There is concern that victims of previous Computer Software Service Fraud (CSSF) are being re-targeted for “owed money”. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reports that CSSF scammers are returning to contact previous victims, requesting that they pay money owed for a fake malware protection service they had provided. Alternatively, the fraudster will ask for a new subscription fee in return for protection from a new threat. The victims that have made payments to the fraudsters have done so via credit/debit card payments. In some instances threatening and aggressive language has been used against victims, as part of the attempt to coerce them into sending money.

 

Computer Software Service Fraud involves the victim being contacted, told that there is a problem with their computer, and that for a fee this issue can be resolved. The aim of the fraudster at this point is usually to gain remote access to the victim’s computer and, subsequently, access to their online banking account. No fix actually occurs. The victims will often be cold-called or will receive a pop-up on their computer, prompting them to phone the suspect.

 

Since the beginning of this year (2018), the total loss for repeat victims of CSSF has been reported as £16,712.85. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has noticed an increase in such reports since the beginning of May.

 

Protect Yourself

 

• If you receive such an unsolicited call or pop-up, do not make a payment. Always ensure you know who you are talking to. If in doubt, hang up immediately.

• Do not allow remote access to your computer.

• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank, or another trusted organisation, force you to make a financial transaction on the spot; they would never ask you to transfer money into another account for fraud reasons. Remember to stop and take time to carefully consider your actions.

• Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it.  Criminals may lull you into a false sense of security when you are out and about or rely on your defences being down when you’re in the comfort of your own home. They may appear trustworthy, but they may not be who they claim to be.

 

For more information about how to protect yourself online, visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk and takefive-stopfraud.org.uk

 

If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to us at Actionfraud.police.uk, or by calling 0300 123 2040.

These fake text messages purport to be from EE and claim that you haven’t paid a bill. The link in the message leads to a phishing website designed to steal your EE account login details, as well as personal & financial information.

Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never automatically click on a link or attachment in an unexpected email or text.

For more information on how to stay secure online, visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk

It’s National Neighbourhood Watch Week 2018 (NNWW18) and we’ve got some exciting news to share with you!

 

This year to mark NNWW18 we’ve created a fantastic, brand new section of our popular website to share new and important information on keeping you and your neighbours safe. Because crime is changing and we want to do our bit to make all communities safer and stronger across England and Wales .

 

Click here to look at all the new information we’re sharing about crimes and modern issues that cause such significant harm in our communities.

 

NNWW18 runs until next Sunday, June 24– it’s our annual week of social action across our network of 2.3 million member households - so it’s a perfect time to take a look and share the knowledge!

 

On our website you’ll find new information, statistics and practical Toolkits that you can share on:

•             Domestic Abuse – which we know affects all communities

•             Serious Violence – particularly knife crime

•             Vulnerability and loneliness – affecting more people as families become more mobile

•             Fraud and scams – electronic and traditional

•             High harm crimes – Modern Slavery, Child Sexual Exploitation etc.

 

Please do tell us what you’re doing to mark NNWW18 – email Lisa Parker lisa.parker@ourwatch.org.uk so we can showcase your good work across our media channels!

 

The Twitter hashtag for the week is #NNWW18 and you can follow us at @N_Watch

 

Have a great week!

Neighbourhood Watch Network

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has identified an increasing number of reports submitted to Action Fraud from the public concerning courier fraud.
 

Fraudsters are contacting victims by telephone and purporting to be a police officer or bank official. To substantiate this claim, the caller might be able to confirm some easily obtainable basic details about the victim such as their full name and address. They may also offer a telephone number for the victim to call to check that they are genuine; this number is not genuine and simply redirects to the fraudster who pretends to be a different person. After some trust has been established, the fraudster will then, for example, suggest;
 

- Some money has been removed from a victim’s bank account and staff at their local bank branch are responsible.

- Suspects have already been arrested but the “police” need money for evidence.

- A business such as a jewellers or currency exchange is operating fraudulently and they require assistance to help secure evidence.

 

Victims are then asked to cooperate in an investigation by attending their bank and withdrawing money, withdrawing foreign currency from an exchange or purchasing an expensive item to hand over to a courier for examination who will also be a fraudster. Again, to reassure the victim, a safe word might be communicated to the victim so the courier appears genuine.
 

