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Author: FVCA

If you’ve been a victim of a cybercrime, here’s how to report it

Criminals will use every opportunity they can to defraud innocent people. They will continue to exploit every angle of the Covid-19 pandemic as more people shop online this festive season.

Detective Sergeant Jon Cooper said: “I’m sure most of us will be ordering items online this month and we simply want people to be aware of the very simple steps they can take to protect themselves from handing over their money or personal details to criminals. I would ask the public to talk to each other; especially elderly and vulnerable friends and family and warn them of the risks and how they can protect themselves.

“Law enforcement, government and industry are working together to protect people, raise awareness, take down fraudulent websites and email addresses, and ultimately bring those responsible to justice.

“If you think you’ve been a victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.

Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cybercrime.

They provide a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime.

When you report to Action Fraud you will receive a police crime reference number. Reports taken are passed to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.

Steps you can take to prevent yourself from cyber crime

Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment.

They can contact you by phone, email, text, on social media, or in person.

They will try to trick you into parting with your money, personal information, or buying goods or services that don’t exist.

If you are approached unexpectedly remember to:

  • Stop: Taking a moment to think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
  • Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
  • Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
  • The police, or your bank, will never ask you to withdraw money or transfer it to a different account. They will also never ask you to reveal your full banking password or PIN.
  • Do not click on links or attachments in unexpected or suspicious texts or emails.
  • Confirm requests are genuine by using a known number or email address to contact organisations directly.

To keep yourself secure online, ensure you are using the latest software, apps and operating systems on your phones, tablets and laptops. Update these regularly or set your devices to automatically update so you don’t have to worry.

More advice on how to keep prevent cybercrime is available here from the National Cyber Security Centre also here from Take Five to Stop Fraud

  • December 20, 2020 by

A Christmas safety message from the Chief Fire Officer

It’s been a year like no other for all of us and our Christmas celebrations are also not going to be anything like the sort we normally enjoy.

As usual, however, there will be memorable moments created and a chance to enjoy some time and relaxation with our nearest and dearest.

But in amongst all the changes we have to make to our usual routines, one thing remains the same and that’s the need to remember to take extra care and think about fire safety in our homes at this special time. Simple things such as not leaving candles and cooking unattended and turning off Christmas lights can make the difference between enjoying a memorable festive time and suffering a devastating house fire.

Statistics show that an accidental fire in the home is more likely to happen in December than in any other month and so if the worst were to happen, it’s worth remembering that smoke alarms can buy you vital time to escape. Please consider fitting one on every level of your home.

Giving some thought to having an escape plan in the event of fire could save your life and so it’s worth making sure that all of your house guests are made aware of yours.

There is plenty more good advice on fire safety in the home on our website www.hwfire.org.uk so please check it out.

As always, our crews and fire control staff will maintain their around-the-clock cover across our two counties to help to keep you safe during this festive time.

So on behalf of everyone at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas in the hope that 2021 will be a more normal year for us all.

  • December 18, 2020 by

New Little Book of Big Scams released

West Mercia Police, working closely with colleagues in the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) is pleased to be bring you The Little Book of Big Scams. This book has been reproduced with the kind permission of the Metropolitan Police Service’s Cyber Crime Unit.

The Regional Organised Crime Unit West Midlands Team leads the response for Serious and Organised Crime across the region, which includes Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.  The goal of the team is to reduce the impact of the most dangerous offenders and criminal groups in order to make our communities safer.

Detective Inspector Emma Wright who leads the fight against fraud for the Economic Crime Unit said: “Fraud has evolved over recent years and The Little Book of Big Scams seeks to address the challenges both the public and the police face in deterring and preventing these crimes.

“The book covers everything from fraud enablers, types of fraud and what to do if you get scammed. Many of the traditional frauds remain a threat to us all however the prevalence of the digital world now has opened the door to new types of online fraud and new types of risk.

“With organised criminals finding new ways to access our personal details and new ways to exploit most people’s inherent trust in other people and what they tell them, it is more important than ever that we all arm ourselves with the best and most up to date knowledge available. It is only through doing this and working together that we will combat fraud in all it’s forms.”

You can download the booklet by clicking here.

  • December 16, 2020 by

Don’t let fire put a damper on your celebrations this Christmas

Present-wrapping, decorating your home and dinner with all the trimmings will hopefully take our minds off other concerns this yuletide, especially now that the Government has given the go-ahead for the Christmas break.

But Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and the national Fire Kills campaign are reminding people that fire safety always needs to stay high on their Christmas lists.

While fire safety is vital throughout the year, the extra distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be vigilant, so HWFRS is asking people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected from fire.

In recent years, excessive alcohol consumption has been a major contributor to fire-related casualties, so if you are having some festive drinks, please don’t drop your guard.

Last Christmas, between 24 December 2019 and 1 January 2020, there were more than 120 incidents in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, more than 30 of which were fires.

Over the Christmas period, more than half of the fires were accidental, including 14 accidental dwelling fires in which cooking was the most common cause. The kitchen was the most common start place for fires to occur.

15% of non-fire related callouts were for road traffic collisions and other vehicle incidents.

There were also more than 50 false alarms throughout the period.

