Smartphone scam: Win a free smartphone! Too good to be true? Keep your eyes peeled and don’t lose focus! Never give away passwords, passcodes, PINs or card details on any website that you are directed to via a link in a text message. Criminals can create spoof/clone websites that imitate those of trusted organisations to convince you to enter your personal and financial information. Take Five before clicking on links in emails/texts with too good to be true offers as they could be fake. Instead login directly to accounts to verify requests!
Scam calls: The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning the public to be vigilant of scam calls that appear to be coming from numbers similar to their own. Commonly, the first seven digits (07nnnnn) match the victim’s own number. The calls impersonate well-known government organisations, or law enforcement agencies, and will ask the recipient of the call to “press 1” in order to speak with an advisor, or police officer, about unpaid fines or police warrants. In May 2021, Action Fraud received 2,110 scam call reports where the caller’s number matched the first seven digits of the victim’s own phone number. Of these, 1,426 (68%) referred to HMRC or National Insurance. Victims have also reported receiving these types of calls, and messaging, via widely-used messaging apps, such as WhatsApp.
Protect yourself - What you need to do
- Government and law enforcement agencies will not notify you about unpaid fines or outstanding police warrants by calling or texting you. Do not respond to any calls or texts you receive about these.
- Always take a moment to stop and think before parting with money or your personal information, it could prevent you from falling victim to fraud. Remember, it’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
- If you receive a suspicious text message, you can report it by forwarding the message to 7726. It’s free of charge.
- Suspicious telephone/mobile calls can be reported to Action Fraud via their website: actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing
White van: We have received a report of men in a white van going door to door in Acton and Saxmundham, offering plants, trees and garden furniture. These individuals often visit Suffolk and use the same sales patter - “last one”, “great price” "ex-exhibition stock" etc, They currently state they have stock because they have not been able to sell them at the usual Garden Shows.
Our advice is to NEVER buy at the door!
If you are approached at the door and are not expecting a caller, our advice is not to answer. If approached report to us via 0808 223 1133. When reporting doorstep incidents, please try to supply key information such as the description of the individual and their vehicle, including the make, model and vehicle registration if seen.
Charity collectors: There has been a report of "charity" collectors going door to door in Lowestoft, asking for bank details in order to sell prize draw tickets in aid of military veterans. We have not been able to verify the identity of these individuals or any charity that they are affiliated to. Please be cautious when approached at the door by someone claiming to be fundraising. Several types of charity fraud are currently known to be in operation. Some scammers claim to be fundraising on behalf of legitimate charities, while others set-up fabricated charities and allege to fundraise for emotive issues such as children or cancer. These scams can be executed in person or by phone. Don't let legitimate charities lose out! There are many legitimate charities fundraising for good causes – every pound lost to a scam charity is a pound less that can be donated to a reputable cause. Those who wish to donate to charity should therefore check the legitimacy of the fundraiser before donating.
How to check a charity’s genuine:
- ask to see the identification of the fundraiser if you are asked to make a donation in person. All legitimate charity fundraisers carry official identification when fundraising. Make sure you are satisfied the identification is genuine
- all charities have to be registered with the Charity Commission. Check if a charity is registered with them by visiting the Charity Commission’s website
- don’t give out personal information and bank details to make a regular donation by Standing Order unless you are satisfied the person you are talking to is genuine. You can always phone the charity back on a known phone number published in the phone book or on the charity’s official website
Report all doorstep callers and scams to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Child safety: With the summer holidays approaching, it is important to be extra vigilant about your child’s safety around the house. Additionally, many parents are also working from home, and this is a can be a difficult time. Click here for Suffolk’s “Is your home a child-friendly zone?” support page-with checklists, and a range of great information for keeping your home safe and injury free: https://www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/projects/child-friendly
Some key points are:
- Garden Ponds - Garden ponds are involved in more than half of all toddler drownings. There are ways to ensure it is safe for children, including grilling it from the top, fencing in from the side or filling it with solid material.
- Inflatable pools – It is important to supervise children at ALL times when using these, and not leave children unattended even for a moment.
- Trampolining isn't suitable for children under the age of six because they're not sufficiently physically developed to control their bouncing. Adult supervision is no guarantee of safety. More than half of all trampoline accidents occur whilst under supervision. However, a trained 'spotter' can greatly reduce risk.
- Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury in young children, please be vigilant. Fit a safety gate at the top and bottom of stairs & avoid leaving tripping hazards like toys or laundry baskets. Stairs should be always be well lit.
- Supervise children on play equipment in the garden or in the park. Many accidents are caused by play involving pushing, shoving and wrestling.
Swine fever: Next week the Animal and Plant Health Agency are testing our readiness to respond to an outbreak of African Swine Fever. The UK is home to 11 native rare breed pigs, which would be put at risk if African Swine Fever reached the UK. Help prevent it by never feeding kitchen scraps to pigs. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/african-swine-fever