Messages sent via Devon and Cornwall Alert
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The community messaging service used by Devon & Cornwall Police, Action Fraud, Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch
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** NEW - Message issued 8th March2019 **
Message sent by Linzi Berryman (Police, DC Alert Officer, Devon & Cornwall)
Scam - Cyber Fraud Info
We would like to make you aware of the following scams:
Fake TV Licensing emails
Fake TV Licensing emails are in circulation claiming to offer refunds etc. The links provided in the emails could lead to phishing websites to steal personal and financial details.
Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text. Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam, contact the company directly using a known phone number.
Fraudulent texts/emails from your bank/building society
Spoof texts are being sent out by scammers purporting to be from the bank/building society, the texts may show as being from your bank/building society or on the thread of the text messages that may have previously been received from the bank/building society – please do not click on any links or give any personal information. Do not carry out any instructions.
A genuine organisation/bank/building society will never contact you to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money.
If you receive a cold call on your phone and want to hang up and phone the organisation back on a number you trust or know to confirm authenticity, please make sure the line is clear before making another call, you can do this by phoning a friend or relative.
More information on fraud prevention and online safety can be found on the Devon and Cornwall police website: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/your-internet-safety/cyber-internet-crime/
Please report fraud or cyber crime to Action Fraud by phoning 0300 123 2040 or report on their website www.actionfraud.police.uk
How to avoid becoming a victim of cyber crime
Message sent by Linzi Berryman (Police, DC Alert Officer, Devon & Cornwall)
Scam - Cyber Fraud Info
We would like to make you aware of the following scams:
Fake TV Licensing emails
Fake TV Licensing emails are in circulation claiming to offer refunds etc. The links provided in the emails could lead to phishing websites to steal personal and financial details.
Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text. Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam, contact the company directly using a known phone number.
Fraudulent texts/emails from your bank/building society
Spoof texts are being sent out by scammers purporting to be from the bank/building society, the texts may show as being from your bank/building society or on the thread of the text messages that may have previously been received from the bank/building society – please do not click on any links or give any personal information. Do not carry out any instructions.
A genuine organisation/bank/building society will never contact you to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money.
If you receive a cold call on your phone and want to hang up and phone the organisation back on a number you trust or know to confirm authenticity, please make sure the line is clear before making another call, you can do this by phoning a friend or relative.
More information on fraud prevention and online safety can be found on the Devon and Cornwall police website: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/your-internet-safety/cyber-internet-crime/
Please report fraud or cyber crime to Action Fraud by phoning 0300 123 2040 or report on their website www.actionfraud.police.uk
How to avoid becoming a victim of cyber crime
- Use ‘strong’ passwords, and keep your passwords secure. i.e. use at least 8 characters, include numbers and letters, both upper and lower case.
- Update your computer security, anti-viral software and install a firewall.
- Keep your operating systems updated.
- Delete and block spam or junk emails. Be careful when opening attachments or using internet downloads.
- Secure and encrypt wireless networks when using WiFi (Wireless Internet access).
- Make sure your internet browser and any plug-ins are updated (e.g. Flash, Java, Silverlight)
- Use reputable companies when shopping online.
- Use secure payment methods, such as PayPal or credit cards for online purchases.
- Avoid scams, criminal gangs operate ‘scams’ and use the internet as one of the methods to defraud people and business. i.e. asking for money to pay for travel, finance a sick relative, or winning the lottery.
- They will also try passing off as your bank and ask for your banking details.
- or Microsoft or your internet provider stating your computer has been corrupted and want you to click on a link or download some software.
- Backup important data - like photographs, music, videos or documents and not just to the cloud.
Please share this information with others and consider displaying on public noticeboards etc
** Message issued 8th January 2019 **
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Alert - Fake TV Licensing Emails
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Alert - Fake TV Licensing Emails
** Message issued 7th January 2019 **
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
HM Revenue and Customs Alert
What you need to know
Action Fraud has experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls, voicemails, text messages or emails to members of the public purporting to be from HMRC.
