Milwich Parish Website

Fraud Alert: Computer Software Service Fraud

Your latest Smart Alert.

We are aware of a growing trend in reports of fraudsters re-targeting previous victims of this type of fraud.

Computer Software Service Fraud involves the victim being contacted, told that there is a problem with their computer, and that for a fee this issue can be resolved. The aim of the fraudster at this point is usually to gain remote access to the victim’s computer and, subsequently, access to their online banking account. No fix actually occurs. The victims will often be cold-called or will receive a pop-up on their computer, prompting them to phone the suspect.

We would always advise the following:

• If you receive such an unsolicited call or pop-up, do not make a payment. Always ensure you know who you are talking to. If in doubt, hang up immediately.
• Do not allow remote access to your computer.
• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank, or another trusted organisation, force you to make a financial transaction on the spot; they would never ask you to transfer money into another account for fraud reasons. Remember to stop and take time to carefully consider your actions.
• Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. Criminals may lull you into a false sense of security when you are out and about or rely on your defences being down when you’re in the comfort of your own home. They may appear trustworthy, but they may not be who they claim to be.

If you have been a victim of fraud contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Visit our website for the latest fraud alerts at https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/article/8201/Latest-Fraud-Alerts?p=2&ps=20

If you need to reply regarding this message, click on this email address: nw

Regards,
Paula James
Community Engagement Officer
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: nw

Suspicious Vehicle in Great Haywood

Your latest Smart Alert.

Over the past week there has been several reports of a white van (make and model unknown) on foriegn plates with 3 males on board driving slowly around Great Haywood.

At this time we have not had any reports of theft from the area but please ensure that you do not leave bikes or other property unlocked and ensure your garages and out buildings are locked up.

If you do see any vehicles acting suspiciously please report it to 101.

If you need to reply regarding this message, click on this email address: richard.owen

Regards,
Richard Owen
Police Community Support Officer
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: richard.owen

Advice: Keep your property secure!

Your latest Smart Alert.

We are reminding residents to take simple crime prevention measures this summer to protect their homes against burglars.

The timely reminder comes following a spate of burglaries reported across the county in the past week.

To keep burglars at bay:

Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you’re just out in the garden.

Check security on sheds and outbuildings and consider secondary locks on items of value stored within.

Hide all keys and valuables out of sight and away from windows or letterboxes.

Install a visual burglar alarm and outside security lighting.

Whilst away leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied.

Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition and ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.

Keep ladders and tools securely stored away; don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home.

Consider where you keep your wheelie bins – these are often used to climb over gates or access windows.

For further advice and a comprehensive guide, please see: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/burglary

Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us immediately on 101, or 999 if the crime is in progress. You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you need to reply regarding this message, click on this email address: nw

Regards,
Paula James
Community Engagement Officer
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: nw

ALERT: BT phone scam

Your latest Smart Alert.

We are urging residents to be on their guard following a report of a suspicious automated phone call, which claimed to be from BT. It stated that the home broadband would be disconnected, and to follow the options to either continue or cancel. Fortunately, the person receiving the call did not give any personal information or bank details away, and hung up. They contacted BT, and they confirmed that it wasn’t them, and that they wouldn’t make contact in this way.

We are reminding residents to never give any personal details to a cold caller. If you have any doubts as to how genuine they are, terminate the call and contact your provider through a verified method.

Please pass this message onto your neighbours and advise them to be on their guard and not to give any personal or bank details over the phone to cold callers.

Please support any suspicious calls or emails to Action Fraud, online at: www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

If you need to reply regarding this message, click on this email address: lydia.hooley

Regards,
Lydia Hooley
Community Engagement Officer
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: lydia.hooley

Alert: Business Break-ins south of County

Your latest Smart Alert.

We are aware of a number of reports where leisure clubs have been targeted in the south of the County.

Incidents have taken place over the last few weeks overnight in the south Staffordshire and Lichfield areas. Leisure and social clubs are being targeted for cash from gaming machines, tills, safes and other available locations. Offenders are forcing their way in mainly via fire doors.

Please remain vigilant and ensure these vulnerable locations are secured and any potential CCTV opportunities are maximised. Regular banking of taking will minimise losses.

Please call us on 101 with any information, or 999 in an emergency or if a crime is taking place.

If you need to reply regarding this message, click on this email address: nw

Regards,
Paula James
Community Engagement Officer
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: nw

Advice: Be wary of Vishing Fraud/Phone Scams

Your latest Smart Alert.

To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June) we are asking people to talk to their elderly family members and neighbours about phone scams – one of the main methods of fraud targeting older or vulnerable people.

Fraud over the phone – or Vishing – is when a fraudster calls claiming they are from your bank or some other trusted organisation e.g. the police. It is easy for them to convince you too, since they can both fake the telephone number on the screen and do their research to find out some of your basic bank and personal details. Remember though, a genuine bank will never ask you for personal or financial details like your PIN number or full banking password (even by tapping it into your phone keypad).

Five things look out for on a scam phone call:

1. The caller doesn’t give you time to think, tries to stop you speaking to a family member or friend or is insistent and makes you feel uncomfortable.

2. The caller asks you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons.

3. They phone to ask for your four-digit card PIN or your online banking password. Even if they ask you to give it to them by tapping into the telephone keypad rather than saying the numbers out loud, this is a scam.

4. They ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping.

5. They may say that you are a victim of fraud and offer to send a courier to your home to collect your cash, PIN, payment card or cheque book.

Be vigilant, do not engage in conversation, put the phone down and tell someone you trust. If you have been a victim of such a fraud and you have handed money to someone, please contact 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

If you need to reply regarding this message, click on this email address: nw

Regards,
Paula James
Community Engagement Officer
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: nw