News
Southend u3a Winter 2024 Newsletter now published. Click on the link on the right hand side to view.
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Listen to u3a radio now on podcasting platforms
The u3a radio podcast has now launched on podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts. The episode can also still be listened to on our u3a YouTube channel, with captions.
Please do share this with your members and, if you or a member of your u3a has a story to share with u3a radio, please get in touch.
(20220123)
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(Triolet Sept 2021)
Starting Back
Now that lockdowns seem to be done,
We members can start once again to have some fun.
So we can begin our plans to make,
And some adventures now we can take.
It doesn’t matter if it’s rain or sun,
Let’s be positive for everyone’s sake.
So get ready once again to have some fun, Now that lockdowns seem to be done.
DMS
(20210908)
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New Home Support Service from CARERS CHOICES
We are offering assistance with housework, shopping and food preparation, As an organisation we also offer the following services Respite Care, Dementia Day Centres, Day Centre for Young Adults with Learning Disabilities and Young Carer Groups.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
Sharon Box
Home Support Service Manager.
See their Website at carerschoices.org or Telephone 01268 881130 for more information.
(20201013)
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Message received from Essex Police Fraud Alert System
UK Finance reveals ten Covid-19 scams the public should be on high alert for
Criminals have been using a variety of sophisticated methods to exploit the coronavirus pandemic to get people to part with their hard earned money.
As part of their Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, UK Finance have revealed the top ten Covid-19 and lockdown scams the public should be on the lookout for.
Health Scams
1.Hand Sanitizer & Face Masks
Victims are also being targeted by fake adverts for Covid-related products and Personal Protective equipment (PPE) that do not exist.
2.NHS Test and Trace
Criminals are preying on an anxious public by sending phishing emails and cold calls claiming that the recipient has been in contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19. These are designed to steal personal and financial information.
Contact Tracers will never:
• Ask you to make any form of payment
• Ask for details about your bank account
• Ask you for passwords or PINs
• Ask you to download anything
Covid-19 Financial Support Scams
3.Fake Government Emails
Criminals are sending emails designed to look like they are from government departments offering grants of up to £7,500. Theses emails contain links which steal personal and financial information.
4.‘Covid-19 Relief Funds’
Fraudsters have also been sending scam emails which offer access to relief funds, encouraging victims to fill in a form with their personal information.
5.‘Council Tax Reduction’
Criminals have been targeting people with official-looking emails offering a council tax reduction. These emails, which use government branding, contain links which lead to a fake government website which is used to access personal and financial information.
6.Universal Credit Applications
Fraudsters are also preying on benefit recipients, offering to help applying for Universal Credit, while taking some of the payment as an advance for their “services”.
Lockdown Scams
7. TV Subscription Services
Amid a rise in the use of during the lockdown, customers have been targeted by criminals sending convincing emails asking them to update their payment details by clicking on a link which is then used to steal credit card information.
8.Dating Scams
Fraudsters are also exploiting those using online dating sites and social media by creating fake profiles used to manipulate people into handing over their money. Often criminals will use the identities of real people to strike up relationships with their targets.
9.Fake Investment Opportunities
Criminals are using social media websites to encourage victims to “take advantage of the financial downturn”. Bitcoin platforms are using emails and adverts on social media platforms to encourage unsuspecting victims invest money into fake companies.
10.TV Licensing Scams
Criminals are sending fake emails and texts claiming to be from TV Licencing telling people they are eligible for six months of free TV license because of the coronavirus pandemic. Victims are told there has been a problem with their direct debit and are asked to click on a link that takes them to a fake website used to steal personal and financial information.
Remember
Criminals are experts at impersonating trusted organisations and manipulating people into parting with their money or personal information.
Consumers are reminded to stop and take a moment to think before parting with any money or information, in case it’s a scam.
Stop
Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
Challenge
Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
(20200817)
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Urgent Notice: Phishing email
We are aware of a phishing email which appears to have been distributed among U3A contacts.
The email will appear to have been sent by someone in your email address list, so someone you probably know.
The email contains a blue box with the word 'Preview' in it and wants you to click on it. DO NOT OPEN OR CLICK ON IT.
If you have tried to open it or clicked on it then please let us know so we can help you sort this out. Please email national.office@u3a.org.uk or call one of our team on 0208 466 6139
Our staff team will note your details and help you accordingly.
The email should be deleted from your inbox and from your deleted folder and you should change your password.
Thank you
Third Age Trust
(20200731)