Tag: scam

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November Crime Report

November Crime IncidentsEssex Police - Protecting & Serving Essex - February Crime report

November saw absolutely NO crime report for West Bergholt after what was also a quiet October.

Information Releases

A few information releases arrived though, mostly dealing with fraud/scammers, including caution to be taken responding to phone callers trying to elicit confidential information, security companies trying to pressure sale alarm systems and a spoof HMRC email offering a tax rebate..

New ‘number spoofing’ scam nets millions for fraudsters

Phishing phone callsA new phone scam – known as number spoofing – is netting millions of pounds for fraudsters, consumers are being warned. Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA UK) said the scam has become increasingly common in recent weeks. Typically criminals fool people into thinking they are talking to their bank, or the police, on the phone. To help gain the target’s trust, they display a fake number on the phone’s caller ID screen. They then persuade the victim to hand over details of their bank account, or passwords, or suggest that they move money to keep it safe.

Using those personal details, they then steal money from that person’s account.

Frequently it is businesses which are being targeted, as well as some well-off individuals.

There’s a big surge in criminals using this,

…said an FFA UK spokesman. He said they had seen hundreds of such cases, with some companies losing as much as a million pounds.

‘Not difficult’

When indulging in phone “spoofing”, criminals will often draw attention to the number that is showing on the recipient’s screen. Officials warn people to watch out for such odd behaviour, as it is a big clue that something is wrong.

Remember that if a caller is trying to draw your attention to the number on your phone display, it’s very unlikely the call is genuine as there is no legitimate reason to point it out,

…said Craig Jones of the FFA.

The technology being used has existed for a number of years, but fraudsters have only recently started using it.

It’s not difficult for the criminals to fake a caller ID,

… said Mr Jones.

Earlier this month some of Britain’s High Street banks launched a campaign to warn consumers about the dangers of “vishing” – otherwise known as voice phishing.

That is when fraudsters telephone victims, to try to get them to give out details of their accounts.

The campaign listed eight things a bank will never ask its customers to do, including asking for details of PINs or passwords.

  • Ask for your full Pin number or any online banking passwords over the phone or via email
  • Send someone to your home to collect cash, bank cards or anything else
  • Ask you to email or text personal or banking information
  • Send an email with a link to a page which asks you to enter your online banking login details
  • Ask you to authorise the transfer of funds to a new account or hand over cash
  • Call to advise you to buy diamonds, land or other commodities
  • Ask you to carry out a test transaction online
  • Provide banking services through any mobile apps other than the bank’s official apps.

 Cold calling Alarm Companies

Stephen Armson-Smith, Crime Reduction Advisor for Braintree district, says:

There has been a rise in the number of unsolicited sales calls both on the doorstep and by telephone calls, especially to the elderly to sell alarm systems. These companies quite often make false claims and can be aggressive in their sales pitch.

Please always consider:

  1. No alarm system will be free or very cheap.
    Beware of high maintenance fees, monitoring fees or sometimes premium rate telephone numbers are used by the system in the monitoring.
  2. Commercial monitored alarms systems are monitored by that or another company and if it is a confirmed activation it is that company that notifies the key holder and in some cases the police.
  3. The police do not recommend or endorse alarm companies.
  4. The police do recommend that if you are having an alarm fitted that you choose an alarm system that is accredited to SSAIB or NSI.
  5. The police do not work in conjunction with any security companies.
  6. Do get more than one quote, preferably three.
  7. Consider joining the Telephone Preference Service to reduce the number of unsolicited telephone calls – http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/ or 0845 070 0707.
  8. If it seems too good to be true then it probably is.

If you do received unsolicited calls from security companies contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Security advice can always be obtained free from your local Crime Reduction Advisor by ringing 101.

Scam email from HMRC

Scam email that managed to get through spam filters
Scam email that managed to get through spam filters

We have been advised that some unscrupulous scammers are sending emails purporting to come from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).    It looks like the real thing (although for those who understand English grammar, the writing is a little bit ‘iffy’), but, as HMRC say:

We would never inform tax-payers of rebates by this method or request personal details.

Please be aware of any post/emails/phone calls that offer unexpected money or ask for payment that you weren’t expecting to make, and, in particular, do not click those links or download anything you are not 100% certain about.

Posted on

January Crime Report

Essex Police - Protecting & Serving EssexJanuary Crime Incidents

With the first couple of weeks seeing no reported crime in and around West Bergholt, the latter part saw little more:

Theft from a vehicle on the A12

Taking place on 13th January this involved a parked, secured, lorry on the A12, outside West Bergholt, which had the side curtains slashed and items removed.  Probably of no more than passing interest to residents (sorry).

