BANK TEXTS: Beware of all the scam texts that are currently being received, purporting to be from various banks. The scam involves a fraudster sending text messages (also known as an SMS) at random to mobile phones. The text messages claim to come from a reputable organisation such as your bank or mobile phone company. The message will try to trick you into clicking on a link to a bogus website or calling a phone number, usually by claiming you need to “verify” or “update” your details or “reactivate” an account. The criminal will then attempt to get you to disclose personal or financial information, which they will use for their own fraudulent purposes. Do not reply to the text message. Be cautious about clicking on any links that may be embedded or calling the number in a text message. If you think you might have responded to a text message scam and provided your bank account details, contact your bank immediately.
CORONA CHARITY: We have received reports from residents who have had a number of calls from someone purporting to be from "The Corona Charity Fund". The caller makes claims regarding the expected death count at the peak of the virus spread, and gives information on how bad the current situation is. The individual asks for a donation to help in the fight against coronavirus. The alarmist information is not correct, and there is no such charity. If you receive such a call, HANG UP! Do not share any personal details with them, especially any banking details. Please report all scams to us via 0808 223 1133. We have received a report of individuals purporting to be from Home, But Not Alone, contacting Suffolk residents and attempting to obtain banking details, in exchange for a food parcel. Home, But Not Alone is a FREE service for those in URGENT need of support. You won’t be asked for your bank details or a payment. If you are asked for either of these, it could be a scam and should be reported immediately to Suffolk Trading Standards via 0808 223 1133. For more information on Home, But Not Alone, head to the website here: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-news/show/home-but-not-alone
PIGS: A consequence of lockdown is that farmers are noting an increase in use of the local footpaths around their properties. We ask that while on your daily exercise, if you see pigs in a field, please DO NOT feed them. African swine fever is a deadly pig disease. It poses no threat to human health but is fatal for pigs.
FOOD SAFETY: The Food Standards Agency has produced guidance that provides food safety information for individuals or groups wishing to prepare meals at home for their community. This can include preparing or donating meals for:
- those in self-isolation due to coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms
- vulnerable groups who are being shielded
- community groups and local organisations
- NHS staff.
Food provided for community groups must comply with food law and be safe to eat. You do not need a food hygiene certificate to provide food for charity or community groups. However, you need to make sure that you handle food safely. Full guidance here: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/food-safety-for-community-cooking-and-food-banks. If you need advice, please call via 0808 223 1133.
BUSINESSES AGAINST SCAMS: Businesses Against Scams has been set up by the National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team and includes a number of resources that companies can share with their employees which can educate them on a variety of common business-related frauds. In light of recent events concerning COVID-19 (coronavirus), people are working from home more than ever. Increased stress, less opportunities to talk to colleagues and a different working environment are all things that criminals are using to their advantage to commit fraud. Employees are having to make decisions on their own without verification from their colleagues, making businesses more susceptible. There are a number of practical steps companies can take to reduce the risk including:
- Supporting people to use stronger passwords and setting up two factor authentication
- Ensuring staff know how to report problems, especially those related to security
- Creating ‘How to’ guides for new software and tools staff may be using
- Using VPNs to allow users to securely access the organisation’s IT services.
By completing the questionnaire on www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/BAS you will be given access to a training session (PowerPoint) that takes around 10 minutes to complete and provides information on frauds, what to look out for and how to prevent your company from falling victim to them. You will also get a number of Fact Sheets (PDF) that can be used as a refresher for staff members, along with a number of infographics/posters that can be used on social media or within your team. If you need advice, or want to report a scam or rogue trader, call Suffolk Trading Standards via 0808 223 1133.