Watch out for fake Netflix emails offering refunds.
There has been an increase in reports about fake Netflix emails claiming that there's been an issue with youor account or that your account has been suspended. The email states that you need to "update" your account details in order to resolve the problem. The link in the emails leads to genuine-looking Netflix phishing websites designed to steal your username and password, as well as payment details
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it's a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
Watch out for fake Argos texts offering refunds.
These fake text n1e sages purport to be from Argos and claim that you are owed a refund. The link in the message leads to phishing website designed to steal your personal information, as well as payment details.
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it's a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
Watch out for fake texts about your EE bill.
These fake text messages purport to be from EE ad claim that you haven't paid your bill. The link in the message leads to a phishing website designed to steal your EE account login details, as well as personal and financial information. Don't be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never automatically click on a link or attachment in an unexpected email or text.
These fake messages purport to be from EE and claim that you haven't paid a bill. The link in the message leads to a phishing website designed to steal your EE account login details, as well as personal & financial information.
Don't be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never automatically click on a link or attachment in an unexpected email or text.
Fraudsters are contacting victims by telephone and purporting to be a police officer or bank official. To substantiate this claim, the caller might be able to confirm some easily obtainable basic details about the victim such as their full name and address. They may also offer a telephone number for the victim to call to check that they are genuine; this number is not genuine and simply redirects to the fraudster who pretends to be a different person. After some trust has been established, the fraudster will then, for example, suggest;
Victims are then asked to cooperate in an investigation by attending their bank and withdrawing money, withdrawing foreign currency from an exchange or purchasing an expensive item to hand over to a courier for examination who will also be a fraudster. Again, to reassure the victim, a safe word might be communicated to the victim so the courier appears genuine.
At the time of handover, unsuspecting victims are promised the money they?ve handed over or spent will be reimbursed but in reality there is no further contact and the money is never seen again.
Shop owners urged to be vigilant following spate of counterfeit note incidentsWiltshire Police are currently investigating a number of incidents in which counterfeit notes have been used in shops across the county.
Incidents have been reported at various shops and businesses, including the Sue Ryder charity shop in Royal Wootton Bassett High Street, BP Service Station in Swindon Road, Royal Wootton Bassett and Nurdens Garden Centre in Crudwell Road, Malmesbury.
Sergeant Louis McCoy, of the Wiltshire North Community Policing Team, said: ?Predominantly, the offenders are young men, aged between 19 and 25 and our enquiries are ongoing to try and identify those responsible.
?On all occasions, large denomination notes are used to buy low value items. The notes are of good quality with some even passing the pen test carried out by shop workers, only to then be rejected by the banks further down the process.
?We are following several lines of enquiry in order to identify those involved and our local Community Policing Team officers have been out engaging with local shops and businesses to help reduce their risk of falling victim to this type of crime. We continue to encourage shop owners to be extra vigilant and to report any incidents to police on 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.?
Information Recieved From Katie Bond (Police, Media Officer, Wiltshire)
The 2018 FIFA World Cup will take place from 14th June ? 15th July 2018. The worldwide demand for match tickets is expected to be significant. Action Fraud have been alerted to several websites which are offering World Cup Tickets for sale, some at highly inflated prices. A FIFA spokesperson said: ?FIFA regards the illicit sale and distribution of tickets as a very serious issue and it has been reminding all football fans that FIFA.com/tickets is the only official and legitimate website on which to buy 2018 FIFA World Cup tickets.? ?FIFA has received various complaints and enquiries by customers of non-authorised ticket sales platforms, and has consistently confirmed that these companies cannot guarantee access to the stadiums as the respective tickets may be cancelled. Insofar customers are at risk of investing a high amount of money (also for travelling and accommodation) without having the certainty to actually be able to attend the matches.?
FIFA have also warned that ?any tickets obtained from any other source, such as ticket brokers, internet auctions or unofficial ticket exchange platforms, will be automatically rendered void and invalid?.
Action Fraud received over six hundred reports and intelligence submissions in relation to the previous World Cup so it?s vital that football fans exercise caution when considering a purchase or making a transaction.
Protect yourself:
Victims receive a telephone call from someone purporting to be a bailiff enforcing a court judgement, attempting to recover funds for a non-existent debt. The fraudsters state the debt originates from the victim not paying a magazine advertisement subscription.
A variety of magazine names and publishers are being used by the fraudsters, who also commonly use the names of certified Bailiff Enforcement Agents such "Scott Davis", "Stephen King" and "Mark Taylor". These are names of certified Bailiff Enforcement Agents employed by debt enforcement companies.
The fraudsters request that the debt be repaid by bank transfer. If the victim refuses, they threaten to visit the victim?s home or place of work to recover the debt that is owed.
Once the money has been transferred, victims are not provided with receipt details of the payment or contact details. Later when victims make enquiries, they?ll discover that the debt did not exist, and often that no advertisement was placed.
This type of fraud is nationwide. Since 2017, there have been 52 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud. From the reports received, there are a range of different businesses and individuals being targeted.
Protection Advice
If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.
Information Recieved From Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Action Fraud has received several reports indicating that sellers of items on online marketplace websites are falling victim to fraud by bogus buyers. Typically, the bogus buyers contact the seller wanting to purchase the item for sale and advise they will be sending the requested amount via PayPal or other electronic payment method. The seller then receives a fake, but official looking email stating they have been paid more than the asking price and to send the difference back to the buyer's bank account. In reality, no money has ever been sent to the seller; the bogus buyer has spoofed an email and purported to be an online payment company. All contact is then severed with the seller.
It is important to remember that selling anything could make you a target to these fraudsters however the NFIB has identified that those offering sofas, large furniture and homeware are particularly vulnerable.
Protection Advice
Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.
If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Information Recieved From Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Fraudsters are cold-calling victims, falsely stating that they are calling from one of the well-known UK telecommunication service providers. They call victims claiming to provide a 'Telephone Preference Service' - an enhanced call-barring service, which includes barring international call centres.
The fraudsters ask victims to confirm/provide their bank account details, informing them that there is a one-off charge for the service. Victims instead see monthly debits deducted from their accounts, which they have not authorised. The fraudsters often target elderly victims.
In all instances, direct debits are set up without following proper procedure. The victim is not sent written confirmation of the direct debit instruction, which is supposed to be sent within three days.
On occasions when victims attempted to call back, the telephone number provided by the fraudster was either unable to be reached or the victim's direct debit cancellation request was refused.
During 2017, there were 493 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud.
If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Information Recieved From Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
The purpose of this alert is to provide knowledge and prevention advice to farmers in order to protect themselves from falling victim to 'Payment Diversion Fraud'. CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) payments are expected to be paid to farmers in December 2017. Information on last year's payments are easily obtained via the government website allowing fraudsters to know when and how much potential targets will receive.
Fraudsters who purport to be a trusted senior colleague or established customer may request that you change their direct debit, standing order or amend a bank transfer so that the payment can be diverted to a bank account which is in control of the fraudster. Fraudsters will often make the request under the pretence of a highly sensitive or urgent transaction.
Contact is made via phone, letter but most commonly via email (personal or work address) used by the organisation or employee (which has either been spoofed or hacked). The fraudster then provides bank account details into which the monies should be paid.
PROTECTION AND PREVENTION ADVICE: