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Author: FVCA

Pension Scams

Criminals can be articulate and financially knowledgeable, with credible websites, testimonials and materials that are hard to distinguish from the real thing. They design attractive offers to persuade you to transfer your pension pot to them or to release funds from it. It is then invested in unusual and high-risk investments like overseas property, renewable energy bonds, forestry, storage units, or simply stolen outright.

If you suspect a scam, report it.

• Report to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) at www.fca.org.uk or by calling 0800 111 6768
• Report to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040
• If you’re in the middle of a transfer, contact your provider immediately the get in touch with the Pensions Advisory Service at www.thepensionadvisoryservice.org.uk

  • December 7, 2020 by

Action Fraud’s Guide To Improving Your Cyber Security

Due to coronavirus, more people will be doing their festive shopping online this year.

This means more opportunities for hackers to carry out cyber attacks. They often do this by targeting people and businesses using:

* email and website scams
* malware – software that can damage your device or let a hacker in
* If hackers get into your device or accounts, they could access your money, your personal information, or information about your business.

You can improve your cyber security by taking six actions:

1 – Use a strong and separate password for your email

If a hacker gets into your email, they could:

* reset your other account passwords
* access information you have saved about yourself or your business
* Your email password should be strong and different to all your other passwords. This will make it harder to crack or guess.

2 – Create strong passwords using 3 random words

When you use different passwords for your important accounts, it can be hard to remember them all.

A good way to create strong, memorable passwords is by using 3 random words.

Do not use words that can be guessed (like your pet’s name). You can include numbers and symbols if you need to. For example, “RedPantsTree4!”

3 – Save your passwords in your browser

Saving your password in your browser means letting your web browser (such as Chrome, Safari or Edge) remember your password for you.

This can help:
* make sure you do not lose or forget your passwords
* protect you against some cyber crime, such as fake websites

It is safer than using weak passwords, or using the same password in more than one place.

4 – Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) helps to stop hackers from getting into your accounts, even if they have your password. 

5 – Update your devices

Out-of-date software, apps, and operating systems contain weaknesses. This makes them easier to hack.

Companies fix the weaknesses by releasing updates. When you update your devices and software, this helps to keep hackers out.

6 – Back up your data

Backing up means creating a copy of your information and saving it to another device or to cloud storage (online).

Backing up regularly means you will always have a recent version of your information saved. This will help you recover quicker if your data is lost or stolen.

For more information, and step-by-step instructions, please visit cyberaware.gov.uk

  • December 7, 2020 by

PCC hosts online crime prevention event for Worcestershire residents

PCC John Campion is inviting Worcestershire residents to raise their concerns and learn how they can protect themselves from crime.

At a time where traditional public engagement isn’t possible, the PCC is bringing the town hall to Zoom. During the online session, which is taking place on Wednesday 9th December from 6-7pm, the PCC will be joined by the West Mercia Police We Don’t Buy Crime team, the Rural and Business Officer for Worcestershire and a representative from the Road Safety team.

A key part of the Commissioner’s commitment to the communities of Worcestershire is to ensure their voices are heard and they have the opportunity to highlight issues that matter to them most. He also wants to make sure that communities have the opportunity to receive valuable crime prevention advice so they can keep themselves safe.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “As Commissioner, part of my commitment is to engage with the communities of Worcestershire and sadly, due to these extraordinary times, many events I would usually be attending have been cancelled. Yet thanks to the wonders of modern technology we are able to do things a little differently.

“Whilst virtual sessions are no substitute for face to face events, they are a great and safe alternative that allow communities to get involved and ask the questions that matter to them most. I enjoy hearing directly from residents, and I would encourage as many people as possible to join me and my panel.”

You can sign up to the event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/worcestershire-what-matters-to-you-tickets-131173721131

  • December 4, 2020 by

Operation Snap Leads To Action

Operation Snap is the online dashcam reporting initiative where members of the public submit footage of moving road traffic offences directly via a secure portal on the internet.

Since mid 2018 the Op Snap Team at West Mercia Police alone have dealt with over 5100 submissions and around 91% of these reports have resulted in a ‘positive action’ result.

This doesn’t mean that 91% of drivers reported have been prosecuted, as in many case, an alternative means of dealing with the matter may have been used, such as warning letters or driver improvement courses. However, approximately 40% of reports have ended with a prosecution.

Around 5% are repeat offenders and those who are deemed to cause the most harm on our roads, for example drink/drug drivers, speeders, those using mobile phones whilst driving so the initiative has a huge part to play in ensuring these motorists are removed from the roads.

In approximately 9% of cases, no further action is taken – this may be because no offences can be confirmed from the footage, or the vehicle cannot be identified as the registration number or other unique markings are not visible.

West Mercia Police are very grateful to both our residents and visitors to the force area who take the time to submit Op Snap reports and by doing so, are helping to make our roads a safer place for everyone.

The work of Op Snap is contributing to helping us make the roads in West Mercia safer for all.

Anyone who captures what they believe to be a moving traffic offence is encouraged to upload it via the Op Snap portal at www.westmercia.police.uk/operationsnap

  • December 4, 2020 by

A Simple Act Can Help Protect Your Elderly Neighbours

Your elderly neighbours are vulnerable and can easily become a victim of a scam, please help them by making them aware of the different types of scams and what they should do if they receive a scam call, letter or visit.

Recently the Community Association has been contacted by several older residents regarding scam telephone calls, which they have found frightening as the automated message is threatening legal action.

The Community Association have acquired some literature that you can give to or post through the letter boxes of elderly neighbours.  The booklet, “Scamwise”, which has been produced by Independent Age, explains in simple language how to spot a scam, how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud and action to be taken if you think you have been scammed.  The booklet can be picked up from Fairfield Cafe.

