Scams and Much More
It's time to make a few radicle changes, so I have started by removing the Computer/IT page and replacing it with Scams and much more.
This page will bring you news and information of scams, phishing and other such topics. If you feel something should be included, is incorrect or misleading, confusing or for any other reason please, do not hesitate to contact me by clicking on the "Click to send a message!" at the top of this page. Peter Harris - IT and website.
Why not try this Password checker from the Open University to see how strong your passwords are : Password Checker. (Please note that no data is stored or transmitted).
The following videos are on YouTube and well worth a visit:
1. Passwords
2. Phishing
3. On-line ID
4. Updates to check out
My thanks to Wynmondham U3A who created this page and have kindly given permission for us to share it.
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Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Awareness
Most modern UK households now have many items that contain Lithium-Ion batteries such as mobile phones, e-bikes/scooters, vacuum cleaners and even children’s toys and any of these items can be a potential risk if not treated correctly.
Research has identified a lack of knowledge in the public surrounding these issues so Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have created a video awareness campaign called ‘Simple Changes Save Lives’.
Smoke detectors are proven to protect life, however lithium-Ion battery fires can start and develop so quickly. Lithium-Ion is one of the most common forms of battery because it can store the most energy in the smallest space.
This video gives some simple advice that means even if a fire does start from a battery, the occupants of the home should be able to escape and this video is worth watching:
Lithium Battery Safety Awareness video in conjunction with Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service - YouTube Click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq3No-lckhU
Because of their potential to catch fire, Lithium-Ion batteries must be looked after:
Only buy batteries from a reputable manufacturer.
Unplug devices when they are fully charged to avoid overheating.
Store batteries in a cool dry place.
Do not charge items such as mobile phones or tablets under pillows or on beds.
Avoid charging devices overnight when anyone is asleep.
Do not charge anything in a corridor or room that provides your only way out of your home.
Ensure there is a working smoke alarm in every room where charging takes place and charge in a location where you can close a door to prevent smoke spread.
In the event of a fire, leave immediately and do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself.
For further information relating to Lithium-Ion batteries, visit https://www.batteryfiresafety.co.uk
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Fire Kills but You Can Prevent It!
More than three quarters of fire related deaths happen in the home. You can make sure that your home is safe by arranging a Safe and Well visit from the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Safe and Well visits are carried out by uniformed officers free of charge. You will receive advice on making your home safe and on staying well. Fire and Rescue Service will fit smoke detectors where necessary and check your existing ones. With a working smoke alarm, you are 4 times more likely to survive. Safe and Well visits are available to anyone. It won’t cost you a penny, but it could save a life.
Everyone can benefit from fire safety advice, but some groups in our community may be at greater risk. Help is available so get in touch online or by telephone on 0300 123 4046
If you are worried about a young person’s or child’s behaviour around fire you can report it anonymously at Report dangerous behaviour around fire.
Make a fire escape plan
If there is a fire in your home, it'll be much easier for you to escape if you've already thought about the best way to get out quickly.
Work out an escape route and keep it clear of obstructions
Keep keys to doors and windows accessible
Check all the family know how to escape
Tell family or friends who may stay at your home overnight
If a fire starts in your home act fast. Every second counts!
Raise the alarm
Get out
All queries relating to this message and any requests for a FREE Safe and Well visit should be directed to https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fire or call today 0300 123 4046.
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Say No to Scam and Nuisance Calls - Apply for a free call blocker
Hertfordshire County Council Trading Standards is advising that applications for free call blockers have re-opened on the Friends Against Scams website. If you know somebody who would benefit from a call blocker, ask them to apply here:
ScamAware CallBlocker
The National Trading Standards Scams Team received government funding to supply and install call blocking technology in consumers’ homes.
The team and trueCall now post units out to consumers who can self-install.
Units will be sent directly to consumers and people won’t be able to apply on behalf of others.
Units will be supplied on a first come first served basis.
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Warning issued to WhatsApp users - Account takeover scam
OWL Message sent on behalf of Action Fraud UK:
Action Fraud has received over 60 reports relating to a scam that steals access to a WhatsApp user's account.
The scam begins when a criminal gets access to another WhatsApp account which has you listed as a contact.
The criminal, posing as your friend or someone that’s a member of a WhatsApp group you’re in, will then send you seemingly normal messages to try and start a conversation with you.
However, around the same time you will receive a text message from WhatsApp with a six-digit code. This is because the criminal has been trying to login to WhatsApp using your mobile number.
The criminal will claim that they sent you their code by accident and ask you to help them by sending it to them. Once the criminal has this code, they can login to your WhatsApp account and lock you out.
The criminal will then use the same tactic with your WhatsApp contacts in an effort to steal more accounts and use them to perpetrate fraud.
What you need to do:
Set up two-step verification to give an extra layer of protection to your account: Tap Settings > Account >Two-step verification > Enable.
THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity.
Never share your account’s activation code (that’s the 6 digit code you receive via SMS)
You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.
Every report matters:
If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to Action Fraud or 0300 123 2040.
Please remember the Watch Liaison Team cannot report an incident on your behalf - you need to ring 101 or report electronically at Contact us Hertfordshire Constabulary (herts.police.uk) contact/af/contact-us/
Please only reply if you have information that the sender has asked for by tapping on this email address: wlo@herts.police.uk. If you want to discuss anything else or report a crime, please refer to the Police Contact Advice below.
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Telephone fraud targeting older people
We have been alerted by our Fraud experts that older residents are being targeted by a new variation of the telephone scam where the caller claims to be the police or your bank.
Previously, this scam involved people calling you and claiming to be from the police or from your bank.
They would say that there is a problem related to your bank and that you need to withdraw your money from your bank account and give it to a courier who will come to your house to collect it. Sometimes, people were asked to give their bank card to a courier.
In the new variation, the people claiming to be the police or your bank will ask you to withdraw your money and post it to them at an address that they give you during the phone call.
People living independently and people living in care homes have been targeted by this fraud.
Please remember:
The police or your bank would never call you to ask you to withdraw money from your account.
You would never be asked by police or your bank to give your money to a courier or to send money in the post.
You would never be asked by police or your bank to give your bank card to a courier or to send it in the post.
Please only reply if you have information that the sender has asked for by tapping on this email address: wlo@herts.police.uk. If you want to discuss anything else or report a crime, please refer to the Police Contact Advice below.
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Scam Reminder : WhatsApp messages from family members
We are seeing an increasing number of scam reports where victims have received messages claiming to be from their son/daughter or other family member saying they have lost or broken their phone, and the number they are texting from is their new number. They then requested financial help, asking for money to be sent urgently.
Some Hertfordshire residents have lost over £1,000, resulting in a traumatic emotional and financial impact for the victims. Please remain alert to this scam and warn others.
Remember that on WhatsApp (like emails and phone calls) people are not always who they claim to be. If someone claiming to be someone you know asks for money or personal information, it is best to pause and check that they are who they say – perhaps by speaking to them in person - before acting on their request.
(28/06/2022)