Wednesday 30 November 2016

@WAR - Warwickshire Police Incidents

Barn burglary at rural home in Austrey Lane, No Mans Heath

Please be aware that during the night of 28 into 29 November, offenders used a crowbar type instrument to lever off metal and wood sheets on top of a brick wall at a barn in Austrey Lane, No Mans Heath.
Once inside the barn, the offenders created a ramp in order to steal a red quad bike from inside.
Read more

Burglary at home in Cubbington Road, Leamington

Please be aware that at some point before 6pm on 28 November, offenders kicked in the conservatory door at a home in Cubbington Road, Leamington.
Once inside the house, the offenders switched on the lights and carried out a search of the bedrooms.  It is not yet clear what was stolen.

Read more

Burglary at home in Barton Crescent, Leamington

Please be aware that at just after 7.30pm on 29 November, a white male entered a home in Barton Crescent, Leamington, carrying a small television.
The door of the house was unlocked and slightly ajar when the male walked in and the walked back out still carrying the TV.  Nothing was stolen but the man joined another white male outside and they made off.

Read more

Garage burglary at home in Archery Fields, Warwick

Please be aware that during the night of 29 into 30 November, offenders forced open the garage door of a home in Archery Fields, Warwick and entered the premises.
Once inside, the offenders stole over 40 bottles of sparkling wine, which were stored in plastic boxes.

Read more

Friday 25 November 2016

@NAT - Don't loose your home



24/11/2016 Home for sale fraud and how to protect yourself

A homeowner who only discovered that he had been the victim of identity theft after he saw his £500,000 house for sale on Rightmove has prompted Warwickshire Trading Standards to issue some advice on identity theft and on protecting the deeds to your property.

A recent BBC article describes how criminals stole the victim's mail and forged his signature in order to falsify the documents needed to transfer the deeds to his property in to their name. They then put his house in to a property auction.

People who have paid off their mortgages are more vulnerable to this type of scam because the criminals are able to transfer the house deeds without needing the extra authority of the lender.

The Land Registry has a range of advice on their website on how you can protect yourself from property related fraud. This includes signing up to a Property Alert service. You can get alerts for up to 10 properties and there’s no fee. You do not need to own the property so you can receive alerts on behalf of a family member. You will receive an alert if someone applies to change the register of your property, for example if someone tries to use your property for a mortgage or tries to change the property deeds in to their name.

This won’t automatically block any changes to the register but will alert you when something changes so that you can take action.

Identity Theft Advice

There is a range of advice available from Action Fraud on how to protect yourself and what to do if you think you are a victim of identity theft.

MORE

@WAR - Cybercrime Survey


Cyber Crime

How safe do you feel online? 
Warwickshire County Council and key strategic partners have launched their second cyber crime survey to find out how safe people feel online and assess the impact that online crime is having around the county.
The cyber crime survey – which can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RegionalCyber16 – is being run by the Warwickshire Observatory and asks people to share their experiences of online crime through a series of questions.

Thursday 24 November 2016

@WAS - Burglary, Wolverton Road, Snitterfield

Burglary, Wolverton Road, Snitterfield
  • Incident number: Incident 54 17/11/16
  • Date: 17/11/2016
Between 0200-0300 17/11/16 3 generators were stolen from within a building at a rural location. 

Tuesday 22 November 2016

@WAR - Recent Neighbourhood Watch Information

Alerts

Alert: Stranded Traveller Scams

Email that was supposedly sent by a friend claims that he or she is stranded without money or papers in a foreign land because of a robbery. The email, which comes from your friend’s real email account, asks if you can send funds urgently to help the stranded friend return home. The email is a scam designed to trick you into sending money to online criminals. Your friend’s email account has been hijacked via a phishing scam and the criminals are using the hijacked account to send out the “stranded” scam emails in your friend’s name. Your friend may be unaware that his or her account has been compromised and is being used to send scam messages.

Apply security updates to Mozilla Firefox: Alert Priority High

You are advised to update to Mozilla Firefox 50 and Firefox ESR 45.5 to address security vulnerabilities. Details of the updates and security fixes for the popular web browser can be found on the Mozilla Foundation Security Advisories page.

