On Wednesday 10th January the Village Society hosted a talk highlighting the challenge of Scams and advice on how to avoid being duped by them. The discussions were led by Keith Milmer with valued assistance by David Newson.
He described four main categories of Scams:
- Postal Scams
- Telephone Scams
- Doorstep Scams
- Online Scams
and for each category he highlighted the primary ways in which they can be identified as scams and offered tips on how to deal with them.
To view the slide set, please click on the PDF featured on this webpage.
The presentation included advice on obtaining call blockers to minimise the risk of telephone scams and (for particularly vulnerable individuals) front door cctv cameras that can be monitored remotely by a loved one or trusted friend to help protect against doorstep scams.
These devices are avaiable free-of-charge to Buckinghamshire and Surrey residents on request to the Trading Standards 'Friends Against Scams' department.
Trading Standards will even arrange for the installation of these devices -- again free-of-charge!
To request a call blocker and/or a cctv monitoring camera, please email:
trading.standards@surreycc.gov.uk
Scams are FRAUD and we need to help relevant authorities remain abreast of their development so that police, government and other relevant bodies can determine how best to allocate resources to combat these crimes.
There are several ways to report scams, but the platform that encompasses the widest range of scams is ActionFraud.
Here is the information from the ActionFraud website:
Reporting fraud and cyber crime
You can report fraud or cyber crime to ActionFraud any time of the day or night using our online fraud reporting tool. You can also report and get advice about fraud or cyber crime by calling 0300 123 2040.
The times above represent our core contact centre opening hours, although from time to time we do extend the service we provide to you.
Action Fraud will not call you unless you have requested us to, and will never ask for your bank details. If you are unsure whether a call is genuine, call the Action Fraud team on 0300 123 2040. Please note this number will be charged at your normal network rate.
If you have inclusive minutes within your mobile tariff then calls to our number are included at no cost. If you have used all of your inclusive minutes then the call will typically cost 35p per minute depending on your network provider.
Textphone
If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can contact us on textphone 0300 123 2050.
Online advisor -- live chat
This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When using web chat you are speaking live to one of our advisors in the contact centre, who can assist with queries or you help fill out an online report.
Reporting a live cyber attack
If you represent a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber attack and data is potentially at risk, please call 0300 123 2040. This service is available 24 hours a day to report and get advice on what to do next. Please note, if you are member of the public you must report to us through our core opening hours or online here.
Cyber security advice
If you are an organisation (private, public, or voluntary) that wishes to get information about cyber security, then contact the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Latest Scam News
Bucks and Surrey Trading Standards have issued advice around quishing
What is quishing?
Quishing, also known as QR code* phishing, involves tricking someone into scanning a phony QR code with their phone or device.
The QR code then takes the user to a fraudulent website that might download malware or ask for sensitive information. It's the latest trend used by scammers to get to your hard-earned cash.
QR codes are often found on things like parking machines, charging points, emails, even restaurant menus. Once scanned, scam codes will take you to a bogus website where you innocently input your details thinking you're paying for a service or visiting the genuine site, when in fact, you're sharing all your personal details with the scammers.
How to prevent quishing attacks: https://orlo.uk/wK5rf