Be Winter Wise
When delivering the “Scamwise” booklet to your neighbours, please also drop off a copy of the booklet “Winter Wise”, useful tips that help the elderly look after themselves during winter months.

  • December 1, 2020 by

How many smoke alarms do you have in your home?

Latest fire statistics reveal that one smoke alarm may not be enough to provide you with the best chance of escaping a fire in the home.

Most people know a working smoke alarm can save lives by providing those vital few seconds needed to escape a house fire. Despite the majority of homes (95%) having at least one working smoke alarm, smoke alarms only alerted householders to just one in every three fires in the home in England. The most common reason a smoke alarm failed to activate was because the fire was outside its range.

For this reason, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) are encouraging people across the two counties to have a think about the number of smoke alarms in their home.

Group Commander Stuart Crebbin, Community Risk department said: “We all must make sure that we have enough smoke alarms in our homes and that they are in the right places. If your whole home isn’t covered, you could be leaving it to chance and, in a fire, you might not get the early warning that you need.

“The vast majority of us now have at least one working smoke alarm in our home, but early detection and warning is vital to reduce the devastation a fire can cause. That’s why it’s so important that you have enough smoke alarms and that they are in the right places. That will give them the best chance of alerting you and your loved ones to a fire.”

He continued: “You should make sure you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home, preferably in hallways and landings. Placing smoke alarms near to sleeping areas and in rooms where there are electrical appliances could give you the extra warning you need.

“It’s also important to remember that smoke alarms don’t last forever. The power might work, but the mechanism deteriorates with time, so whether they are battery operated or wired to the mains, to work at their best they should be replaced every ten years.”

HWFRS offered these smoke alarm top tips:

  • Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
  • The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing.
  • Consider fitting additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances and near sleeping areas.
  • Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.
  • Install a heat alarm in your kitchen
  • Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
  • Test your smoke alarms weekly

Group Commander Crebbin also urged carers and people who keep a close eye on less able relatives to check that these homes have enough smoke alarms in the right places too.

“Finally, if you want to see if you would qualify for a free Home Fire Safety Check or would like any fire safety advice, please call 0800 032 1155,” added Group Commander Crebbin.

  • November 30, 2020 by

Hoax email from PDS (Parcel Delivery Service)

Action Fraud is reminding everyone that a chain email circulating warning about a postal scam that could leave you £315 out of pocket – is a hoax.

The hoax email reads:

“Can you circulate this around especially as Xmas is fast approaching – it has been confirmed by Royal Mail. The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam:

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).

DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize. If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £315 for the phone call.

If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655.”

If you receive this email just delete it and do not to forward it to anyone.

PhonepayPlus, is aware that a chain e-mail about an alleged postal scam is being circulated on the internet. The email refers to the Royal Mail, Trading Standards and ICSTIS (PhonepayPlus’ former name).

PhonepayPlus appreciates that recipients of the email may want to find out more information about the alleged scam and has therefore issued the following statement:

  • The chain email refers to a service (operating on 0906 6611911) that was shut down by PhonepayPlus (then ICSTIS) in December 2005.
  • PhonepayPlus subsequently fined the company that was operating the service, Studio Telecom (based in Belize), £10,000.
  • The service is NO LONGER running and has NOT been running since December 2005.
  • You do NOT need to contact PhonepayPlus, or the Royal Mail, about this service as it was stopped almost eight years ago.
  • If you receive a copy of the email warning you about the alleged scam, please do NOT forward it to others. Instead, please forward this statement from PhonepayPlus.
  • If you receive a delivery card through your letterbox which you do not believe is genuine and which asks you to dial a premium rate number, you can contact PhonepayPlus on 0800 500 212 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm) for further guidance.

For more detailed information about PhonepayPlus’ work, please visit www.phonepayplus.org.uk.

Please note: Action Fraud is not responsible for the content on external websites.

To report a fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use their online fraud reporting tool.

  • November 30, 2020 by

Surge In Online Shopping Fraud

Reports of online shopping fraud have surged by 30% over the pandemic as many of us continue to shop online in light of current restrictions.

Figures from Action Fraud show that criminals conned 17,407 shoppers out of almost £13.5 million over the Christmas period last year, an increase of over 20% when compared to the same period in 2018.

Action Fraud is warning the public to take extra care when shopping online, ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as shoppers search for bargains and gifts for loved ones in the run up to Christmas.

Top tips to shop online securely this festive season:

Where to shop:
Making a purchase from an online store you haven’t used before? Carry out some research first, or ask a friend or family member if they’ve used the site and about their experiences before completing the purchase.

Your information:
Only create an account if necessary or to save you effort if you’re going to use that site a lot in the future. Be cautious if the website asks you for details that are not required for your purchase, such as your mother’s maiden name or the name of your primary school.

Payments:
If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, ensure that the webpage where you enter your payment details is secure (website address starts with “https”). Using a credit card to pay online also means that should the worst happen and your payment details are compromised, your main bank account won’t be directly affected.

Phishing:
Some of the messages you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. Not all links are bad, but if you’re unsure, don’t use the link – go separately to the website. Report any suspicious emails you receive by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk You can also report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726.

For more information about how to shop online securely, please visit: 
actionfraud.police.uk/shoponlinesafely

  • November 27, 2020 by

Have a Happy Christmas – Smoke Alarms Save Lives

It’s beginning to look a lot like the time of year when statistically accidental fires in the home are more likely to occur! As many of us are ‘going early’ with putting the decorations up check your smoke alarms are working properly, and ensure that everyone in the house knows how to escape in the event of an emergency!

Make a diary note to regularly check #TestItTuesday

  • November 26, 2020 by