Local News From the Seaford Newhaven and Peacehaven area
British universities and colleges warned about spike in ransomware attacks by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ. · 40% of students do not consider the risk of a cyber-attack after sharing log in details · 57% admit using the same passwords for multiple accounts · Mum and dad […]
These days – pandemic or no pandemic – the vast majority of second-hand cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles are bought and sold online. It’s fast and convenient, and there’s so much choice at your fingertips. But online marketplaces are also very popular with fraudsters. Unfortunate buyers get tricked […]
The scam typically involves the victim being told they have been hacked or their computer has a virus. They’re advised they need to install software, pay money or hand over details to protect their device from further damage. A 60-year-old woman in Brighton was contacted by a man purporting to […]
Despite more than half (52%) worrying about banking apps being hacked if their phone is lost or stolen Millions of us are actually putting ourselves at risk by carrying out our online banking on smartphones and devices that are potentially vulnerable to a security breach. 47% of smartphone owners who […]
Sussex Police is issuing a warning about scam callers purporting to be from Amazon Prime, after a recent, sudden spike in reports. Since 1 July, the force has received 68 reports of this type of fraud resulting in losses of over £64,000. This crime typically involves a phone call from […]
he young people in our families generally have a better hands-on knowledge of technology than we do. However, this confidence can result in them taking more risks online that could adversely affect their finances, reputation or even their whole future, if they end up with a criminal record. If your […]
Almost 34% of all retail sales during May 2020 were carried out online, and new research suggests that only 16% of UK consumers intend to return to their old shopping habits post-lockdown. Online shopping fraud during lockdown Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, received over […]
Phishing attacks are regarded as the greatest cyber threat 15 July 2020: In a survey of UK cyber security, IT and business professionals, 86% of businesses expect cyber threats to increase over the next 12 months. The survey, commissioned by WatchGuard Technologies, also reveals that 44% of organisations have experienced a cyber attack over the last […]
You’re probably familiar with some of the ways in which fraudsters approach and attempt to lure in their victims, such as emails, texts, phone calls, letters and traditional doorstep scams. But did you know that social media is also a favourite place for scammers? With billions of people using social […]
As you may already know the National Trading Standards Scams Team received government funding to supply and installcall blocking technology in consumers’ homes.The project re-launched at the beginning of March and received hundreds of applications. Due to Covid-19 they had to make the very difficult decision to close applications as […]
Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to try and get their hands on your money and personal information. To date, Action Fraud has received reports from 2,378 victims of Coronavirus-related scams, with the total losses reaching over £7 million. How you can protect yourself from Coronavirus-related scams: There are some simple […]
With more stores reopening, and online shopping slots becoming available, please take the time to refresh your online security, only trust known websites, and remember offers that sound too good to be true generally are. More support and advice here. NHS Track and Trace scams, if you’re contacted by the NHS […]
RESIDENTS are being warned about scammers using the Covid-19 crisis to con them out of their hard-earned cash. East Sussex Trading Standards team is using Scams Awareness Fortnight, which runs from June 15 to June 28, to remind the public to be on their guard. Reports of attempted scams have […]
Did you know scams cost the UK economy £5-£10 Billion a year, with over 50% of people over 65 having already been targeted by scams; and only 5% of all scams reported? With more stores reopening, and online shopping slots becoming available, please take the time to refresh your online […]
This week’s scam and fraud warnings from Action Fraud: EasyJet cyber breach: Action Fraud has been made aware by the National Cyber Security Centre of the cyber breach affecting EasyJet customers. We’re currently monitoring our system for EasyJet related reports to see if there has been a significant increase. Most […]
Action Fraud scam watch Did you know scams cost the UK economy £5-£10 Billion a year, with over 50% of people over 65 having already been targeted by scams; and only 5% of all scams reported? Action Fraud’s top tips Although fraud and cybercrime comes in many forms, there are […]
Police are issuing a warning after several people in Sussex have become victims of pet buying scams. The suspect typically advertises puppies or kittens online and uses the Covid-19 outbreak as the reason the victim can’t come and see the pet. They will often send photos or videos and persuade […]
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) launched the pioneering ‘Suspicious Email Reporting Service’ in April to make it easier than ever to flag suspicious emails – including those claiming to offer services related to coronavirus. As part of the Cyber Aware campaign, the NCSC successfully launched its suspicious email reporting service, resulting […]
Beware of fraudsters that may try to call or knock on your door offering to test you for Covid-19. Police have received a report from the carer of an elderly gentleman who received a phone call to say someone would be coming to test him for Covid-19.Please make elderly relatives […]
Email has always been the most commonplace method used by online fraudsters to trick innocent people out of their money, their identity… or both. It still is. And currently, they’re exploiting the current Coronavirus pandemic with persuasive messages ranging from vaccines and cures to tax refunds and fake charity appeals. […]
The NHS will NEVER ask you to send money directly to a bank account.If you would like to donate to the NHS, you should do so via their official channels or your local NHS Trust. More info here. Received a call or email asking for your personal or financial info? Take […]