At the time of handover, unsuspecting victims are promised the money they’ve handed over or spent will be reimbursed but in reality there is no further contact and the money is never seen again.

Protect Yourself


Your bank or the police will never:

- Phone and ask you for your PIN or full banking password.

- Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping, or send someone to your home to collect cash, PIN, cards or cheque books if you are a victim of fraud.

 

Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic
Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Be mindful of who you trust – criminals may try and trick you into their confidence by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud
 

Stay in control

If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information.

 

For more information about how to protect yourself online visit

www.cyberaware.gov.uk  and www.takefive.stopfraud.org.uk  

Crime Prevention Advice

 Recently there was an incident in Beverley where a resident was defrauded out of a large sum of money by a rouge trader.

What is a distraction burglar or rogue trader?

• A distraction burglar is someone who gains access to your property by distracting or tricking their way in to steal cash or valuables.

• While rogue trader is a cold caller who deliberately overcharges for unsatisfactory goods and/or services. This can include: charging for unnecessary work, damaging property deliberately in order to obtain money, leaving work unfinished and intimidating behaviour in order to extort money.
 
 
To prevent falling foul of rogue trader please follow the advice below:
• Never buy at the door and don’t let people you don’t know into your home.
• If you are unsure about whether the person at the door is who they claim to be – for example a council worker – take their name and shut and lock the door while you call their employer to check. Legitimate callers will not mind you doing this.
• When you answer the front door, ensure no rear or side doors and windows have been left insecure. It may be that the caller is trying to distract you while someone else sneaks in.
• If a trader cold calls check whether they are members of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme or the Government Trust Mark scheme.
• If you want work done discuss it with a friend or family member who can help you find a reputable trader
• Don’t agree to any work or sign anything on the spot. Do not be pressured into having any work carried out.
• Never pay cash up front and never go to the bank or cash point with a trader





Visit our website for crime prevention advice

Links and attachments: Humberside Police will only ever link you to secure web-sites we trust. We will only send you attachments where we believe it is absolutely necessary.

Good Morning, Officers from the Beverley Neighbourhood Policing Team will be present at Woodmansey Primary School this morning to promote Operation Lifestyle 2018 with the winners of this years event receiving the experience of a lifetime to South Africa or DisneyLand Paris! Many other prizes are also available. Operation LIfestyle 2018 is also being promoted at all other schools in the Beverley area between now and the summer holidays. Operation Lifestyle is open to young people aged between 10 and 18 years who live or attend school in the Humberside Police area, with teams of between 2 and 5 members being able to enter. The main aim of Operation Lifestyle is for young people to come together and think of great ways to benefit their local community through project work. Projects can start from 1st July. this project may benefit yourself, your school, neighbours or event the environment! So what are you waiting for? get signed up today to take part in Operation Lifestyle 2018! you can also sign up online at www.humberside.police.uk/lifestyle. If you have any further questions please either call the Humberside Police Community Engagement Team on 01472 721218 or alternatively email at lifestyle@humberside.pnn.police.uk.

Community Safety News

[We work hard to prevent burglary and bring offenders to justice, however there are actions that householders can take to reduce the risk of being burgled.
Often many homes are left unsecured with doors and windows left open or unlocked, which provide easy access for a thief.
Make sure your doors and windows are closed and locked when you’re not in the room. Nearly half of all burglaries are down to someone leaving a door or window open
Make sure nothing of value is left on show to tempt thieves into breaking into your property.
Take your keys up to bed with you at night. This prevents thieves stealing your car.
Think about fitting a burglar alarm and security lighting – both to your home and outbuildings. It may be expensive, but they are very effective deterrents and can bring down your insurance costs.]


Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

If you see anyone acting suspiciously call us as soon as possible on 101 or in an emergency 999.

 

Details:




 
Links and attachments: Humberside Police will only ever link you to secure web-sites we trust. We will only send you attachments where we believe it is absolutely necessary.

Cycle Safe Event, Saturday 16th June, 0900-1200

Humberside Police are working in conjunction with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, UK Cycling and the Fire Brigade Community Safety Team to deliver a Cycle Safe event at the Beverley Leisure centre, 16/06/18 between 0900 - 1200 hours. 

