Wolds Weighton

Operation Galileo

Officers from across the East Riding of Yorkshire area continue to engage in the prevention and detection of wildlife offences and poaching across the ward area. Officers will be using intelligence, new equipment and volunteers in helping to identify offenders and obtaining evidence to form prosecution cases. If you see people with dogs in fields, and if safe to do so, please ring 101 and report the incident.

Scams 

• Covid-19 Vaccine Text Scam Alert

We have been alerted to a highly believable scam which starts with a text and advises the user that they are eligible to apply for the vaccine and to click on the link in the text message.  The user is then led to a webpage, which looks very convincing and asks them to complete some details, in order for them to be able to apply for the vaccine.

The details asked for:

Name
Address
Date of birth
Proof of address
Card payment details

With the recent approval of multiple vaccines in the UK, these types of scam attempts are likely to continue, as fraudsters continue to take advantage of the rollout to some many people.

Please click on the link below for further information: 

https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/news/fake-text-identifying-you-eligible-covid-19-vaccine

• Guide to cyber security issued as fraudsters target farmers

Cyber attacks can be devastating for businesses and the individuals who are victims to fraudulent activity, it can affect agricultural businesses in a number of ways, including leaking of confidential data or financial losses.  As farms rely more on technologies such as GPS, remote sensing and unmanned vehicles, the risks increase.  Official statistics show a rise in reports of cyber attacks against the farming community, such as spoof farm machinery adverts that can leave farmers thousands of pounds out of pocket.  For example, in 2019 more than 60% of agricultural businesses reported one or more attacks, compared with 45% in 2018, according to one cyber security company.

New guidance is being issued to farmers to help them protect themselves from cyber attacks such as spoof adverts, scam emails and malicious software.  Put together by the NFU and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the online document aims to provide farmers with the tools they need to protect themselves from the most common cyber attacks.

Top tips for improved cyber security

Ensure computers and mobile phones are set to install automatic updates
Replace old hardware, which may be more vulnerable to attack
Back up your data – perhaps on an external hard drive or USB stick or a cloud-based option
Switch on password protection and use fingerprint or face ID on mobile devices
Use things like tracking modes and remote data erasing modes on mobile devices
Download anti-virus products to protect from “malware” (malicious software)
Activate firewalls to create a buffer between your network and the internet

The new NFU/NCSC guidance identifies the main digital aspects that are at threat on farms, from the computers farmers use to send their emails and run their farm management software, to their automated machinery, security cameras and smartphones.

The guidance also offers advice on password creation, spotting and dealing with scam emails, texts and phone calls, and details of where to go for help.  For further information please use the link below:

https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/crime/guide-to-cyber-security-issued-as-fraudsters-target-farmers

CrimeStoppers - Tackling Organised Immigration Crime together.

In response to Operation Melrose, which sought justice for the 39 migrants found dead in the back of a refrigerated lorry in 2019, Crimestoppers is launching a nationwide organised immigraton campaign in partnership with the UK goverment who, in the last year have convicted 59 individuals for people smuggling offences and handed down over 142 years in prison time.

Crimestoppers  is an independent charity that gives people the power to speak up and stop crime, 100% anonymously, by phone (0800 555 111) and online, 24/7, 365 days a year.  For further information about the campaign please go to their website: crimestoppers-uk.org.