Archive for category: News

BLACK FRIDAY

Are they bargains or scams? Whilst Black Friday is nominally a one day event and one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday “deals” appear in abundance throughout the month of November. So once again, it does not take long for criminals to seize another opportunity to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of their hard-earned cash.

Therefore, just holding back, taking a few minutes to double check the Black Friday bargain is a genuine offer from a genuine retailer, can protect you from joining the increasing number of people who fall victim to these scams

• In the heat of the moment, it can be hard to tell if it is a bargain or a scam, especially in the run up to Black Friday!

• Criminals may try to trick you into purchasing goods/services that do not exist by advertising them at too good to be true prices.

• Protect your money and information by only using retailers you trust, or authorised sellers named on official websites when shopping for deals online.

• Beware of Phishing emails that appear to come from reputable retailers with “too good to miss” offers, never click on links in emails from unrecognised senders

• Check out the security of the Website by looking for the https:// in the website address and the padlock symbol which should be in the address bar, and not in the body of the site, as confirmation of a website’s security

• Fake websites can copy mainstream online retailers and enticing buyers with unbeatable prices, so always stick with well-known, reputable retailers online and check the URL is for the genuine retailer.

• Some online sellers may be selling counterfeit products at Black Friday prices

• Beware of limited time offers which create a false sense of urgency to get you to act quickly – Take Five before you buy.

• Criminals are making use of Artificial Intelligence – (AI) – more and more , to present much more convincing emails, adverts and fake websites, so check, check and check again

• Does the offer sound too good to be true? Are they refusing to provide you with additional photos? Do they want you to pay up front by bank transfer?

• Only use the secure payment method recommended by retailers and auction sites, where possible, use a credit card for purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours. If you have been a victim of fraud Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.

You can also report fraudulent mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudster’s phone number.

Scam calls received on WhatsApp can be blocked by opening the chat with the suspect phone number and tap on “Block”.

Forward Fake Emails received to

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number – 159 – to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.

Your monthly update direct from West Mercia Police on the latest scams and frauds.

ROMANCE FRAUD

Yes, this is a topic we have covered many times, but since 3rd October is recognised as “WORLD ROMANCE SCAM PROTECTION DAY”, it is only appropriate that we send out this message again. Whilst many may think that Romance Scams only occur on Dating Sites, criminals may also make use of social media and messaging sites to meet up with and defraud their victims. Did you know?

• Reports of Online Romance Fraud/Scams continue to rise year on year.

• Yet Online Romance Scams are one of the most under-reported cybercrimes in the world.

• Figures for losses through Romance Fraud and investment frauds tied to romance scams, also known as Pig Butchering, had reported total losses to over £103million annually in the UK.

• Only an estimated 7% (possibly lower) of victims report the fraud to the proper authorities.

• Romance Scams are emotional, psychological, and financial ABUSE.

• Everyone is a target. No matter what age, education, or gender How to help people you know are online dating

• Help your friends and family to ensure they have adequate privacy settings on their social media accounts to ensure strangers do not have access to their personal information.

• Stay in regular contact with your friends and family who are online dating to help spot any changes in behaviour or things that do not seem right.

• Fraudsters set up fake profiles with convincing job titles such as Engineers, Medics, Military Personnel, Airline Pilots and similar, also using relevant images taken from social media profiles.

• Make friends and family aware of the signs of Romance Fraud so that they are conscious of the tactics criminals use to carry out these frauds and reiterate that you should never transfer money to someone that you have never met in person. Also never make payments to strangers with Gift Cards or Bitcoin accounts.

• Try not to use blaming language but rather a “no blame, no shame approach”. They have been targeted and exploited by professionals who know exactly how to manipulate their targets.

• Encourage people to report to Action Fraud and the police if they have become a victim of Romance Fraud and not to be embarrassed about doing so. Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours.

If you have fallen for fraud Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk    Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report fraudulent mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudster’s phone number.

Scam calls received on WhatsApp can be blocked by opening the chat with the suspect phone number and tap on “Block”. Forward fake emails received to

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number – 159 – to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.

A defibrillator has now been installed on the outside wall of the Golden Cross Public House next to the Wooden Ice Cream Hut.

A further one has now been installed opposite the entrance to Leysfield Road, on the grass verge by No.4 leys Road.

DOORSTEP SCAMS

Whilst many criminals have resorted to the Internet in order to defraud unsuspecting victims, residents may still be experiencing visits from cold callers on your doorstep either selling goods and services, or as has been reported recently, attempting to buy high value items on the doorstep such as gold, silver, jewellery or antiques.