Please come along and bring your cycle to be registered on Immobilise.com and receive crime prevention/safety advice around cycling. Staff from each agency will be present to answer any questions you may have, hope to see you there! 




Visit our website for crime prevention advice

Links and attachments: Humberside Police will only ever link you to secure web-sites we trust. We will only send you attachments where we believe it is absolutely necessary.

There has been an increase in reports made in May by TSB customers relating to “port-out” fraud. Fraudsters are number porting a victim’s telephone number to a SIM card under their control and then using the number to access the victim’s bank accounts.

 

The increase in the number of reports corresponds with the timing of TSB’s computer system update, which resulted in 1.9 million users being locked out of their accounts. Opportunistic fraudsters are using TSB’s system issue to target individuals, which follows the increase in phishing and smishing communications also targeting TSB customers this month. Victims’ bank account and personal details including their phone number are collected by the fraudster, providing them with the information to execute the fraud.

 

Number porting is a genuine service provided by telecommunication companies. It allows customers to keep their existing phone number and transfer it to a new SIM card. The existing network provider sends the customer a Port Authorisation Code (PAC), that when presented to the new provider allows the number to be transferred across. This service can, however, be abused by fraudsters.

 

To gain control of the victim’s phone number, fraudsters convince the victim’s mobile phone network provider to swap their number on to a SIM card in the fraudster’s control. Once the fraudster has control of the number they are able to intercept the victims’ text messages, allowing them to use services linked to the victim’s phone number. This can include requesting an online banking password reset or access to any two factor authentication services.

 

Victims have reported large losses as a result of this fraud. One victim initially dismissed text messages received from their network provider containing a PAC number. Two days later £6,000 was removed from the victim’s TSB current account. The victim subsequently contacted their phone provider and was informed that someone contacted the provider purporting to be the victim and had cancelled their contract and transferred their number to a new SIM. This action allowed the banking fraud to take place. 

 

Protect Yourself:

 

PAC Code notifications

If you receive an unsolicited notification about a PAC Code request, contact your network provider immediately to terminate the request. Also notify your bank about your phone number being compromised.
 

Clicking on links/files:

Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text. Remember, criminals can spoof the phone numbers and email addresses of companies you know and trust, such as your bank.
 

Requests to move money:

A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money to another account.

 

Port-out Fraud versus SIM Swapping

Port-out fraud is often incorrectly referred to as SIM swap fraud. SIM swap fraud works in a similar fashion, however, instead of porting the victim’s number to a new network provider, the fraudster impersonates the victim and requests a new SIM card for their account. Once they have access to the new sim, they have access to the number.

There has been a sharp rise in fraudsters sending out fake text messages (smishing) and phishing emails claiming to be from TSB. The increase in the number of reports corresponds with the timing of TSB’s computer system update, which resulted in 1.9 million users being locked out of their accounts. Opportunistic fraudsters are using TSB’s system issue to target people with this type of fraud.

 

Since the start of May there have been 321 phishing reports of TSB phishing made to Action Fraud. This is an increase of 970% on the previous month. In the same reporting period, there have been 51 reports of cybercrime to Action Fraud which mention TSB – an increase of 112% on the previous month.

 

Fraudsters are commonly using text messages as a way to defraud unsuspecting victims out of money. Known as smishing, this involves the victim receiving a text message purporting to be from TSB. The message requests that the recipient clicks onto a website link that leads to a phishing website designed to steal online banking details.

 

Although text messages are currently the most common delivery method, similar communications have been reported with fraudsters using email and telephone to defraud individuals.

 

In several cases, people have lost vast sums of money, with one victim losing £3,890 after initially receiving a text message claiming to be from TSB. Fraudsters used specialist software which changed the sender ID on the message so that it looked like it was from TSB. This added the spoofed text to an existing TSB message thread on the victim’s phone.

 

The victim clicked on the link within the text message and entered their personal information. Armed with this information, the fraudsters then called the victim back and persuaded them to hand over their banking authentication code from their mobile phone. The fraudsters then moved all of the victim’s savings to a current account and paid a suspicious company.

 

Protect Yourself:

 

Don’t assume an email or text is authentic:

 

Always question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam. Phone numbers and email addresses can be spoofed, so always contact the company directly via a known email or phone number (such as the one on the back of your bank card).

