Gressenhall Parish Council

PC Pete Davison
Community Engagement Officer – North Norfolk

Information Alert – New way to report online scam adverts introduced – 13 August 2020

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have launched a new service which allows internet users to report scam ads appearing online.

Online users have been asked to fill in a form via the ASA website to report any fake ads they find on online platforms such as newspaper websites, paid-for search engines or social media.

ASA will then make contact with the relevant platform who can then work to remove the advert and prevent the advertiser publishing further scam ads.

This new reporting mechanism is in response to the ever-increasing number of fake advertisements found online which spread false information and trick internet users into parting with their cash and personal information.

More information on the launch of this reporting system can be found via Money Saving Expert website.

If you think you have been the victim of an online scam you can report this to us via our partners, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, on 0808 223 1133.

Information Alert – Protect Norfolk campaign, coronavirus communication toolkits for businesses – 13 August 2020

Norfolk County Council have developed several toolkits to help businesses and other organisations spread awareness about how we can help protect Norfolk from coronavirus.

They include materials such as posters, educational videos and leaflets, and can be accessed by anyone wanting to help spread awareness.  Topics include keeping safe while at home or work, correct hand washing methods, and how to book a test.  There are more specific materials available for the tourism and hospitality industries.

There is also a section focused on Covid-19 scams, with materials that can be used by anyone looking to raise awareness on how people can better protect themselves and their personal information.

View and download the materials at norfolk.gov.uk/coronavirustoolkit.

If you are a business looking for more information about using these toolkits, email [email protected].

Scam Alert – Beware of bogus charity cold calls – 12 August 2020

A Norfolk resident has reported receiving persistent telephone cold calls from a woman claiming to be collecting money for an overseas charity.

Charity fraud has been in operation for many years, with some collectors claiming to be raising money for legitimate charities whilst others set up their own fake charities.

Action Fraud have created a useful list of checks you should carry out to determine whether a charity is genuine before you decide to donate:

• Ask to see the identification of the fundraiser if you are asked to make a donation in person.  All legitimate charity fundraisers carry official identification when fundraising.  Make sure you are satisfied the identification is genuine.
• All charities have to be registered with the Charity Commission.  Visit the Charity Commission’s website to check if a charity is registered with them.
• Don’t give out personal information and bank details to make a regular donation by Standing Order unless you are satisfied the person you are talking to is genuine.  You can always phone the charity back on a number published on the charity’s official website.

You can find more information about bogus charity collectors on the Action Fraud website.

If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls stating you have a right to claim money – 11 August 2020

We have received a report from a Norfolk resident about a telephone cold call claiming to be from the Office for Fair Trading stating that ‘you have a right to make a claim’.

The resident was informed that they were owed £5000 and was asked to provide their bank account details so that the money could be transferred.

Be very wary of claims made during telephone cold calls.  If you receive this or a similar call our advice is do not interact with the call and hang up.

If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls claiming to offer discounts on your energy supply – 10 August 2020

We have received further reports about telephone cold calls offering discounts on gas and electricity supply as well as boiler servicing.

Residents have reported receiving a call from an unknown man that states he is able to beat the current price being paid for certain services within the home.  The man is said to state information such as the residents name, address and current provider and requests bank account details.

Be wary of telephone cold calls and the claims made during them.  If you receive a suspicious call do not give or confirm any personal or financial details.  If the caller is claiming to be from your current provider you should hang up, wait five minutes and then contact your provider directly using a number printed on a bill or from the official website.

If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls claiming to be police officers – 08 August 2020

We are highlighting reports of elderly victims being targeted by telephone scammers pretending to be police officers.

The cold caller states that they have arrested someone attempting to make a purchase using your bank card.  The caller then asks you to confirm your personal information.

Norfolk Police are reminding residents that neither your bank nor the police will ever ask you for your bank account details.

• Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN, bank card or bank account details over the phone – never give these details to anybody.
• Neither the police nor banks will send a courier to collect money from you.
• Always request photo ID, and if unsure call the police.
• If you’re asked to telephone a bank, always do it on a different phone to the one you were contact on.  Fraudsters will keep the line open and have been known to play ring tones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number.  Use a friend or neighbour’s telephone instead.
• Never download any software suggested by the caller.
• Do not rush into complying to the scammer’s demands or requests.
• Friends, family, carers and neighbours are asked to spread the word to ensure everyone is aware of this scam and what they should do.

If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam, you can report it to us via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or to Norfolk Police on 101.

Scam Alert – Fake listings for holiday accommodation – 06 August 2020

Due to travel restrictions and the loss of holidays overseas during the pandemic, there has been a shift in planning for a staycation. This has led to people booking places to stay in Norfolk via Facebook adverts, which has been exploited by criminals who are creating fake adverts for accommodation.