It seems we can’t be to careful about all the scams going on at the moment. We are being constantly warned and just to reinforce the message, here is another reminder. The majority of reports are related to online shopping scams where people have ordered protective face masks, hand sanitiser […]
Right now, safeguarding ourselves, our loved ones, friends and colleagues from COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is uppermost in people’s minds in the UK and around the world. After all, this is an unprecedented situation which warrants unprecedented precautions. Also of great importance, however, is making sure we also remain safe in the […]
What scams are we seeing? The majority of reports are related to online shopping scams where people have ordered protective face masks, hand sanitiser and other products, which have never arrived. Other frauds being reported include ticket fraud, romance fraud, charity fraud and lender loan fraud Protection advice Detailed counter fraud advice is available online, including from Scamsmart, ActionFraud, CIFAS, TakeFive, Citizens […]
Millions of us across the UK are being warned that we must remain vigilant and aware of the dangers posed by cybercriminals trying to exploit the coronavirus crisis. Boosted network capacity means we all can work and study but it does mean we do not have the usual total security […]
Police are reminding Sussex residents to stay on the alert as reports come in from elsewhere across the country of frauds or attempts related to the current Covid-19 coronavirus issue. Only one report has so far been made to Sussex Police, of a suspicious phone call that went no further […]
Our friends at Neighbourhood watch have our best interests at heart and would like to share their newsletter with us, particularly relating to some scams that may be be about and that we should be aware of in this time when we may be more vulnerable. Take a few minutes […]
Fraudsters may use the fact more people are staying at home, as an opportunity to operate doorstep scams. The video here with Age UK explains how to protect yourself Did you catch our Cyber Protect UK Officer Max Bruce on BBC Crimewatch this morning talking about the latest coronavirus scams? You […]
Fraud and cybercrime are the most common criminal offences in the UK. Analysis of Action Fraud reports showed that 86% of frauds had a cyber element to them. As the threat from cyber crime continues to grow and evolve, it’s important to remember one thing – most of it can […]
Police in East Sussex are warning local residents to be aware of rogue traders carrying out sub-standard or overcharged repair work at homes following the recent windy weather. And officers also warn of the danger that the unwanted visitors may enter and steal at the same time. The advice follows […]
deposits THE DIRECTOR of a St Leonards-based car hire company has been ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work after delays in returning deposits left customers out of pocket. Michael Goodwin, 41, of Main Street, Beckley, pleaded guilty to breaching the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 […]
Cybercrime is a major and growing problem, targeting people, companies and even government organisations, causing financial and identity fraud, data theft and serious disruption. Some cybercrimes are carried out by individuals, others by organised crime groups. Like legitimate companies, these groups all have managers, employees and subcontractors who have all […]
Did you know scams cost the UK economy £5-£10 Billion a year, with over 50% of people over 65 having already been targeted by scams; and only 5% of all scams reported? This week’s scam and fraud warnings from Action Fraud: Cybercrime – How to stay secure online Fraud and […]
RESIDENTS are being warned not to fall foul of rogue traders as they count the cost of damage caused by severe storms. Fraudsters have already been reportedly posing as East Sussex Highways staff across the county, offering to carry out repairs and remove fallen trees for cash following Storm Ciara. […]
Roses are red, violets are blue, scammers are clever, here’s some Romance Fraud advice for you: Don’t rush into an online relationship – get to know the person, not the profile: ask plenty of questions. Analyse their profile – confirm the person’s identity. Check the person is genuine by putting […]
Action Fraud is warning people selling items online to be on the lookout for fraudsters sending fake PayPal emails. Fraudsters will send the victim an email purporting to be from PayPal in attempt to trick them into believing they have received payment for an item. The fraudster will then send […]
WE have received some good advice which is worth taking note of if you are on line dating, it can easily all happen! If you’re online dating, you’re joining millions of people around the world who are looking for anything from a fun, arms-length relationship to a lifelong partnership. You […]
Fraudsters have been targeting vulnerable and elderly residents ahead of Valentines Day, with a few reported cases these past few weeks. Romance fraudsters often join online chats, or group forums targetted at our older communities. Unlike other fraudsters they do not initially ask the victims for money; instead they spend […]
The Local Police are putting out several warnings about Courier Fraud What is courier fraud? Criminals typically carry out courier fraud by cold calling the victim, purporting to be a police officer or bank official to gain their trust. The fraudsters will then claim there’s an issue with the victim’s […]
Did you know scams cost the UK economy £5-£10 Billion a year, with over 50% of people over 65 having already been targeted by scams; and only 5% of all scams reported? This week’s scam and fraud warnings from Action Fraud: HMRC tax refund scam Students and those working within […]
What happens when you have a digital footprint? Your digital footprint is part of your online history and can potentially be seen by other people, or tracked and held in a database … or many databases. This is the case even if you are careful with your privacy settings. Here […]
With EURO2020 tickets available via public ballot until 18 December 2019, there is a warning for football fans to be wary of people selling fake or non-existent tickets via online marketplaces. Buy from the official UEFAEURO website to avoid losing out here. Buying concert tickets for Christmas? If you’re […]
PEOPLE in East Sussex are being urged to be ‘fraud aware’ and help bring scammers to justice, during an awareness-raising week. In the last six months, scores of scam reports were received in the county, but with only an estimated five per cent of incidents reported, that’s likely to be […]