 

Clicking on links/files

 

Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected text or email. Remember, a genuine bank will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your full PIN or password.

 

If you have received a suspicious TSB email, please do not respond to it, report it to us www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_phishing and also forward it to emailscams@tsb.co.uk

 

Every Report Matters. If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to us online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

 

Visit Take Five and Cyber Aware for more information about how to protect yourself online.

Dear Sir or madam,
 
I am sure you will be sick of hearing about GDPR, and many organisations will have been in touch to ask you to opt in to their mailing lists. This is our statutory notification to let you know about the implications of GDPR, how it affects you with regards to the Neighbourhood Alert system, what data we hold and what we need you to do.  Don't worry though, once you're read this and checked that your settings are correct, you don't have to do anything else to continue receiving Alert messages.

The General Data Protection Regulation or GDPR, comes into effect as of 25th May 2018. The aim of this legislation is to protect us all from privacy and data breaches within an increasingly data-driven world. We see it as a really positive thing as it gives you more control over who is holding and using your data. The main changes that GDPR brings are:

Increased scope (it affects all organisations operating within the EU, irrespective of where they are based)
Increased penalties for data breaches and non-compliance
Strengthening of consent – i.e. providing you with clear information before you share your data and greater ease of unsubscription
Easier access to your data that is held by others

Against this background we (VISAV Ltd, the developers and operators of Neighbourhood Alert), have been liaising with all of our Police, Fire & Rescue, local authority and Neighbourhood Watch partners regarding the impact of GDPR on your use of the system.

The Neighbourhood Alert (Alert) system has the primary aim of “getting the right information to the right people at the right time” so that users can make informed decisions about staying safe.
 
The system has always operated with the highest levels of data compliance, is Cyber Essentials Plus accredited and its existing integrity met most of the requirements of the new regulation years ago. To fully comply, improvements have been made to how new people register on the system and we need to make sure that you understand and are happy with the organisations that can see your information.  In addition and to be sure that we are as transparent as possible, we now provide you with a live list of when your data is used.

Who you share your data with currently.
We have a number of licenced organisations that we call Information Providers who can, if you give consent, see your information and send you messages.  These are the Information Providers that can currently see your details:
 
{INFORMATION_PROVIDERS}  
What do I need to do now?
It is really important that you check the above list now and, if you want to quickly remove any of these or even look at new ones that you could follow, please do one of the following:


Use the red "Settings" button below (or the "Change your settings" link if you have plain email).  This will enable you to update your details easily and without having to log in; you then confirm your changes by clicking a link in an email that will be instantly sent to you. * Recommended
Log in by clicking {CHANGE_PROVIDERS} and update your preferences in the Information Providers section. (Don't worry if you have forgotten your password, you can retrieve it.)
Contact us by using the reply button below, calling our office on 0115 9245517 (Mon-Fri 8:30-17:30), or emailing support@neighbourhoodalert.co.uk and detail any changes you would like us to make.


 
Use of your data
In order to continue to be absolutely transparent and put you in control of how your data is used, we have added a new section to your secure Member Admin which provides a real-time list of every time your data is accessed or used within the Alert system.  To access this page, please login: {CHANGE_PROVIDERS} and look for the "Use of your data" page in the menu. 

Unsubscribe
We hope you won't, but if you wish to remove your details entirely from the system and from all Information Providers, please use the Unsubscribe link in the black section below, or click the settings button below and complete section 3.  

All the GDPR information
We have created a page that is full of information, links and new policies that you may find of interest.  This includes the latest Privacy Policy, Data Controller responsibilities, security updates and much more.  Click here to view our GDPR information page.

Please note, the terms and conditions for use of the system have also been updated to comply with the new regulation by mentioning GDPR.  You can view these from the above page or by clicking here.

How do you know this is genuine?
I hope we have taught you to be cautious so this is a good question to ask.  The answer in this case is that we hope you recognise the format of this email, the email address is as you would expect and this email is not "un-solicited".  You will also note that we are not asking you for any new information, but simply confirming existing information. 
 