Everyone has come across at some time those persons trying to sell cleaning materials backed up by a story of being an ex-offender and trying to make a new life. Sometimes known as the “Nottingham Knockers,” there have been reports of these callers selling their victims cleaning materials then producing a card machine for payment.

However, when they enter the payment amount on the card reader instead of entering, say £15, they add some “0’s” on the end, thus creating a payment of £150 or even £1500. Always check the amount before entering your PIN or using contactless payments.

Also, before buying from these cold callers, always remember that anyone selling goods door to door should be in possession of a “Pedlar’s License” which you should ask to see.

Dealing with someone face to face on the doorstep puts the householder under extra pressure and these fraudsters will always try and smooth talk you, or pressure you, into agreeing to something you never really wanted.

So how can you protect yourself?

• Firstly, always be on your guard and be suspicious of anyone turning up out of the blue and uninvited – a sign at the door saying uninvited callers not welcome can often help
• Use of Smart Doorbells with cameras are a good deterrent, and also gives you the facility to talk to them without opening the door
• Always ask for an ID to prove they, and their business, are genuine
• Never be rushed into signing up for a deal, and always ask for written quotations on their company headed notepaper so you can check they are genuine; it is also helpful to ask for references for a tradesman’s previous customers
• You can also get your Utility Companies to set up a Password so then you know when someone claiming to be from the Electric, Gas, Telephone or Water Company is genuine
• If the caller remains persistent then call the Police, either 999 if urgent, or 101 if you do not feel in immediate danger

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DISTRACTION THEFTS

Following on from this, never let any stranger into your home, and also be aware of distraction callers when one person keeps you talking, whilst their partner goes around the back of the property to gain entry.

Always be alert when out and about of 2 other types of Distraction Theft, currently being reported in the wider Midlands area.

1. PAY AT THE PUMP – Criminals have been using various techniques to steal your bank card when using Pay-at-the-Pump filling stations, including saying they work there and have come to help you fill up whilst a second person takes your card. Or they may say the pump is out of order, cover the machine and take your card. In all cases the bank card is used very quickly at a nearby ATM to withdraw cash.
2. ATM DISTRACTIONS- one or more persons may either tell you the ATM is not working, then make off with your card, or whilst one person distracts you with a question, their partner removes your card and again this will be used very quickly to remove as much as cash as possible.

Similar tactics have been used in public car parks. So always be aware of your surroundings, use ATM’s in well-lit and public areas, and if approached by someone claiming to be an employee or official, ask for their ID.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours

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PERKINS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION AWARDS TO SCHOOLS AND OTHER BODIES TO ASSIST YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 25

In furtherance of its charitable remit, the Perkins Educational Foundation invites applications from schools and other bodies working with young people under the age of 25 living in Salford Priors, Bidford-on-Avon and Broom, Harvington and Cleeve Prior. Applications by organisations for financial assistance from the Foundation should be made by 31 March each year.

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR APPLICANTS

1. Applications in the form of a letter attached to an email should be made to the Clerk of the Governors, at . There is no specified application form, but applications should be received by the Clerk by midnight on 31 March each year.
2. Applications should identify why funding is sought and what will be done with any funds awarded; and should provide detailed costs.
3. Applications should identify how exactly the funding will benefit young people under the age of 25, and what impact it will have on the young people for whom assistance is sought.
4. Applications will be considered at a meeting of the Governors of the Foundation after 31 March, and all applicants will be informed of the outcome soon afterwards.
5. Applying bodies and organizations should have a remit to provide education or training or facilities solely or predominantly for young people under the age of 25 living in the specified parishes.
6. Applications should be for particular items of equipment or material items of a stand-alone nature, rather than for salaries or for any other funding need with a recurring aspect to it.
7. The Governors do not specify a lower or upper financial limit for applications.
8. Applying bodies and organizations should also provide details of any other funding being applied for, or already secured, in connection with their application.
9. The Governors reserve the right to make no award in any given year, and reserve the right to ask applicants to attend a meeting to clarify any aspect of their applications.
10. The Governors will not pay any on-costs such as VAT or insurance.
11. The Governors will only make awards directly to applying organisations and bodies. They will not pay invoices from third parties such as contractors.
12. The Governors request that where appropriate, bodies or organizations successful in their applications should acknowledge the assistance of the Perkins Educational Foundation in a visible way (e.g. a plaque or other permanent marker).

www.williamperkinscharity.org