The Latest Frauds - Alert System From Kent Police

The ECRC works closely with local policing to ensure that our members benefit from the free tools and services offered by local policing.

One valuable tool is the Kent Fraud Email Alert System (K'FAs), created by Stephen Kelly, the Fraud Prevent and Protect Officer for Kent Police. This system provides weekly alerts to inform the public and businesses about current scams and how to best protect themselves.

The K'FAs, reach hundreds and thousands, not just in Kent but in other areas up and down the country as we are all affected by similar offences. The ECRC publishes Stephen Kelly's weekly K'FAs for our members so you can stay informed and learn about the latest threats targeting businesses and the general public. For further information about fraud, visit Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.

Alert: Fake DWP Text Messages

We have recently been informed that two Kent residents received text messages impersonating the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). These messages claimed to be about their eligibility for fuel allowance and instructed them to click on a link to renew or apply.

However, clicking the link directs you to a realistic-looking website controlled by criminals, who aim to steal your personal and financial information.

Please be aware that the DWP would never send such emails with links. If you receive suspicious messages, report them by forwarding to 7726.

If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

For further information about Fraud, visit our website at Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.

You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to Stay Safe From Scams.

Charity Fraud Alert

Criminals may exploit our generosity by claiming to raise money for fake charities or by impersonating well-known ones. To protect yourself, follow these guidelines:

When meeting a fundraiser in person:

• Ensure all collectors wear a clearly visible ID badge.

• Check that collection buckets are sealed and undamaged. Most fundraising materials should display the charity's name, registration number, and a landline phone number.

• If in doubt, ask for more information. A genuine fundraiser will be happy to answer your questions.

When donating online:

• Type the charity's website address directly into your browser rather than clicking on a link. Look for the registered charity number on the website.

• Do not click on links or attachments in suspicious emails.

• Never respond to unsolicited messages or calls asking for your personal or financial details.

• Be wary of online advertisements that only feature a mobile number.

• Ignore requests to donate through money transfer companies, as this is a common scam.

• Only donate to online fundraising pages created by people or organizations you know and trust. If in doubt, contact the charity directly.

If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

For further information about Fraud, visit our website at Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.

You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to Stay Safe From Scams.

Cryptocurrency Investment Scams

We have recently received several reports of cryptocurrency scams. Do you know how to spot the signs of a fraudulent investment? Investment scams are becoming increasingly difficult to identify but there are some tell-tale signs that can help protect your hard-earned money:

• Do not be rushed into making an investment.

• Seek independent financial advice first, e.g. from your bank.

• Check if the company is registered with the FCA.

Learn more at ScamSmart - Avoid investment and pension scams | FCA

Artificial Intelligence Text Message Warning

Scammers are attempting to steal money using the "Hi Mum" text scam, which has proven highly successful in tricking victims into handing over money to someone they believe is a loved one in need. This scam has been incredibly lucrative for online thieves, with millions believed to have been lost to this tactic.

The scam typically begins with a simple text saying, "Hi Mum" or "Hi Dad". Once the victim responds, the scammers then try to pressure them into sending money before they have time to fully consider their actions. Adding to the concern is the use of AI technology by scammers to create voice messages that sound like the family member in need, increasing the likelihood of the scam being successful.

If you receive any messages like this, follow these steps:

• Contact them in person: Quickly reach out to your child using the number you already know. This can quickly reveal whether something is off.

• Be careful with generic language: If a message starts with "Hi Mum" or "Hi Dad" and sounds impersonal or unlike your child's usual tone, be cautious.

• Question financial emergencies: Emotional pressure is common in these scams. Stay calm and verify the situation before making any decisions.

• Consider a safe word: Agree on a word with your family that can be used to confirm identity in urgent situations.

• Stay up to date: Learn about emerging scams and make sure your phone is protected with trusted security software.

If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

For further information about Fraud, visit our website at Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.

You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to Stay Safe From Scams.

What is 159?

The 159 number enables people to connect with their bank safely and securely when they receive an unexpected, suspicious or fraudulent call.

If you think that you may have been a victim of fraud, then contact your bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159.

Call 159 if you experience the following:

• Someone contacts you claiming to be from your bank - even if they do not seem suspicious.

• You are contacted by someone claiming to be an authority figure such as the police or HMRC and told to transfer money - even if the request sees genuine.

• You receive a call about a financial matter and it appears suspicious.

How can the ECRC support?

By joining the ECRC as a free member, your organisation will be supported in making the small changes that make the biggest difference when it comes to cyber resilience. Becoming a free member means you will receive the latest cyber resilience guidance via email, which will drip feed you ways in which you can improve your cyber resilience without costing any money.

The ECRC website also contains several links to helpful National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) resources, which are all free, up-to-date, and easy to use. Tools such as Exercise in a Box and the NCSC Cyber Action Plan are particularly useful in terms of identifying areas where you could improve your cybersecurity. They also have many informative guides that are sector specific, which will give you useful and detailed information.

If you would like more information about how the ECRC can help your organisation specifically, please book a chat with us today!

Reporting a live cyber-attack 24/7:

If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber-attack (in progress) please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Reporting a cyber-attack which is not ongoing:

Please report online to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report cybercrime online at any time using the online reporting tool, which will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened. Action Fraud advisors can also provide the help, support, and advice you need.

Alternatively, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050).