected than just hang up, wait for 10 minutes or so, or use another phone, and then call the real company back on a listed number from their website or letterhead.
Common Phone Call Scams
- Technical Support scams – They may impersonate a company such as Microsoft or BT , and tell you there is a fault on your computer or Broadband. They then probably will ask you to download remote access software to gain access to your computer, or else install Malware on your computer.
- Impersonation Scams – Typically these may claim to come from your “Bank Fraud Department” telling you that your account or bank cards have been compromised and you need to transfer money to another so-called Safe Account, from where it vanishes. Similarly calls may come from fraudsters masquerading as a Police Officer, Utility Provider, HMRC or DVLA.
- Prize Draw Scams – “You have won the Lottery or a Prize Draw!” Sounds good but is it? You may think you never entered the competition but they will convince you that you have, then ask for your bank details so you can “receive” the prize
- Financial Scams – you are called with tempting offers for investing your money in funds, schemes or perhaps in Bitcoins with the promise of huge returns. Since 2019, it has been illegal to make cold calls to sell Pension schemes, so any calls about Pension Schemes will be scams. This scheme may be extended in the future to ban an unsolicited financial cold call.
How can you stay safe?
- Never give out your financial information over the phone, and just hang up if you are unsure about the caller’s identity.
- Register for “TPS” – Telephone Preference Service – this prevents bona fide companies calling you so you will then know that any cold call is a fake.
- Scammers will often keep the phone line open after the call so even when you think you are calling a legitimate number you are still speaking to the fraudster. Wait for up to 15 minutes or make the call using a different phone line.
IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED
OR DO NOT RECOGNISE THE CONTACT
- Take Five To Stop Fraud
STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud
If you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.
Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.
Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk
If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number – 159 – to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.
For further information visit:
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
Honeybourne Parish Council Community Litter Pick
Members of the PROW group, residents and Councillors turned out in force for the annual litter pick in the village on Sunday 24th March. The litter pick was held during the Great British Spring Clean week.
Over 3 hours a large amount of litter was collected. The litter pickers were then treated to hot drinks and biscuits at the village hall which they well deserved for doing such a good job!!
The Group leader of PROW, Cllr Trevor Askew said;
“It was the best turn out yet and was very successful. He thanked all those who had given up their time to keep our village litter free”
A big thank you again, to everyone who participated and also to those residents who litter pick around the village throughout the year.
Please look out for the next Community Litter pick in September.
The Fraud & Scam Bulletin MARCH 2024
TELEPHONE FRAUD
The number of “Nuisance” calls has risen in recent years from 21% to 40% and according to OFGEN, nearly 40% of Scams start with a phone call.
These scams involve fraudsters trying to gain your personal and financial information and are often referred to as “Vishing” – an amalgamation of “Voice” and “Phishing”.
Very often the fraudster has disguised their call identity by using an apparently legitimate number so appearing genuine; this is known as “Spoofing”. If you do receive a call from a company which is not expected than just hang up, wait for 10 minutes or so, or use another phone, and then call the real company back on a listed number from their website or letterhead.
Common Phone Call Scams
- Technical Support scams – They may impersonate a company such as Microsoft or BT , and tell you there is a fault on your computer or Broadband. They then probably will ask you to download remote access software to gain access to your computer, or else install Malware on your computer.
- Impersonation Scams – Typically these may claim to come from your “Bank Fraud Department” telling you that your account or bank cards have been compromised and you need to transfer money to another so-called Safe Account, from where it vanishes. Similarly calls may come from fraudsters masquerading as a Police Officer, Utility Provider, HMRC or DVLA.
- Prize Draw Scams – “You have won the Lottery or a Prize Draw!” Sounds good, but is it? You may think you never entered the competition, but they will convince you that you have, then ask for your bank details so you can “receive” the prize.
- Financial Scams – you are called with tempting offers for investing your money in funds, schemes or perhaps in Bitcoins with the promise of huge returns. Since 2019, it has been illegal to make cold calls to sell Pension schemes, so any calls about Pension Schemes will be scams. This scheme may be extended in the future to ban an unsolicited financial cold call.
How can you stay safe?
- Never give out your financial information over the phone, and just hang up if you are unsure about the caller’s identity.
- Register for “TPS” – Telephone Preference Service – this prevents bona fide companies calling you so you will then know that any cold call is a fake.
- Scammers will often keep the phone line open after the call so even when you think you are calling a legitimate number you are still speaking to the fraudster. Wait for up to 15 minutes or make the call using a different phone line or mobile
Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours.
IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED
OR DO NOT RECOGNISE THE CONTACT
Take Five To Stop Fraud
- STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
- CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
- PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud
If you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.
Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.
Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk
If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number – 159 – to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.
For further information visit:
Online survivor pathway launches in West Mercia
A new website to help anyone find out more about sexual violence support services in their area is now live.
Providing a safe online space for survivors of all ages, supporters, and professionals, ‘The Survivor Pathway’ has a comprehensive list of services in West Mercia and information on how to easily access them.
Funded by the NHS and delivered by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, as part of his Safer West Mercia Plan commitment to put victims and survivors first, the platform also includes helpful information on sexual health, child sexual exploitation, reporting to the police and going to court.
The pathway can be accessed 24/7 at – https://westmerciasurvivorpathway.org/
PCC John Campion said: “Sexual violence is a devastating crime, and its impact is life-changing to victims. With that in mind, I understand how hard it must be for many victims to find the confidence to come forward.
“The new Survivor Pathway website is a safe space for anybody to find out more about the specialist support available in West Mercia.
“Working in partnership with the NHS, it brings together a comprehensive list of the relevant services I fund, as well as others, to ensure victims are better informed and can easily access the help they need to cope and recover.”
Sarah Forrest, Head of Health and Justice Commissioning (West Midlands) at NHS England (Midlands) said: “NHS England is delighted to have been able to work with its close partners in the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner on this initiative. Different agencies commission a range of specialist services for survivors of sexual assault and abuse both locally, regionally and nationally.
“We recognise the importance of survivors, families and friends being able to easily find sources of advice and support, whether the case is recent or non recent or whether the Police are involved, and hope that this website proves to be an invaluable resource.”
Save the Date – 6th June 2024
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The 6th June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Honeybourne Parish Council will be commemorating this special event from 6:30pm at the Village Hall to which everyone is invited. The lighting of a beacon, together with thousands of other parishes and organisations across the country will take place at 9:15pm.
For details: contact the Clerk
Email: clerk@honeybourne-pc.gov.uk
The 6th June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of
D-Day. Honeybourne Parish Council will be commemorating this special event from 6:30pm at the Village Hall to which everyone is invited. The lighting of a beacon, together with thousands of other parishes and organisations across the country will take place at 9:15pm.
For details: contact the Clerk
Email: clerk@honeybourne-pc.gov.uk
New Community Orchard and Mini Forest Funding
Worcestershire County Council have successfully secured funding from The Coronation Living Heritage Fund for new community orchards and mini forests in Worcestershire. The Council can offer new planting of community orchards and mini forests at 100% of cost.
