Here's the latest edition of our popular e-newsletter Our News.

Inside there's lots of advice on keeping you safe, member offers and news on how our members are shaping the future of Neighbourhood Watch.

Click here to read it on our website.

www.ourwatch.org.uk/knowledge/news-read-latest-e-newsletter/

Best wishes,
NW National Support Team

You are receiving this newsletter because you consented to receive information from Neighbourhood Watch Network when you registered as a Neighbourhood Watch member or to receive messages from Neighbourhood Watch as an information provider on the Neighbourhood Alert system.

If you do not wish to continue to receive this newsletter please sign into your account on the Neighbourhood Alert system and change your preferences.

Please do not reply to this email as we cannot change your preferences or your personal details for you.

Watch out for these fake Argos texts offering refunds

These fake text messages purport to be from Argos and claim that you’re owed a refund. The link in the messages lead to phishing websites designed to steal your personal information, as well as payment 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.

Dear Neighbourhood Watch supporter,

Our application process is now open for Trustee positions on the Neighbourhood Watch Network (NWN) Board.

This year, we are hoping to build on the success of our current Board by seeking individuals with skills and/or experience in the following areas;


Leadership (Chair & Vice Chair positions)
Organisation and governance (Secretary position)
Financial management (Treasurer position)
Neighbourhood Watch membership (x3 positions)
Impact, evaluation and research
Youth engagement
Government policy
Fundraising 
Digital technology


 If you are interested in any of the above roles, please complete an application form and return to NWN by no later than 12 July 2018. Return details are listed within the application form.

 

To download the application form and find out more, please click the following links;

Trustee Application Form
Trustee Application Guidance Notes
Trustees Roles and Responsibilities

 

The election of successful candidates will take place at the NWN Annual General Meeting (AGM) due to take place on Thursday 2 August 2018, in London. Appointments are due to be announced across the Network shortly after the AGM.

 

If you have any questions about the available positions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with sundeep.moore@ourwatch.org.uk

 

Kind regards,

NWN  National Support Team

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

Local News Update


 




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.

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  

A burglary has been reported in your neighbourhood

If you saw or heard anything, or have any information about the below incident please call 101, quoting the log number provided.

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


Log Number: 16/62588/18

Location: Marsh Lane Healing

Date and time: 10/06/2018

Details: Please be vigilant in your area due to there being an Attempted Burglary of a Child's quad bike, please make sure your garages and sheds are well secure and locked, if anyone knows any information regarding this please call 101 and quote the above Crime Ref Number.




Visit our Website for burglary prevention advice and register your property with Immobilise here.

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.

A vehicle crime has been reported in your neighbourhood

If you saw or heard anything, or have any information about the below incident please call 101, quoting the log number provided.

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


Log Number: 16/63639/18 16/63676/18

Location: Stallingborough Mayfields Court/ Saxonfields Drive

Date and time: 14/06/2018

Details: Please be vigilant in your area due to Theft from motor vehicle and Theft of a Motor Vehicle , if you know any information regarding these Thefts please call 101 and quote the above crime Refs Numbers




Visit our Website for vehicle 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 Neighbourhood Watch supporter,

 

We’re hosting a series of seminars this summer to help shape the future focus and direction of our movement and you’re invited!

 

We want you to join us at one of our upcoming NW Development Seminars being held in Bristol, Manchester, Hull, London and Birmingham to have your say on the future of Neighbourhood Watch and to learn more about the new, practical ways we’re supporting our volunteers to make a difference.

 

Attendees will discuss and input into the Strategy to develop and modernise the organisation over the next three years.

 

We value our NW members and involving you in our Strategy development is paramount. Members of the NWN Board of Trustees will be attending each seminar to present and facilitate the discussion and to meet you and hear your views.

 

And there’s more!

 

We’ll also be launching new Crime and Vulnerability Toolkits and training new Champions at the Seminars.

 

Crime in England and Wales is changing and we’re providing new practical information and help for our members to support the police in the detection and reduction of these crimes that cause such significant harm to victims and communities.

 

At the seminars we’ll build a group of local NW Champions – these Champions will then be able to share their knowledge in their local area so even more people can get the important information they need and act as a local resource to other coordinators and members of their community. This may simply mean sharing the information contained within the toolkits, developing a local focus on one or more of the areas or running a local project if they or local coordinators want to.

 

If you want to be part of this – then come along!

 

The toolkits provide information on and cover the following areas:



Domestic Abuse – which as 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, Counter Terrorism.



If you would like to attend one of the Seminars then please email sian.dawson@ourwatch.org.uk

 

Reasonable travel expenses, in line with our policy will be paid by NWN, but not overnight stays.

To read more click here

 





Date


City


Location


Address


Times:




Wed June 20


Bristol


Venue:

Avon and Somerset Police HQ

Portishead


Valley Road

Portishead

Bristol

BS20 8QJ


9:30am registration

10am – 4pm




Tues 26th June


Manchester


Manchester Metropolitan University


Cavendish North Building

Cavendish Street

Manchester

M15 6BG


9:30am registration

10am – 4pm




Wed 27th June


Hull


Royal Hull Hotel


Ferensway

Hull

HU1 3UF


9:30am registration

10am – 4pm




Thurs 28th June


London


NCVO


8 All Saints Street, London, N1 9RL


9:30am registration

10am – 4pm




Tues 3rd July


Birmingham


Jury’s Inn

 


245 Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2HQ


9:30am registration

10am – 4pm




Wed 4th July


London


Browns, Covent Garden


82-84 St Martins Lane

Covent Garden

London

WC2N 4AG


9:30am registration

10am – 4pm





 

We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Sian Dawson

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.