Alert: #Amazon #Phishing Emails Targeting #BlackFriday Customers

Scammers are playing on Amazon’s early Black Friday sales by sending out emails purportedly from the company saying there is a problem processing orders and that they won’t be shipped.

Alert: Twitter users warned of phishing scam hiding in plain sight as Promoted Tweet: Crooks ask for payment details in return for a blue tick

Twitter users have been warned of a Promoted Tweet appearing in feeds that offers to help them get their account verified, but is actually a phishing scam hiding in plain sight. The message, which could appear in users' feeds regardless of who they follow, contains a link to a site that requests account information, and more worryingly payment details, in return for helping to place a blue tick on user profiles. However, as security firm Malwarebytes noted, the entire set-up is a ruse which has so far ensnared almost 1,000 people.

Alert: BT scam warning

Warwickshire residents are warned to beware of a 'new' phone scam.

News


Commissioner welcomes report highlighting police efficiency

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe has welcomed the findings of a HMIC report which shows Warwickshire Police is efficient at reducing crime and keeping people safe.

Scam ‘Warwickshire awareness campaign’ warning

Residents are warned to beware of cold calls made from a mobile telephone number, from someone selling 'monitored' burglar alarms. The caller claims that they are working on a 'Warwickshire Awareness Campaign' backed by Warwickshire County Council, selling devices that will alert the emergency services in the event of an emergency. The caller claims that the system is entirely free to the over 55's, bar a £300 installation fee.

Call prevention cold call scams

Warwickshire residents are warned to beware of cold calls from people offering 'call prevention services'. These callers claim to be able to offer you protection against, ironically, cold calls, for a small monthly fee. In reality, if they do anything at all, the simply register your details with the Telephone Preference Service, a free to register service.

To read more on any of these stories please google the heading or a pertinent section of the text.

Wednesday 16 November 2016

@WAR - Scams update from WCC



15-11-2016 01:54 PM GMT


Warwickshire residents are warned to beware of cold calls from people offering 'call prevention services'. These callers claim to be able to offer you protection against, ironically, cold calls, for a small monthly fee. In reality, if they do anything at all, the simply register your details with the Telephone Preference Service, a free to register service.
Would you give your bank details to a stranger in the street? No? Then NEVER give your bank details to cold callers. Never buy goods or services from cold callers. ALWAYS put the phone down.
  • Make a scam/rogue trader complaint to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.
  • Warwickshire Trading Standards Website Facebook Twitter
  • Sign up to scam alerts at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams
  • Please feel free to pass on or re-publish this email alert
15-11-2016 01:43 PM GMT


Residents are warned to beware of cold calls made from a mobile telephone number, from someone selling 'monitored' burglar alarms. The caller claims that they are working on a 'Warwickshire Awareness Campaign' backed by Warwickshire County Council, selling devices that will alert the emergency services in the event of an emergency. The caller claims that the system is entirely free to the over 55's, bar a £300 installation fee.
Warwickshire Trading Standards can confirm that Warwickshire County Council is not running any such campaign. This is a scam.
These cold calls are being made by rogue/high pressure alarm businesses wishing to install monitored alarms in resident's homes.  The alarms are often offered free of charge or for a low cost, but after installation residents are pressurised in to signing up to a high priced monitoring contract costing several thousand pounds.
NEVER buy goods or services from a cold caller.
  • Make a scam/rogue trader complaint to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.
  • Warwickshire Trading Standards Website Facebook Twitter
  • Sign up to scam alerts at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams
  • Please feel free to pass on or re-publish this email alert
15-11-2016 01:37 PM GMT


Warwickshire residents are warned to beware of a 'new' phone scam.
A Rugby area couple reported receiving a phone call from someone falsely claiming to work for BT. The caller informed the couple that unfortunately, their direct debit payment for their phone hadn't gone through. They confirmed the victims name/address etc and asked who they banked with. They then informed them that their bank would call them back in 15 mins to discuss.
The "Bank" (the fraudsters) then called back and tried unsuccessfully to obtain security question and other bank details from them.
  • Make a scam/rogue trader complaint to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.
  • Warwickshire Trading Standards Website Facebook Twitter
  • Sign up to scam alerts at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams
  • Please feel free to pass on or re-publish this email alert
15-11-2016 01:29 PM GMT