HWFRS Community Risk Manager Emma Roberts said: “Christmas is a time for festive cheer with family. But fairy lights, candles and decorations mean it is also a time to take extra care to keep our loved ones safe from fire.

“Make sure you place candles in suitable holders and away from curtains and, at this time of year, from Christmas decorations, never leave cooking unattended, especially with so much more food than usual on the go, and of course, test your smoke alarms.

“The colder weather brings its own menaces, too. Take care when using portable heaters or open fires to keep warm.”

Here are some simple tips from the Fire Kills campaign to help you and your family enjoy the joys of Christmas safely:

Check your Christmas tree lights carry this British Safety Standard sign

  • ensure you have working smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home. Test them regularly and never remove batteries.
  • never leave cooking unattended, especially the extra quantities for a Christmas meal. The majority of fires start in the kitchen so this is a high-risk area.
  • never leave burning candles unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children, and away from decorations, cards and wrapping paper, fires, lights and heaters.
  • put your cigarette out, right out. Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished and take care when under the influence of alcohol or tired.
  • never use heaters to dry clothes. Heaters can start fires when things are placed too close to them. Keep them well away from curtains, clothing and furniture.
  • don’t overload electric sockets. Ensure only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers
  • ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house
  • always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment. This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store.
  • do something good this Christmas. Test the smoke alarms of someone you know who may need help such as an older relative or neighbour to ensure their safety.
  • make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in a fire – in the event of fire you should Get out, Stay out and Call 999.
  • watch the Fire Kills campaign’s short Christmas Tree video at: http://youtu.be/hMtjGfr0tYs .

“From everyone at HWFRS, we wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas.”

  • December 16, 2020 by

Be Cyber Safe this Christmas

Still shopping online for those last minute gifts?


🛍 Remember to research retailers before making your purchase

🏆 If an offer seems too good to be true it probably is

💳 Consider paying with a credit card or PayPal for greater buyer protection

💻 Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date

🔐 Use strong passwords that differ across websites

Visit www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home for more advice on how to stay safe online this Christmas.

  • December 15, 2020 by

Second Bin For Pepper Wood

Due to the increase in dog walkers visiting Pepper Wood, a second bin has been installed in the car park.

Procured and sited by the Pepper Wood volunteers with the help of Fairfield Village Community Association, the bin will be emptied as part of the Parish Council current “dog waste” contract.

In response to a need the Parish Council have agreed to a Community Association request to procure, site and maintain a dog waste bin on Woodcote Lane, on the side of the road where the footpath leads into Nutnells Wood.

Our thanks to the Pepper Wood Volunteers and Parish Council.

dav

  • December 15, 2020 by

Bicycle Security

PC’s Bolton & Trowman from the We Don’t Buy Crime team highlight cycle security and how quick and easy it is to take your bike.

Mark your bicycle with SmartWater (Free kits available to properties in Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge – email admin@fvca.org.uk) and use a secure, sturdy lock.

  • December 14, 2020 by

West Mercia Police supports Home Office weapons surrender initiative

Lawful owners of certain weapons can begin to surrender them to the police from today as part of a three month scheme launched by the Home Office.

The weapon surrender scheme runs from today, Thursday 10 December 2020 until Tuesday 9 March 2021, where those owning particular weapons can hand them over to police and submit a compensation claim from the Home Office.

The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 contains measures to make it unlawful to possess certain offensive weapons– including rapid firing rifles and specific types of knives such as flick knives and zombie knives.

West Mercia Police will be accepting offensive weapons – those detailed in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 – at front counters at the following police stations; Kidderminster, Redditch, Worcester, Hereford, Telford and Shrewsbury.

Those with legally held firearms that are affected are being contacted directly by the Firearms licencing unit with specific instruction on surrender and compensation.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones said: “Supporting this Home Office initiative is part of our commitment to tackling violence together with our partners and the public. It is only by working together that we will reduce violence including street violence and domestic abuse.

“For those weapons that are not detailed in the Offensive Weapons Act, there will also be knife bins at every station so they can be deposited safely.”

If you have information about someone you suspect to be in possession of an illegal weapon, you can contact West Mercia Police through the 101 number or via our website. Any information received is always dealt with in the strictest confidence.

If you have information but don’t want to speak to police, then you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website Crimestoppers-UK.org They are 100% anonymous and totally independent of the police. They never ask your name, they cannot trace your call or I.P address and no one ever knows that you’ve passed on information.

Young people can find advice by visiting Fearless.Org Full details on the Home Office surrender scheme can be found here.

  • December 10, 2020 by

Be wary of text messages claiming to be from your bank

More and more people are moving over to online and phone banking due to the current pandemic. Criminals have become wise to this and are sending out thousands of scam text messages every month to extract important personal information designed to access their potential victim’s finances.

To spot these fraudulent text messages, take a good look at them. Most are designed to instil a sense of panic (‘request was created from an unrecognised device’). After the sense of panic, the text message gives you way to solve the problem (‘Cancel this request via:’). The solution will lead you to a fake website, which looks a lot like your bank’s website, and instruct you to enter your details. Once this is done, they can now access your bank account.

You can report these text messages to your network provider by forwarding them to 7726. If you think you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

  • December 7, 2020 by