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 18th July 2020 **
Message Issued By Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Online Shopping
Have you bought anything online recently?…
Almost 34% of all retail sales during May 2020 were carried out online, and new research suggests that only 16% of UK consumers intend to return to their old shopping habits post-lockdown.
Online shopping fraud during lockdown
Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, received over 16,000 reports relating to online shopping and auction fraud during the lockdown, with losses totalling over £16m. Members of the public have reported buying mobile phones (19%), vehicles (22%), electronics (10%) such as games consoles, AirPods and MacBooks , and footwear (4%) on sites such as eBay (18%), Facebook (18%), Gumtree (10%) and Depop (6%), only to have the items never arrive.
Top tips for shopping online securely:
What to do if you’ve fallen victim to online shopping fraud
We all make mistakes and these days the scams can be incredibly convincing.
If you think you’ve visited, or made a purchase on, a bogus website, you should first, take a note of the website's address, then close down your internet browser. You should then report the details to Action Fraud and contact your bank to seek advice.
Whether you've been a victim of fraud will depend on how much information you’ve provided to the website, so keep an eye on your bank transactions, if you can. Contact your bank immediately about anything that you don’t recognise, even small amounts.
For more information about how to stay safe online, please visit www.actionfraud.police.uk/cybercrim
Message Issued By Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Online Shopping
Have you bought anything online recently?…
Almost 34% of all retail sales during May 2020 were carried out online, and new research suggests that only 16% of UK consumers intend to return to their old shopping habits post-lockdown.
Online shopping fraud during lockdown
Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, received over 16,000 reports relating to online shopping and auction fraud during the lockdown, with losses totalling over £16m. Members of the public have reported buying mobile phones (19%), vehicles (22%), electronics (10%) such as games consoles, AirPods and MacBooks , and footwear (4%) on sites such as eBay (18%), Facebook (18%), Gumtree (10%) and Depop (6%), only to have the items never arrive.
Top tips for shopping online securely:
- Choosing where to shop: If you’re making a purchase from a company or seller you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first. For example, by checking to see if others have used the site and what their experience was.
- Email accounts: Use a strong, separate password for your email account. Criminals can use your email to access other online accounts, such as those you use for online shopping.
- Scam messages: Some of the emails or texts you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. Not all links are bad, but if you’re unsure don't use the link, go separately to the website. And remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Payment method: If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one as other payment providers may not provide the same protection.
What to do if you’ve fallen victim to online shopping fraud
We all make mistakes and these days the scams can be incredibly convincing.
If you think you’ve visited, or made a purchase on, a bogus website, you should first, take a note of the website's address, then close down your internet browser. You should then report the details to Action Fraud and contact your bank to seek advice.
Whether you've been a victim of fraud will depend on how much information you’ve provided to the website, so keep an eye on your bank transactions, if you can. Contact your bank immediately about anything that you don’t recognise, even small amounts.
For more information about how to stay safe online, please visit www.actionfraud.police.uk/cybercrim
** Message issued 16th June 2020 **
Message Issued By Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Coronavirus-Related Scams - How To Protect Yourself
Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to try and get their hands on your money and personal information. To date, Action Fraud has received reports from 2,378 victims of Coronavirus-related scams, with the total losses reaching over £7 million.
How you can protect yourself from Coronavirus-related scams:
There are some simple steps you can take that will protect you from the most common Coronavirus-related scams. Here’s what need to do:
1 - Watch out for scam messages
Your bank, or other official organisations, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text. If you receive an email you’re not quite sure about, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS): report@phishing.gov.uk
2 - Shopping online
If you're making a purchase from a company or person you don't know and trust, carry out some research first, for example, by checking to see if others have used the site and what their experience was. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one, other payment providers may not provide the same protection.
3 - Unsolicited calls and browser pop-ups offering tech support
Never install any software, or grant remote access to your computer, as a result of a cold call. Remember, legitimate organisations would never contact you out of the blue to ask for financial details such as your PIN or full banking password.
NHS Test and Trace scams:
The NHS Test and Trace service plays an important role in the fight against coronavirus and it’s vital the public have confidence and trust in the service. However, we understand the concerns people have about the opportunity for criminals to commit scams.
What you need to know:
Contact tracers will only call you from the number 0300 013 5000. Anyone who does not wish to talk over the phone can request the NHS Test and Trace service to send an email or text instead, inviting them to log into the web-based service.