One Norfolk resident has lost £350 after booking a holiday cottage via a fake advert. The resident was informed on the morning of their holiday that the previous occupants of the cottage had tested positive for Covid-19 and that their booking could therefore not go ahead. The Facebook advert was then removed and the resident was unable to make further contact and request a refund.

The advert requests that payment is made via bank transfer rather than through a booking site or other secure payment method. If a bank transfer is your only option for payment, this should set alarm bells ringing. You should be especially cautious if you’re asked to pay directly into a private individual’s bank account.

Further advice on spotting holiday scams 

You can report all scams to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls claiming to be from HMRC – 05 August 2020

We are receiving reports from Norfolk residents about telephone cold calls claiming to be from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Recent reports have included an automated recorded message call informing the call recipient that ‘HMRC have issued a warrant for your arrest due to tax evasion’. These calls are appearing to come from a range of different ‘spoofed’ numbers.

More information about HMRC related phishing emails and bogus contact can be found on the GOV.UK website. 

We always advise to be very wary of any approach made by a telephone cold call. If you receive this type of call our advice is DO NOT interact with the call and HANG UP immediately.

You can report suspected scam telephone calls to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘Amazon’ – 03 August 2020

We are again warning residents to be on their guard for telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘Amazon’.

In recent weeks we received a number reports from residents who are receiving cold calls claiming to be from Amazon. Examples of these calls include:

• Recorded message calls claiming ‘your Amazon Prime subscription is about to expire and a payment will be automatically taken’ the call then states you can ‘press 1 to cancel the payment’
• Recorded message calls claiming your Amazon account ‘is about to be cancelled unless you update your bank details’ the call then states you can ‘press 1 to speak to customer service’
• Recorded message calls making similar claims but referencing ‘Amazon Prime Video subscriptions’
• Calls claiming to be from ‘Cyber Security at Amazon’

Some residents have reported receiving multiple calls within a day delivering the same message but originating from different numbers.

In previous reports, where residents have interacted with the calls, they have then been connected to a person who attempts to gather personal, account or financial details.

These calls are a scam and are not connected with Amazon in any way. If you receive this or a similar call our advice is DO NOT interact with the call and hang up.

If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on their freephone number 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls offering ‘Brexit investment opportunity’ – 02 August 2020

A Norfolk resident has received a voicemail message from a male offering a ‘Brexit investment opportunity’.

Top 5 Tips To Take A Stand Against Telephone Scams

1. Never give out personal or bank details over the telephone
2. Don’t feel pressured to making a decision over the telephone
3. If the caller is vague about giving out their company information, hang up
4. Don’t open texts or answer calls from unrecognisable numbers
5. Consider a call blocking device to filter out unwanted calls

Our advice is always be very wary of claims made during a cold call and never give or confirm personal or financial details unless you are 100% sure you know who you are talking too.

If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via our partners, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, on 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Text messages about your bank account – 01 August 2020

We have received reports about text messages claiming to be from banks stating there is an issue on your account.

These messages are spammed out randomly to huge numbers of mobile numbers hoping to trick people into clicking on a link which will take them to bogus versions of the genuine bank website which will attempt to gather personal and financial details.

The messages will often claim that accounts have been frozen, that money is about to leave the account or that there is fraudulent activity with the aim of panicking the recipient into reacting.

If you receive this or a similar message our advice is:

• Do not click on any links or open attachments
• Do not reply to the message
• Do not call any numbers given in these messages

If you are concerned about the security of a bank account or credit card contact your bank or service provider directly using the Customer Service number printed on the card, on a recent statement or via information available on their genuine website or app. never use details provided in a text message.

If you think you might have responded to a text message scam and provided your bank account details, contact your bank immediately.

You can report suspected text message scams to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Information Alert – Covid-19 scams to be aware of – 31 July 2020

Action Fraud have put together a list of scams the public should be aware of regarding Covid-19 and lockdown. These include:

• Fake Government emails offering grants and tax reductions
• Emails offering to assist with universal credit applications
• Fake track and trace emails claiming you have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19
• Fake adverts for hand sanitizers and face masks
• Fake emails offering 6 months of free TV License
• Fake online dating profiles
• Fake investment opportunities

More information on these scams and advice should you receive one

The Friends Against Scams partnership have also created a fact sheet to help raise awareness on coronavirus scams. Friends Against Scams help to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams. View the fact sheet as well as information about becoming a Friend Against Scams and the free online awareness training available.

There are lots of reports across social media of Test & Trace scams.

Please remember, genuine texts, calls or emails from the NHS service won’t ask you for any personal details upfront.

You’ll be given a unique ID number to log in to the NHS Test and Trace website. The ONLY official web address for the NHS Test and Trace service is: https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk/

Once you’ve logged in using your ID, you’ll be asked to enter some basic information about yourself including:

– Your name, date of birth and current address
– the names of the people you live with
– places you’ve recently visited
– names and contact details of people you were in touch with around 48 hours before you developed symptoms.