Warwickshire businesses and charities are warned to beware of  cold calls from a rogue publication company claiming to be a charity. The bogus charity claims to be seeking sponsorship for books for schools. In reality, these books are hardly ever printed or distributed, making the sponsorship worthless.
NEVER engage in conversation with these callers or ask to be sent any information. They will record phone calls and attempt to portray any interest as a verbal contract to buy/sponsor.
  • Make a scam/rogue trader complaint to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.
  • Warwickshire Trading Standards Website Facebook Twitter
  • Sign up to scam alerts at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams
  • Please feel free to pass on or re-publish this email alert

Tuesday 15 November 2016

@WAR - Recent NW Information

 Alerts

Alert: You've Been Summoned!

Fraudsters are sending out a wave of scam emails purporting to be from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that claim you have to appear in court.

Alert: Marlboro ‘Ten Free Cigarette Carton Giveaway’ Facebook Scam

Post being shared on Facebook claims that you can click to get 10 free cartons of Marlboro brand cigarettes. The post claims that the giveaway is to celebrate Marlboro’s 110th anniversary. The message is a scam designed to trick you into spamming your friends and divulging your personal information via dodgy survey websites. It has no connection to Marlboro and no cigarettes are being given away.

Alert: Consumers warned of dangerous counterfeit goods sold via social media

CONSUMERS have been warned about the growing threat of dangerous counterfeit goods sold via social media platforms and other online portals. National Trading Standards (NTS) said fraudsters’ clever use of digital technologies was behind a number of emerging threats to consumers, such as selling fake items through social media where it is easier to conceal identities and disguise contact details. NTS also said it increasingly saw criminals disguising themselves as well-known brands before luring users to their external sites with low prices, in its overview of the key threats and activity its teams have dealt with over the past year.

Alert: Update Google Chrome to boost security: Alert Priority High

Google has released new versions of its Chrome browser for Windows, Mac and Linux to address security vulnerabilities. You are advised to review the Chrome releases update page and update to Chrome 54.0.2840.99 for Windows, 54.0.2840.98 for Mac, and 54.0.2840.100 for Linux. These updates include four security fixes. Updates address vulnerabilities in computer systems that remote attackers can otherwise use to gain access to systems or information (such as online banking details).

Alert: Gerry & Lisa Cannings “Charity Donations” Advance Fee Scam

Email claims that UK lottery winners Gerry & Lisa Cannings have decided to give £250,000 each to five people selected via an email database and your email address has emerged as one of the winning selections. Gerry & Lisa Cannings really did win £32 million in a February 2016 UK Lotto jackpot. However, they are certainly not giving away large sums of money to total strangers via the Internet. And, they did not send this email. In fact, the email is an advance fee scam designed to trick you into sending your money and personal information to criminals.

Alert: Fake Airline “Travel Itinerary” Emails Lead To Locky Ransomware

Emails purporting to be from various well-known airlines claim that you can view the travel itinerary for a supposed flight booking you made by opening an attached .zip file. The emails are not from real airlines and the attachments do not contain a travel itinerary. Instead, the attachments contain a malicious file that, if opened, can download and install Locky ransomware.

Alert: PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) Premium Rate Scam Warning

The warning was more or less true over a decade ago, but the scam was shut down in late 2005. The scam is not reoccurring in 2016. And, even when the scam was operating, victims were not instantly charged £315 as claimed. Reposting this hopelessly outdated and misleading warning will not help anybody.

Alert

A consumer reported receiving a phone call from someone claiming to represent the Telephone Preference Service. The caller asked the consumer to confirm their details, (the caller knew the name and address of the consumer) and then asked the consumer for the visa card details that were used when the consumer registered with the TPS.

