Essex Police
SCAM CALLS FROM ‘MATCHING’ PHONE NUMBERS
Residents are warned to be vigilant of scam calls that appear to be coming from numbers similar to their own.
THE SCAMMERS RENTING OUT OTHER PEOPLE’S HOMES
Rental fraud continues to be an issue across the country and can affect people of all ages. It occurs when would-be tenants are tricked into paying an upfront fee to rent a property.
DON’T LOSE OUT ON FAKE TICKETS
Action Fraud is warning the public to take extra care when buying tickets for festivals and events online, as figures reveal almost £1 million has been lost to ticket fraud so far this year.
INNOCENT SOCIAL MEDIA GAME OR CRIMINAL TOOLKIT?
Essex Police are reminding residents that what appear to be innocent games posted on social media have the potential to allow criminals access to your personal data—ultimately allowing them to get their hands on your money.
MY INFO? I DON’T THINK SO!
Residents are reminded to keep their personal documents safe after a number of reports of scammers asking for copies of passports and driving licences
FLUBOT—ANDROID USERS BEWARE
Guidance has been issued but the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) about ‘FluBot’ - spyware affecting Android phones and devices that is delivered via the package delivery messages covered by a previous alert.
SOLAR PANEL SCAMS
Essex has recently seen an increase in residents falling victim to rogue traders mis-selling solar panels.
ROYAL MAIL SCAMS — UNDELIVERED PARCEL TEXT MESSAGE
The public are being warned to stay alert to a new wave of scam text messages claiming to be from Royal Mail.
CAR SELLERS BEWARE— THIS OIL TRICK COULD LOSE YOU THOUSANDS
Car sellers are warned to be on the lookout for a re-emerging scam that sees potential buyers try to knock thousands off a car’s asking price—by tampering with it’s engine.
Action Fraud warning as holiday bookings surge after lockdown exit plans announced.
Action Fraud and ABTA, The Travel Association, are reminding the public to think twice before handing over their money and personal information when booking holidays this year.
FCA WARNING—BITCOIN INVESTORS SHOULD ‘BE PREPARED TO LOSE ALL THEIR MONEY’
Bitcoin has recently seen record highs, the FCA has issued a warning to all would-be investors in cryptocurrencies to ’be prepared to lose it all’
FAKE NATIONAL INSURANCE CALLS
Following a surge in reporting to Action Fraud, Essex has also seen an increase in automated National Insurance scams.
INSTAGRAM TRADERS — LIVING THEIR BEST LIFE, NOT THEIR REAL LIFE
Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, people have increasingly turned to social media as a way of connecting with each other and filling their leisure time. This has resulted in a 50% increase per month in reports of Instagram fraud, with an average loss of £200,000.
VACCINATION SCAMS CONTINUE!
Following on from the previous alert regarding vaccination text messages, there is a new fraudulent vaccination email being circulated.
HACK MY INFO? I DON’T THINK SO
As the pandemic has forced more of us to move online for work, shopping and leisure, we need to be vigilant to protect ourselves from hackers and financial loss.
Pharmacies launch codeword scheme to offer ‘lifeline’ to domestic abuse victims
Victims of domestic abuse will be able to access much needed support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK, backed by the government
NEW YEAR, NEW JOB? BEWARE FAKE RECRUITMENT ADVERTS
As the impact of the pandemic starts to take its toll, many residents may find themselves having to look for a new job, and criminals are taking advantage of the high numbers of people now flooding the job market
Essex Police Business Crime Q&A Event
Join Essex Police at an online event to ask questions about Business Crime Policing in Essex and discuss the issues faced by your business on Tuesday 19th January 2021 10:00-11:00.
If you or someone you know is vulnerable and has been a victim of fraud, please call Essex Police on 101.
Report fraud or attempted fraud by contacting Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
ORDERING LAST MINUTE GIFTS? SHUT THE DOOR ON DELIVERY FRAUD
Action Fraud warns that over £242,000 has been lost by customers to delivery scams since June 2020.
CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS 12 ARE SUPPLYING YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY DRUGS
This Christmas Essex residents are being urged to think about the supply chain behind recreational drugs, and consider the violence, intimidation and exploitation of vulnerable children that goes hand in hand with the movement of drugs around the County.
Essex Police set to receive additional £18.8 million next year
Essex Police is set to receive an additional £18.8 million in its funding next year, following an increase to police budgets by the Government.
BEWARE OF VACCINATION SCAMS
With the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine beginning this week, residents are warned of criminals seeking to exploit the pandemic further.
RESIDENTS WARNED OF FAKE BT CALLS
Essex Police is aware of reports by residents that have received a call claiming to be from BT and stating that there is either an issue with the broadband in the area, or that the residents internet access is due to be cut off unless they follow the callers instructions.
Funding available from PFCC to help support community safety projects across Essex
Voluntary and community safety groups from across Essex can apply for a funding boost from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex’s Community Safety Development Fund.
Have your say on paying for policing and fire and rescue services in Essex
What are your thoughts on paying for policing and fire rescue services in Essex?
KEEPING PEOPLE SAFER BY BREAKING THE CYCLE OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
“Everyone deserves to live a life free of domestic abuse.” – That’s the message from the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) as it aims to raise awareness of how people can get help.
HMRC Self Assessment Scams
Self assessment customers are being warned to be vigilant following reports of a number of HMRC scams ahead of the return deadline on 31st January 2021.
UK Finance reveals ten Covid-19 scams the public should be on high alert for
Criminals have been using a variety of sophisticated methods to exploit the coronavirus pandemic to get people to part with their hard earned money.
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