You won’t be asked to share this information upfront over a call or text, so if someone is asking you for it directly, they are a scammer.

Contact tracers will never:

❌ ask you to dial a premium rate number to speak to us (for example, those starting 09 or 087)
❌ ask you to make any form of payment or purchase a product of any kind
❌ ask for any details about your bank account
❌ ask for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
❌ ask you for any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up any passwords or PINs over the phone
❌ disclose any of your personal or medical information to your contacts
❌ provide medical advice on the treatment of any potential coronavirus ymptoms
❌ ask you to download any software to your PC or ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet to anyone else
❌ ask you to access any website that does not belong to the government or NHS

Stay scam aware, and report any suspicious approaches to Norfolk Trading Standards via 0808 223 1133.

 Please see below this week’s Consumer & scam alerts from Norfolk Trading Standards…….

Scam Alert – Text messages claiming to be from PayPal stating ‘Your account has been restricted due to a failed payment’ – 07 May 2020

With many more people ordering items online we are warning residents about scam text messages circulating claiming to be from PayPal. One example states that ‘your account has been restricted due to a failed payment’. The message then provides a link to ‘Login’ and ‘remove any pending restrictions’.

These text messages are not genuine and are not connected with PayPal in any way.

If you receive this or a similar text message delete it without clicking on any links.

If you are concerned about the security of an online account contact the provider directly via their genuine website or app. Never use links or details provided in a text message.You can report suspected text message scams to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Social Media messages offering free chocolate hampers – 06 May 2020

Watch out for social media messages claiming that ‘Cadbury has announced that everyone who shares this link will receive Chocolate Hampers’. Again, sadly, it’s a scam!

If you get a message like this do not interact with the message in any way and do not like or share on your social media profile.

Scam Alert – Online scammers selling Pets during lockdown – 06 May 2020

Criminals continue to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to commit fraud, as a scam involving the purchase of pets, such as puppies and kittens, continues to be reported to Action Fraud.

They report that so far, 669 people have lost a combined total of £282,686 in March and April, after putting down deposits for pets they have seen advertised online. The adverts that victims have responded to were posted on social media, general online selling platforms and specific pet selling platforms.

The criminals posting these ads never have any animals to sell and will ask victims to put down a deposit for the pet to secure the purchase. They use the outbreak of COVID-19 and the current lockdown restrictions as a reason why the victim cannot come and see the animal first or pick it up. After the initial payment more and more funds will be requested to cover insurance, vaccinations and even delivery of the pet.

To help protect yourself from scams like this:

• Do your research – Before purchasing anything online, including pets, look up reviews for the site, or person, you are buying from. If you’re still not sure, ask a trusted friend or family member for their advice
• Trust your instinct – If you can’t physically go to see the animal in person, ask for a video call. If the seller declines, challenge them on why. If you have any suspicions, don’t go ahead with the purchase
• Choose your payment method wisely – If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, avoid paying by bank transfer as that offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or a payment service such as PayPal

More information is available on the Action Fraud Website.

Scam Alert – Telephone Cold Calls claiming ‘wearing a Face Mask is now obligatory’ – 04 May 2020

Our colleagues at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute have received reports of telephone cold calls claiming that ‘wearing a face mask whilst outdoors is now obligatory’.

Reports have included both recorded message and live voice calls making these claims, with the cold callers then attempting to gather personal details and take a payment of £29 for two masks, hand gel and gloves.

Our advice is always be very wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call and NEVER give or confirm any personal or financial details if approached in this manner

You can report suspicious telephone cold calls to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Norfolk Police aim to create an internet where everyone is ‘free to be’ themselves as part of a national social media campaign highlighting internet safety.Safer Internet Day, which runs today (11 February), is coordinated by  the Safer Internet Centre and sees multiple organisations get involved in helping to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology. The aim, to generate a conversation around online identity and to inspire young people to support each other in being who they want to be.

This year’s theme ‘free to be’ looks at whether young people feel free to be themselves online. It also explores how young people manage their online identity, and how the internet shapes how they think of themselves and others. The theme looks at whether the internet allows young people to experiment and express themselves, or if they feel limited in who they can be online.

Norfolk Police will be supporting the national social media campaign by promoting key online safety messages, advice and resources during Safer Internet Day using the hashtags #SaferInternetDay and #Freetobe. The purpose, to educate internet users on how to remain safe whilst online.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for child protection, Chief Constable Simon Bailey, said: “As police officers we will continue to target those intent on abusing and exploiting young people on the internet. Keeping children safe both offline and online is a key priority for policing and we work closely with the National Crime Agency to achieve this.

“Alongside this it is vitally important that young people are educated and empowered to stay safe online. Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to promote and highlight the ways we can all make the web a better place for our children.”

Visit Norfolk Police on Facebook and Twitter for internet safety tips and advice using the hashtag #SaferInternetDay