Alert: Beware of bogus Telephone Preference Service callers

A consumer reported receiving a phone call from someone claiming to represent the Telephone Preference Service. The caller asked the consumer to confirm their details, (the caller knew the name and address of the consumer) and then asked the consumer for the visa card details that were used when the consumer registered with the TPS.

Alert: Bogus NHS cold callers selling mobility products warning!

Older residents are warned to beware of high pressure cold calls from companies selling mobility equipment and furniture. The cold callers falsely claim they are carrying out a survey on behalf of the NHS before trying to organise visits to the consumer's home on the pretence of delivering a 'free gift' and measuring up for new products.

News

‘No Harm Done?’ Think Again! – 4 Reasons Why Participating In Bogus Facebook Giveaways is NOT Harmless

Facebook is awash with bogus competition pages. You know, the ones that promise amazing prizes such as store vouchers, holidays, luxury vehicles, ocean cruises, free air travel, and even houses in exchange for liking, sharing, commenting, and filling in surveys. And, despite many warnings about such scams, very large numbers of Facebook users still fall for them every day.

Festive Fire Warning! Free Safety Tests for Christmas Lights - Book Now!

Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service have launched a Christmas Fire Safety campaign to promote festive fire safety and reduce the number of fires caused by faults with Christmas tree lights.

Warwickshire County Council supports National Alcohol Awareness Week 2016

In support of National Alcohol Awareness Week 2016, Warwickshire County Council reminds residents of the harmful effects of alcohol. The theme of the national campaign focuses on alcohol and health, and knowing the risks associated with alcohol.

Half of consumers have fallen victim to cyber crime

Nearly half of consumers have been victims of cybercrime, with one in six losing money to online fraud, according to a report. A survey by MarkMonitor found that 45 per cent of consumers have been hit by some form of cybercrime, with 65 per cent choosing not to report it to the authorities.

To read more on any of these stories please google the heading or a pertinent section of the text.

Sunday 13 November 2016

@SOU - Compton Chronicle entry December 2016

FENNY COMPTON NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Crime statistics - South Warwickshire has seen a significant increase in crime over the last 12 months. The police have seen spikes in the following :
  • Theft of quad bikes  and trailers, even when locked in outbuildings.
  • Theft of and from tradesmen's vans, in one case the van had been left open but was being accessed constantly.
  • Burglary, house and burglary other (i.e. shed or garden)
There is much helpful advice on keeping your property safe on the rural watch website www.warwickshireruralwatch.co.uk
The police have a number of initiatives targeting rural crime but one of their most useful resources is the eyes and ears of the public; please call 101 and report any suspicious activity ASAP.
Property marking - To help keep your valuables safe mark them with your postcode and house name or number. Free loan of marking kits and advice are available in FC from neighbourhood watch.
Police Support Volunteers - There are vacancies for volunteers at most police stations in Stratford District. They are suitable for unemployed school leavers to gain skills and build experience in the workplace or those who have retired from full-time employment. In the former case a certificate will be earned for satisfactory performance; the minimum age is 17. To see what positions are available search for Police Support Volunteers on the Warwickshire Police website. bit.do/wpsv
Number Plate theft should be reported without delay by calling 101. The sooner the police have this information to feed to ANPR cameras the more chance they have of stopping  the vehicle before a crime takes place and the less explaining you will have to do to exonerate yourself. Also report the theft  to the DVLA  at an early opportunity.
SCAM Calls - If you get annoyed by unwanted calls try signing up to the free Telephone Preference Service www.tpsonline.org.uk If you find that you are still receiving nuisance calls there are several call blocking phones available that will screen calls before you answer. Never ever give financial or personal information to a cold caller. Hang up and either wait for 10 minutes for the line to clear or use another phone to call the organisation on a number you know to be correct.
CyberTip - Scam email There seem to be an increasing number of scam emails that at first sight come from a friend or colleague. As well as the name check the email address and don't open if it looks suspicious. If you do open an email without taking this precaution and it contains little more than a link, it is a scam, don not click on the link and  delete the email. Also contact the supposed sender and advise them to do a virus scan on their computer/device.