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  

FOUND PROPERTY - 02/06/2018

A member of the Public has handed into Hornsea Police Station, a ladies purse which was found early this morning. If you believe you have lost this item or know who it may belong to, please contact Hornsea Police station Tel:101 or visit us between 9am and 4pm today (Saturday) or Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm with ID

Visit our Website for the latest news & follow us on  

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.

Good News!


[From today 23rd April 2018, Hornsea Police Station Front desk, is now open 6 days a week Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm (barring holidays)]




Visit our website for crime prevention advice & follow us on  

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.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will take place from 14th June – 15th July 2018.  The worldwide demand for match tickets is expected to be significant. Action Fraud have been alerted to several websites which are offering World Cup Tickets for sale, some at highly inflated prices. A FIFA spokesperson said:

 

“FIFA regards the illicit sale and distribution of tickets as a very serious issue and it has been reminding all football fans that FIFA.com/tickets is the only official and legitimate website on which to buy 2018 FIFA World Cup tickets.”

 

“FIFA has received various complaints and enquiries by customers of non-authorised ticket sales platforms, and has consistently confirmed that these companies cannot guarantee access to the stadiums as the respective tickets may be cancelled. Insofar customers are at risk of investing a high amount of money (also for travelling and accommodation) without having the certainty to actually be able to attend the matches.”

 

FIFA have also warned that “any tickets obtained from any other source, such as ticket brokers, internet auctions or unofficial ticket exchange platforms, will be automatically rendered void and invalid”.

 

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:
 

• Don’t take the risk. Tickets for the World Cup 2018 can only be purchased directly from FIFA. For more information, please visit www.FIFA.com/tickets. 

• A FAN ID is required for fans to be able to enter the 2018 FIFA World Cup stadiums. Exercise caution if using a third party to obtain your FAN ID for you. You may be charged inflated costs for the service and your personal details may be compromised. For more information, please visit www.fan-id.ru.

• Visit the Take Five website for the latest guidance on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

• 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

www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/research/internal/2018survey/

Please take the time to fully complete this survey .
Thanks 
 

The 2018 Rural Crime Survey, has just been launched. Feel free to complete the survey if appropriate  

www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/research/internal/2018survey/

Fraudulent websites alleging to offer cryptocurrency investments are dishonestly using the image of Martin Lewis, the founder and editor for moneysavingexpert.com, as an endorsement for their companies.


The adverts using Martin Lewis to promote illicit schemes can be found on social media and other websites. Clicking on the advert takes you to the full article where Martin Lewis image is presented along with fake quotes recommending investments in bitcoin and other digital currencies with the fraudulent “company”. Alternatively clicking on the advert will take you to a page where you are required to input your contact details, the suspect company then phones you and encourages you to invest.


Martin Lewis has published a warning to the public saying “I don’t do adverts. If you ever see one with my face or name on it, it is without my permission, and usually a scam”. The full article can be found here; blog.moneysavingexpert.com/2018/03/13/martin-lewis-spread-word-dont-believe-scam-bitcoin-code-bitcoin-trading-ads/?_.


Similarly these fraudulent websites are also misusing images and fabricating recommendations from the investors on Dragons Den. These adverts also claim the investors on the panel trade in cryptocurrencies using their services to try and legitimise their company.

  

What you need to do
 


Don’t assume it’s authentic: Professional-looking websites, adverts or social media posts don’t indicate that an investment opportunity is genuine. Criminals can exploit the names of well-known brands or individuals to make their scams appear legitimate.
Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: A genuine bank or financial organisation won’t force you to make a financial transaction on the spot. Always be wary if you’re pressured to invest quickly or promised returns that sound too good to be true.
Stay in control: Avoid unsolicited investment offers, especially those over cold calls. If you’re thinking about making an investment, get impartial advice from an independent financial adviser – never use an adviser from the company that contacted you, as this may be part of the scam.
Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.