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.

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.

Employment Scams Linked to TikTok

Recently, there have been cases of employment scams linked to TikTok.

Often originating on social media and disguised as remote work or content roles, these fraudulent scams disproportionately target young job seekers, with many cases seen by the bank involving those aged 18 to 34.

Scammers entice victims with fake job offers involving simple online tasks, such as liking TikTok videos or reviewing hotels, promising lucrative commissions and high returns from the comfort of their own homes.

However, upfront fees known as 'advanced fees' are demanded for purported necessities like application processing, training, background checks or visa sponsorship.

Once payments are made, perpetrators typically cease communication, leaving victims blocked.

Some scams involve crypto wallets or platforms for task completion, and some victims are even manipulated into forwarding money or acting as intermediaries, unwittingly laundering money, known as money muling. Money mules can find themselves at risk of a criminal record.

Here are some tips from Lloyds Banks on avoiding job scams –

1. Be cautious of unsolicited adverts or job offers promising easy money, especially on social media, which is a key “hunting ground” for fraudsters. If you spot one, report it to Action Fraud.

2. Remember legitimate companies will not ask you to make payments when applying for a job, nor would they ask you to use your own bank account to transfer their money. Do not do it under any circumstances.

3. Verify recruiters and companies independently, conduct your own research and do not rely on links and documents they provide.

4. Avoid opportunities where you are added to unknown apps or group chats that claim to be a part of the process.

   
   

If you think that you may have been a victim of any 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 and you will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.

Courier Fraud

In the past few weeks, we have seen an increase of reports from victims in relation to Courier Fraud. One victim lost £77,000 and another £16,000.

Residents have been getting phone calls from criminals mostly impersonating Police Officers and some claiming to be from their bank.

Below are some examples of recent courier frauds -

• One resident was told to ‘dial the long number on their card without clearing the line’ and spoke to who they thought was their bank.

• Another was told that their bank card had been used at Sainsbury’s and to call 999 but without clearing their line.

• A few were told their bank cards had been copied/cloned.

• One was told by their bank to ‘withdraw money to get a new card’.

• Another was told to stop using his bank card and go to the bank to withdraw the money for them to collect to help with an investigation.

• The Police will NEVER ask you for financial details on the phone or request to collect your card or cash or gold as part of an investigation. Remember the ABC of Scam Awareness and Never Assume or Believe a call is genuine and always Confirm.

If you get an unexpected call from someone claiming to be Police or any other organisation, then take their details and end the call. Then call back using a different phone if available. If another phone is not available, then wait 5 minutes and ring a family member or friend to ensure the line has been disconnected and then ring 101. Never call a number they have supplied and never ring 999 whilst still on the call with them. You must always disconnect the call first before ringing 101.

If you think that you may have been a victim of any 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 and you will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.

Facebook Hacks

A resident in West Malling was targeted by a Facebook hacked account scam.

A Facebook friend had their account hacked and the hacker contacted their friends, sending them emergency messages saying they were in distress and needed money urgently.

This was a SCAM.

If you receive any requests for financial assistance from accounts such as Facebook, WhatsApp etc. Never Assume or Believe the request is genuine but Confirm by contacting the person requesting assistance via a trusted number.

Fake Parking Fine Messages

Whilst attending events, people have been stating that they are still receiving fake messages for parking fines and so I would like to take this opportunity to remind you to be alert to these types of scams.

Scam texts may claim you have received a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) or Penalty Charge for a parking offence.

What do these parking fine scams look like?

• Include urgent language, e.g. ‘Final warning’ or ‘Your credit score will be affected’.

• Contain a link to a fake payment page.

• Pretend to come from an official source, like your local council or DVLA (they do not send fines by text).

• Use company names that sound legitimate.

  
  

What to do if you receive a scam message?

• Do not click any links.

• Do not reply to the message.

• Do not share personal or payment details.

If you think that you may have been a victim of any 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 and you will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.

Winter Heating Scam Texts

We are still receiving reports of the below text message stating that you are eligible to claim for your winter heating allowance, however, it is a SCAM.

The text asks you to click on a link that will direct you to a realistic website under the control of the criminals, where they will look to steal your personal and financial data.

You can report scam text message by forwarding to 7726.

If you think that you may have been a victim of any 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 and you will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.

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).