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 […]
A MOTORIST who masqueraded as his dead father so he and his wife could fraudulently use his disabled blue badge has been handed a community penalty. Kenneth Hinton sent a string of letters and emails claiming his late father was still alive and even resorted to forging the dead man’s […]
THE case of a 95-year-old East Sussex woman conned out of hundreds of pounds is being used to highlight the dangers of scams for a national awareness-raising campaign. Doris, who lives alone in Eastbourne, was left more than £500 out of pocket after being tricked by telephone cold callers into […]
A FORMER cocaine addict with a £400-a-day habit who conned pensioners in a roofing scam has been ordered to pay back a large chunk of his ill-gotten gains. William Jones was jailed for 16 months in December following a prosecution by East Sussex County Council after he tricked elderly residents […]