All text or emails sent by NHS Test and Trace will ask people to sign into the contact tracing website and will provide you with a unique reference number. We would advise people to type the web address https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk directly into their browser, followed by the unique reference number given to you, rather than clicking on any link provided in the message.
The NHS Test and Trace service will never:
If you think you have been a victim of fraud, please report it to Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Message Issued By Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Coronavirus-Related Scams - How To Protect Yourself
Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to try and get their hands on your money and personal information. To date, Action Fraud has received reports from 2,378 victims of Coronavirus-related scams, with the total losses reaching over £7 million.
How you can protect yourself from Coronavirus-related scams:
There are some simple steps you can take that will protect you from the most common Coronavirus-related scams. Here’s what need to do:
1 - Watch out for scam messages
Your bank, or other official organisations, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text. If you receive an email you’re not quite sure about, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS): report@phishing.gov.uk
2 - Shopping online
If you're making a purchase from a company or person you don't know and trust, carry out some research first, for example, by checking to see if others have used the site and what their experience was. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one, other payment providers may not provide the same protection.
3 - Unsolicited calls and browser pop-ups offering tech support
Never install any software, or grant remote access to your computer, as a result of a cold call. Remember, legitimate organisations would never contact you out of the blue to ask for financial details such as your PIN or full banking password.
NHS Test and Trace scams:
The NHS Test and Trace service plays an important role in the fight against coronavirus and it’s vital the public have confidence and trust in the service. However, we understand the concerns people have about the opportunity for criminals to commit scams.
What you need to know:
Contact tracers will only call you from the number 0300 013 5000. Anyone who does not wish to talk over the phone can request the NHS Test and Trace service to send an email or text instead, inviting them to log into the web-based service.
All text or emails sent by NHS Test and Trace will ask people to sign into the contact tracing website and will provide you with a unique reference number. We would advise people to type the web address https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk directly into their browser, followed by the unique reference number given to you, rather than clicking on any link provided in the message.
The NHS Test and Trace service will never:
- ask you to dial a premium rate number to speak to them (for example, those starting 09 or 087)
- ask you to make any form of payment or purchase a product or 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
- 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
If you think you have been a victim of fraud, please report it to Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
** Message issued 31st March 2020 **
Message Issued By Linzi Berryman (Police, DC Alert Officer, Devon & Cornwall)
Contact Management
This is a message from Devon and Cornwall Police.
In these ever changing times, if you need to contact the police, and it’s not an emergency why not contact us using one of our online methods?
By visiting our website – https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/ you can report non-emergency crime and queries through our online contact methods – WebChat and Report Crime Online.
WebChat - allows you to talk directly to our contact centre staff, just the same as calling them. It’s simple and easy to use and can be accessed through any desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Report Crime Online - if you want to report a crime or tell the police about something that’s already happened then fill in the details on the online crime reporting form (https://services.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crimereporting/) and once submitted your information/crime report will be logged.
If you have a question, but not sure who can help then AskNED - our online directory will provide the answers to all your non-emergency questions. Visit https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact/ask-ned/ enter your question, select your location and AskNED will provide you with the answer.
So why call when you don’t have to - go online: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/clickb4ucall
Message Issued By Linzi Berryman (Police, DC Alert Officer, Devon & Cornwall)
Contact Management
This is a message from Devon and Cornwall Police.
In these ever changing times, if you need to contact the police, and it’s not an emergency why not contact us using one of our online methods?
By visiting our website – https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/ you can report non-emergency crime and queries through our online contact methods – WebChat and Report Crime Online.
WebChat - allows you to talk directly to our contact centre staff, just the same as calling them. It’s simple and easy to use and can be accessed through any desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Report Crime Online - if you want to report a crime or tell the police about something that’s already happened then fill in the details on the online crime reporting form (https://services.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crimereporting/) and once submitted your information/crime report will be logged.
If you have a question, but not sure who can help then AskNED - our online directory will provide the answers to all your non-emergency questions. Visit https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact/ask-ned/ enter your question, select your location and AskNED will provide you with the answer.
So why call when you don’t have to - go online: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/clickb4ucall
** Message issued 28th February 2020 **
Message Issued By Chris Collins (Police, Rural Crime Officer, Devon and Cornwall)
Fly Tipping
Over recent weeks there has been an increase in reports of the illegal dumping of tyres in Devon and Cornwall most recently at a Forestry site near Bodmin. This is likely to be as a result of the recent closure of a tyre recycling plant in East Cornwall and there are concerns that the trend may continue.