We also provide a UK landline telephone number that you are welcome to call (and check with directory enquiries).  Finally, you can check the legitimacy of this or future messages by calling 101 but please bear in mind that those operators and systems are already exceptionally busy.
Thank you
Thank you for your continued support and participation.  Please be assured that we will continue to take every step to ensure that your data is safe, only used in accordance with your wishes and that we continue to be the largest, secure two way interface with Police and Public Services in the UK.

As always, please feel free to rate this message and let us know how we are doing.

Best regards
 

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) have noticed an increase in Action Fraud reports where fraudsters are offering a discount on Television service provider subscriptions. Fraudsters are cold-calling victims, purporting to be from a Television (TV) provider offering a discount on their monthly subscription. Victims have been told the following: their subscription needs to be renewed; that part or all, of the TV equipment has expired and they are due an upgrade on the equipment/subscription. In order to falsely process the discount, the fraudster asks victims to confirm or provide their bank account details. The scammers may also request the victim’s identification documents, such as scanned copies of passports.

 

The fraudsters are using the following telephone numbers: “08447111444”, “02035190197” and “08001514141”. The fraudster’s voices are reported to sound feminine and have an Asian accent.

 

Later victims make enquiries and then discover that their TV service provider did not call them and that the fraudster has made transactions using the victim’s bank account details. 

 

This type of fraud is nationwide. Since the beginning of this year (2018), there have been 300 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud. From the reports received, victims aged over 66 seem to be the most targeted.

 

What you need to do

 

• Don’t assume a phone call or email is authentic: Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Criminals can exploit the names of well-known companies in order to make their scams appear genuine.

• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: a genuine company won’t force you to make a financial decisions on the spot. Always be wary if you’re pressured to purchase a product or service quickly, and don’t hesitate to question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam.

• Stay in control: Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. Always contact the company yourself using a known email or phone number, such as the one written on a bank statement or bill.

 

Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.

Automated Action Fraud Tech Support - scam calls
We are aware of fraudsters claiming to be from Action
Fraud contacting victims using automated phone calls in
order to gain remote access to their computers and drain
bank accounts.
Victims are receiving cold-calls from fraudsters purporting
to represent Action Fraud. When the calls are answered, an
automated voice asks the responder to “press 1 if you have
made a report to Action Fraud. ” When the responder
presses 1, they are transferred to a fraudster .
Victims are informed that their computers have been
hacked, which has led to their online bank account being
compromised and funds being withdrawn. One particular
victim was told that £40,000 had fraudulently left their
account.

TEXT VERSION:

What is phishing?

Fraudulently sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to trick individuals into revealing personal information, such as passwords and financial information. Phishing can also be carried out over text messages (smishing) and phone calls (vishing).

 

Links

Don’t click on the links in unsolicited emails and texts.

 

Attachments

Don’t open the attachments in unsolicited emails.

 

Your information

Don’t reveal personal or financial information as a result of unsolicited emails, texts or calls.

FIFA 2018 World Cup Alert

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will take place from 14th June – 15th July 2018. The worldwide demand for match tickets, flight tickets, and somewhere to stay throughout the competition is expected to be significant. Those planning to travel should exercise caution when considering the purchase of tickets or accommodation because the event is highly likely to be targeted by fraudsters looking to take advantage of unsuspecting fans.

Fraudsters will likely be posing as;

- Official World Cup ticket vendors or private individuals attempting to sell on a match ticket via online marketplace.

- A fraudulent website or operator offering non-existent flights or other transport to host cities.

- An accommodation booking service, hotel or operator, offering seemingly convenient accommodation in one of the host cities for the duration of the game.

- Lottery or competition organisers claiming that you’ve won a prize or cash related to the tournament.

 

Action Fraud received over six hundred reports and intelligence submissions in relation to the previous World Cup so it’s vital that football fans exercise caution when considering a purchase or making a transaction.

Protect yourself:
 


Listen to your instincts: If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. Fraudsters will use the promise of steep discounts to lure you into handing over your money or revealing personal/financial details.
Clicking on links/files: Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details, and never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
Visit the Action Fraud website and take a look at their Ticket Fraud, Holiday Fraud and Lottery Fraud advice pages before making any decisions or bookings.
For useful advice and information on the World Cup please visit the Government Guidance Pages: www.gov.uk/guidance/be-on-the-ball-world-cup-2018


Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.