Criminal Damage to a Vehicle in Mumford Close

Overnight on 23rd January the rear nearside door of a car was dented by unknown person and object.

Criminal Damage to a Vehicle in Mumford Close

Overnight on 28th January an unknown person scratched the full length of both nearside and offside of a parked vehicle.

Theft from a Vehicle in Chapel Road

Overnight on 29th January an unknown person gained entry to an insecure vehicle and following a messy search removed items.

Information Releases

Essex Police often issue information & advice updates with their crime reports, the following few about Alarms, Burglary facts and Microsoft scams have recently been received.

cctv.h2Intruder Alarms and/or CCTV

Please note that Essex Police do not recommend any particular product or supplier.

If you are considering an intruder alarm system it is advisable to seek advice from installers who are members of a professional body, such as: –

  • National Security Inspectorate, Sentinel House, 5 Reform Road, Maidenhead SL6 8BY Telephone: (switchboard): 01628 637512 – www.nsi.org.uk
  • SSAIB The Smoke Houses, Cliffords Fort, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE30 1JE Telephone: 0191 296 3242 – www.ssaib.co.uk
  • British Security Industry Association (BSIA), Kirkham House, John Comyn Drive, Worcester, WR3 7NS – Telephone 0845 389 3889 – www.bsia.co.uk

For other security products that have ‘Police Preferred Specification’ status visit Secured by Design – www.securedbydesign.com

Systems should be fitted to British/European Standards – www.bsi-global.com

Always get at least 3 different approved installers to give you quotes before you decide.

Systems can be monitored at special centres (Alarm Reporting Centres), for a fee.  Reputable installers will give you more information on this, including an alternative option to link the alarm to alert mobile telephone numbers selected by you.

Essex Police respond to monitored alarm systems in accordance with guidelines issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) – www.acpo.police.uk   Phone 020 7084 8950.

Generally, Non- monitored alarm systems are not responded to unless the person reporting the activation says that an intruder has actually been seen to enter or be on the premises.

The speed of police response cannot be guaranteed. It will depend upon the number, location and availability of police units when the call is received and a police assessment of the threat level.

DIY outlets often sell intruder alarm systems. However, bear in mind that these are normally non-monitored systems. False activations can annoy neighbours and result in action by the Environment department at your local council. If you have one of these systems you need a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member who lives close by and can deal with activations in your absence.

Some systems can be linked to your telephone and programmed to alert specific personal telephone numbers (normally up to 6) if activation occurs.  Your telephone provider may make an extra rental charge for this facility. You will probably still need a trusted local person to respond in your absence.

Some mail order type companies market a whole range of alarms. You can see examples of these on web sites such as: –

(There are other providers).

Generally speaking, any intruder alarm is probably better than none. However, your choice should always be based on the following considerations: –

  • Is it appropriate?
  • Is it realistic?
  • Is it cost effective?
  • What am I trying to protect?

The above information is a basic summary of intruder alarm systems.

Burglar
Secure your home and remain vigilant

Burglary Facts – Did you know?

  • 35% of all burglaries are crimes of opportunity, where the burglar lets themselves in through unlocked doors or windows.
  • You are ten times more likely to be burgled if you don’t have basic security – even something as simple as putting strong locks on your doors and windows will keep your house much safer.
  • Burglary has fallen by nearly 60% since 1995, but criminals are opportunists who will take advantage of any chance to steal from you, so you should remain aware.
  • Burglars generally prefer empty properties, often looking for visual clues such as an empty drive and dark homes so any lights, televisions and radios left on are usually off-putting for burglars.
  • A common tactic employed by homeowners to make the house look occupied, leaving the curtains closed, actually encourages burglars who believe it indicates the occupants are on holiday.  If the property is going to be vacant for an extended period, ask a trusted neighbour to open and close curtains, collect milk from the door step, turn lights on and off, and remove unopened post that is visible etc. so that the property continues to look occupied.
  • Burglars are attracted by the sight of valuables, including car keys. They spot these by simply looking through windows and doors. Householders need to be careful about the type of goods that are on display.
  • Generally, burglars like to access property from the rear as it offers a safe environment. Having adequate fences and locked gates can make this a less inviting opportunity.

If you make your property more secure, it’s a lot harder for criminals to break in and it’s easier for police to catch them. For more crime prevention advice, go to http://essex.police.uk/be_safe.aspx.

mslogoMicrosoft Cold Calling Scam

The Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer has been made aware that persons are cold calling by telephone offering computer repairs, stating your computer has a problem with Microsoft.  Advice has been sought from Microsoft and they have given the following advice.

Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.

They have advised that further information regarding how to avoid Phone scams can be found on the below website:

If anyone has been caught out by these types of callers they can report it directly to www.actionfraud.police.uk or by telephone 0300 1232040

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