Devon and Cornwall Police rural affairs officer and the Environment Agency are asking farmers, landowners and the public to be on alert and report the illegal dumping of tyres via the Council fly tipping reporting process and via the Environment Agency 24hr incident hotline 0800 80 70 60
The rural affairs team would advise all to ensure that the appropriate security is present and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Crime prevention advice can be found on the Devon and Cornwall Police website. https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/your-business.
Anyone able to offer information regarding incidents are asked to email 101@dc.police.uk or by calling 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Thank you.
Message Issued By Chris Collins (Police, Rural Crime Officer, Devon and Cornwall)
Fly Tipping
Over recent weeks there has been an increase in reports of the illegal dumping of tyres in Devon and Cornwall most recently at a Forestry site near Bodmin. This is likely to be as a result of the recent closure of a tyre recycling plant in East Cornwall and there are concerns that the trend may continue.
Devon and Cornwall Police rural affairs officer and the Environment Agency are asking farmers, landowners and the public to be on alert and report the illegal dumping of tyres via the Council fly tipping reporting process and via the Environment Agency 24hr incident hotline 0800 80 70 60
The rural affairs team would advise all to ensure that the appropriate security is present and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Crime prevention advice can be found on the Devon and Cornwall Police website. https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/your-business.
Anyone able to offer information regarding incidents are asked to email 101@dc.police.uk or by calling 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Thank you.
** Message issued 10th January 2020 **
Courier Fraud
What is Courier Fraud?
Criminals carry out courier fraud by cold calling the victim, purporting to be a police officer or bank official. The fraudsters will then claim there’s an issue with the victim’s bank account or request their assistance with an ongoing bank or police investigation. The ultimate aim of this call is to trick them into handing over money or their bank details.
Common techniques used by the fraudsters include telling the victim to withdraw large sums of cash, purchase an expensive item, or provide their bank cards/details. In all cases, a ‘courier’ will then come and pick up the cash or items, on behalf of the police or bank. They will often come to the victim’s home address.
Courier Fraud is committed by Organised Crime Groups and targets the elderly and vulnerable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy-RSQfwLDw or
https://www.met.police.uk/littlemedia
(Avoiding Impersonation Fraud)
The scale of courier fraud in the UK should not be underestimated, as nationally:
Recently we have had two victims in the North Devon area, suffering a loss of around £10,000 each.
If you or someone you know has been a victim, it can be quite common to not feel able to report it. We urge you to do so in order that we can get a full picture of the offences which will give us the best chance of catching the offenders. Please report on 101. If it is easier for you to email please send information to: 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
If cold callers, withheld numbers and silent calls are an issue for you or someone you know then please see this link for information about call blockers:
https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/your-money/fraud/courier-and-telephone-fraud/
Courier Fraud
What is Courier Fraud?
Criminals carry out courier fraud by cold calling the victim, purporting to be a police officer or bank official. The fraudsters will then claim there’s an issue with the victim’s bank account or request their assistance with an ongoing bank or police investigation. The ultimate aim of this call is to trick them into handing over money or their bank details.
Common techniques used by the fraudsters include telling the victim to withdraw large sums of cash, purchase an expensive item, or provide their bank cards/details. In all cases, a ‘courier’ will then come and pick up the cash or items, on behalf of the police or bank. They will often come to the victim’s home address.
Courier Fraud is committed by Organised Crime Groups and targets the elderly and vulnerable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy-RSQfwLDw or
https://www.met.police.uk/littlemedia
(Avoiding Impersonation Fraud)
The scale of courier fraud in the UK should not be underestimated, as nationally:
- £10.5 million reported loss in just two years
- Over 2,000 reports to Action Fraud in two years
- Two thirds of victims were women over 75
- On average victims lost over £8,000 each
Recently we have had two victims in the North Devon area, suffering a loss of around £10,000 each.
If you or someone you know has been a victim, it can be quite common to not feel able to report it. We urge you to do so in order that we can get a full picture of the offences which will give us the best chance of catching the offenders. Please report on 101. If it is easier for you to email please send information to: 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
If cold callers, withheld numbers and silent calls are an issue for you or someone you know then please see this link for information about call blockers:
https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/your-money/fraud/courier-and-telephone-fraud/