As we return to work following lockdown, Kent Police are concerned there will be a spike in burglaries. Follow the link to read advice on prevention

https://www.kent.police.uk/news/kent/news2/policing-news/2009/crime-prevention-reminder-after-rise-in-residential-burglaries/#

Scammers on the prowl are ringing local telephone numbers saying that you can get faster speed if you follow their instructions. They try to take control of your computer and harvest your data. Don’t get caught out, please warn your vulnerable family members and friends

And so it begins! This is a transcript of someone's recent phone call

‘Good morning, I'm calling from the NHS track and trace service. According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test.'
'OK. Can you tell me who that person was?'
'I'm not able to tell you that. That is confidential information.'
'Right. Um... so ....'
'But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you?'
'Ok (gives address)'
'Thank you - and I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalize this and send the kit to you.'
'Sorry - a payment card? I thought this was all free?'
'No - I'm afraid not. There is a one-off fee of £50 for the kit and test results. Could you read off the long card number for me, please, when you're ready.'
'No - that's not right. This is part of the NHS so there's no charge.'
'I'm afraid there is. Can you give me the card number please - this is very important, and there are penalties for not complying.'

Puts the phone down.

This is how scammers work. And vulnerable people will fall for it.”

PSE Adam Sackett, Volunteer & Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer reports:

Scammers using police phone numbers to target the vulnerable

Fraud detectives are warning residents to beware of criminals who are using police phone numbers to target vulnerable people.

Those responsible are not actually calling from a Kent Police station but are changing their caller ID to make it appear like they are – a process known as ‘spoofing’.

Since the beginning of July the force has received at least three reports of this nature from people living in Faversham, Gravesend and Gillingham.

On each occasion the victim was contacted by someone claiming to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, who told them they were wanted for tax evasion and would shortly be contacted by a police officer. They were then asked what their local police station was, giving the fraudster the opportunity to research the phone number for that station and arranging for an accomplice to pretend to call back on it.

Two of those targeted were so worried about being arrested that they agreed to pay the bogus police officer around £900 each to settle the amount they were told they owed.

Detective Sergeant Alec Wood of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: ‘Criminals are always looking for new ways in which to win the trust of those they target, and calling from a number that appears to be a police number is the latest trick up their sleeve.

‘It is important to remember that a police officer will never ask you to pay money over the phone, nor will they threaten you with arrest for not paying.

‘Never give out your personal information in response to an incoming call, or rely upon the caller ID as the sole means of identification – particularly if the caller is asking you to do something that will affect you financially.

‘If somebody rings you asking for this information, do not give it to them. Instead, hang up the phone and call a trusted number from a different phone or wait at least five minutes to ensure the line has cleared and you are not still talking to the same fraudster or an accomplice.

‘Contact your bank immediately if you think you may have been scammed and also report the incident to Action Fraud.

‘Remember the ABC rule to help protect yourself and others against fraud – never Assume someone is telling the truth, never Believe what they say unless you are confident they are who they say they are, and always Confirm the details they have provided.’

As temperatures start to rise, so do the chances of criminals targeting properties with open windows and insecure doors.

Following a number of recent burglaries, Kent Police is taking the opportunity to remind everyone of the simple steps that can be taken to keep homes safe from would-be offenders.

Insecure properties provide the ideal environment for thieves and something as simple as closing your windows and doors can prevent such an intrusive crime from taking place.

Detective Chief Inspector Lopa McDermott, who leads the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, said: ‘It is only natural that people should want to open their windows and doors to keep cool when the temperatures are high but it is also important that we make people aware of the risks.

‘It only takes a few minutes when you’re in your garden for someone to climb through an open window and steal your belongings. Doors should never be left unlocked if you plan to spend the day outside.

‘We certainly don’t want to cause alarm, and no one should feel unsafe in their home, however it is important that we ask the public to take extra precautions whilst we do everything within our power to protect people and seek those responsible for such crimes.’

Detectives are investigating several reports of burglary including one incident in Beauxfield Road, Whitfield near Dover on Thursday 18 June 2020 where cash was stolen from a wallet inside the home of a victim who had been gardening at the front of the house. The suspect is thought to have entered through a patio door at the back of the property.

In Ashford on Wednesday 17 June a property was targeted in Hythe Road, Willesborough, between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. The resident was in the front garden at the time and when they returned to the house, they found drawers and cupboards had been ransacked and money and jewellery was missing.

A van has been reported stolen from outside a home in Amhurst Bank Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells. The keys were taken from inside the accommodation between 11pm and midnight on 7 June 2020.