The fraudsters state that as a result of their non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable to prosecution or other legal proceedings such as repossession of belongings to settle the balance but can avoid this by arranging for payment to be made immediately by method such as bank transfer or by iTunes gift cards.
If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, bailiffs or in cases where the victim appears to be of overseas origin; deportation.
Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact.
It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature.
What you need to do
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn't mean they are genuine. Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.
Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using iTunes Gift Cards, or any other type of voucher.
Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.
Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, report this as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud.
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
HM Revenue and Customs Alert
What you need to know
Action Fraud has experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls, voicemails, text messages or emails to members of the public purporting to be from HMRC.
The fraudsters state that as a result of their non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable to prosecution or other legal proceedings such as repossession of belongings to settle the balance but can avoid this by arranging for payment to be made immediately by method such as bank transfer or by iTunes gift cards.
If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, bailiffs or in cases where the victim appears to be of overseas origin; deportation.
Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact.
It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature.
What you need to do
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn't mean they are genuine. Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.
Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using iTunes Gift Cards, or any other type of voucher.
Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.
Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, report this as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud.
** Message issued 20th July 2018 **
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Rise In Fake Amazon Emails
These fake emails are after your Amazon login details!
We’ve had an increased number of reports about fake emails purporting to be from Amazon. The subject line and content of the emails vary, but they all contain links leading to phishing websites designed to steal your Amazon login details.
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Rise In Fake Amazon Emails
These fake emails are after your Amazon login details!
We’ve had an increased number of reports about fake emails purporting to be from Amazon. The subject line and content of the emails vary, but they all contain links leading to phishing websites designed to steal your Amazon login details.
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
** Message issued 16th March 2018 **
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
NFIB Alert - False Telephone Preference Service Calls
Fraudsters are cold-calling victims, falsely stating that they are calling from one of the well-known UK telecommunication service providers. They call victims claiming to provide a ‘Telephone Preference Service’ - an enhanced call-barring service, which includes barring international call centres.
The fraudsters ask victims to confirm/provide their bank account details, informing them that there is a one-off charge for the service. Victims instead see monthly debits deducted from their accounts, which they have not authorised. The fraudsters often target elderly victims.
In all instances, direct debits are set up without following proper procedure. The victim is not sent written confirmation of the direct debit instruction, which is supposed to be sent within three days.
On occasions when victims attempted to call back, the telephone number provided by the fraudster was either unable to be reached or the victim’s direct debit cancellation request was refused.
During 2017, there were 493 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud.
Protect yourself:
If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
NFIB Alert - False Telephone Preference Service Calls
Fraudsters are cold-calling victims, falsely stating that they are calling from one of the well-known UK telecommunication service providers. They call victims claiming to provide a ‘Telephone Preference Service’ - an enhanced call-barring service, which includes barring international call centres.
The fraudsters ask victims to confirm/provide their bank account details, informing them that there is a one-off charge for the service. Victims instead see monthly debits deducted from their accounts, which they have not authorised. The fraudsters often target elderly victims.
In all instances, direct debits are set up without following proper procedure. The victim is not sent written confirmation of the direct debit instruction, which is supposed to be sent within three days.
On occasions when victims attempted to call back, the telephone number provided by the fraudster was either unable to be reached or the victim’s direct debit cancellation request was refused.
During 2017, there were 493 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud.
Protect yourself:
- There is only one Telephone Preference Service (TPS). The TPS is the only official UK 'do-not-call' register for opting out of live telesales calls. It is FREE to sign-up to the register. TPS never charge for registration. You can register for this service at http://www.tpsonline.org.uk.
- You will receive postal confirmation of genuine direct debits. If you notice unauthorised payments leaving your account, you should contact your bank promptly.
- Always be wary of providing personal information, or confirming that personal information the caller already claims to hold is correct. Always be certain that you know who you talking to. If in doubt hang up immediately.
If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.