XX STOP PRESS XX

Website Administrator URGENTLY REQUIRED

The Website Administrator has now retired and a replacement is urgently required.

From 1st September 2022 this website will not be updated unless a replacement administrator volunteers.

Please use the Contact Us option to volunteer.

This role does not require any specific coding experience - if you have some basic computer experience in creating social media content you can update the website. Local training will be given as required and the website hosting team at "Squarezone Club Sites" are always a phone call away to give advice and to carry out any major changes if required. (added 12/07/2022)

What to do if you need urgent police help through the 999 service, but can't speak:

For a number of years there has been a system in place whereby people can dial 999 and should they be afraid or unable to speak they can still be put through to the Police. If a call is made from a mobile and no sound is made the BT operator can transfer the call using the Silent Solution police system. After a short message the caller will be prompted to press 55 and the call will be transferred to the police call handler who will then attempt to communicate with the caller. If a silent call to 999 is made from a landline, as it is less likely to be an accidental call the Silent Solution system is not used. The BT operator can transfer the call directly to a police call handler where information about where the call is from should be automatically available to them.

For a full guide on how to use the system is available from the Independent Office for Police Conduct link (IOPC).

(added 14/06/2022)

Cyber-Crime:

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) published a press release urging UK organisations to bolster their cyber security resilience. Although this is aimed at organisations, we ordinary users should also take precautions by taking regular data backups to help avoid the consequences of "ransomware" and be vigilant against other cyber-crime directed at us. Here are a few things to be aware of when receiving emails:

Who sent it? While scammers can sometimes fake company details, if an email differs from what you're expecting, we'd recommend doing a few checks to be sure. You can hover over or click the 'sent from' section to expand the details. If the email address doesn't match with what you've previously received, there are typos, or the name after the '@' is not the company itself, then it's likely a scam.

Does it have an attachment? Companies will very rarely send you an email with an attachment unless it is something you have requested. If you see one, be wary.

Does it want you to confirm confidential information? Unless you are a new customer, companies will likely have your information already. They will also never ask you for security information like passwords. If you receive a message asking for this, be cautious.

Don't click on any links or download attachments. Go directly via the official website or app instead.

Don't disclose security or personal info. This could allow the scammer to access your accounts.

Do report and delete it. Reporting it helps alert others to the scam.

If you are ever unsure, research it. Head to a search engine and search the message word for word to see if others have received the same thing. Alternatively, you can check with the company the email claims to be from. (added 01/02/2022)

Contact Details for all types of Scams etc:

New Bank Scams Helpline - 159

Stop Scams UK and Global Cyber Alliance have launched the UK-wide 159 call service, which is designed to guarantee consumers a safe route to contacting their banks. But, as yet, not all banks have signed up to this but most of the major banks have.

For more details of when to use this service and which banks are taking part go the Moneysavingsexpert website link: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2021/09/stop--hang-up--and-call-159-if-you-re-worried-about-bank-scam-ca/

Suspicious emails

Forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will investigate it.

HMRC Suspicious Emails

Forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and texts to 60599, or contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

Text messages

Forward the text message to 7726 - it's free.

This will report the message to your mobile phone provider.

Adverts

Report scam or misleading adverts to the Advertising Standards Authority. You can report adverts found online, including in search engines, websites or on social media.

You can also report scam or misleading adverts to Google if you found them in Google search results, or report to Bing if you found them in Bing search results.

If you think you've been a victim of an online scam or fraud

Contact Action Fraud if you think you've lost money or been hacked because of an online scam or fraud. You can:

report online - either sign up for an account or continue as a 'guest' or call 0300 123 2040

Calendar Updates:

Please have a look at the Calendar from the main menu for Public Meeting details (and cancellations) and any additional Policing events throughout 2022.

Alerts from Action Fraud:

New: The latest Scam alerts from Action Fraud can now be seen on our website under Crime Prevention + - Scams page or via the drop down menu options.