In Borstal Road, Rochester a house was targeted overnight on 5 June where a designer bag, a purse containing cards and cash, a phone and an iPad were reported stolen. The suspect is thought to have entered the property through an insecure door while the victim was asleep upstairs.

DCI McDermott added: ‘Burglary has a devastating effect on victims. It robs people of more than just money. Sentimental items can’t be replaced and the emotional damage it causes can stay with victims for a long time.

‘There will always be a minority who will break the law so, whether it’s your house, business, flat or shed, always keep it secure.’

Safety advice

- Lock your doors and windows at night and during the day when you’re not in the vicinity (even if you are just popping upstairs for something).

- Lock your back doors and windows when you answer the front door. Some burglars use distraction techniques.

- Consider fitting extra security measures such as spy holes, door chains, door locks and intruder alarms.

- Install your own CCTV covering the front and back of your property.

- Keep receipts and serial numbers safe.

- Photograph and insure expensive or unique items.

- Don’t keep valuables on display, consider installing a safe that could be bolted to the ground or wall. Or use a safety deposit box at your bank.

- Use timer switches on lights and radios to make your home look occupied.

- Keep gates, boundaries and sheds secure.

- Lock away bikes, tools and garden items that could be taken or used to break into your home.

- Don’t leave spare keys hidden outside under pots or in garages.

- Think before posting holiday pictures on social media as it can make burglars aware the house is empty.

- Keep gardens tidy and pruned to remove good hiding places for burglars and install security lights.

- Cancel milk or paper deliveries when you’re away and make sure your grass is cut, these are some things that won’t make your home stand out.

Scam 1 – Scam calls impersonating Police.

Please be aware of scammers impersonating Police.

3 people were called in the Folkestone area yesterday by scammers impersonating Police Officers. In one call they asked if they knew a person who had been arrested using their Barclay Card and in the other 2 calls, they stated that people had been arrested for Fraud. None of those called were taken in by this and disconnected the calls and contacted Police.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be the Police and you are not sure if it is a genuine call, obtain their details and call 101. Never call a number that they supply and try to use an alternative telephone to the one that you were called on. If you cannot use an alternative telephone, then either wait 5 minutes to call using the same phone or before ringing 101, call a family member to make sure that the line has been cleared as Fraudsters will stay on the phone and you could yourself be speaking to them again.

Remember, the Police will never ask you for passwords, Pin numbers or ask you to remove cash to give to an investigator or courier as part of an investigation.

Scam 2 – Lottery Scam Letter

The below letter was received by a person in Ashford and states that this is from the Covid-19 Relief Lottery. This is a new scam. If you receive this please do not respond and report to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or by using their online form.

SCAM 3 – NETFLIX Phishing email

The below email was received this week and is a new phishing email with scammers impersonating Netflix. It asks you to click on a link and takes you to a long scam email to try and obtain your personal data.

Please be on the lookout for this and if received, do not click on the link and please forward to report@phishing.gov.uk who are dealing with these types of phishing emails.

Scam 4 – Revolut Card Smishing Text message

If you are the owner/user of a Revolut Card, which is a type of pre-paid card that can used in the UK or abroad without charges, please be aware of  scam text message that is being sent out to card holders impersonating the company. It will state that your account is frozen and that you need to click a link to verify your ID. Revolut are aware of the scam and are taking steps to stop this but in the meanwhile, if you get this message please do not click on the link. If you are unsure if it is a scam, then contact Revolut using a trusted number.

If you believe a text message is a smishing scam, then you should report it to the company who allegedly sent you the message. This’ll give them the chance to alert other users to the risks. Some organisations even have a dedicated email address for you to report potential scams to. If you’ve been a victim of a smishing scam, then you need to report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or by using their online form.

Please remember the following advice -

Take Five -

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.

And use our own A, B, C of scam awareness:

A- Never Assume a caller, email or text is genuine.

B- Never Believe a caller, email or text is genuine.

C- Always Confirm by contacting a trusted number, family member, friend, your bank’s fraud department or the police to check if it’s genuine.

Report scams at www.actionfraud.police.uk

PSE 59753 Adam Sackett

Volunteer & Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer

East Kent Police

Police Station, Fort Hill, Margate, Kent, CT9 1HL

Telephone: 07980683802

Email : adam.sackett@kent.police.uk

Good Morning All,

I have listed below 4 of the most relevant alerts this week that I wanted to make you all aware of. One relates to TV licence scams and 2 others relating to HMRC scams, which have been in the increase again. The fourth relates to a bereavement scam and although I have not heard of this so far in Kent, I wanted to make you aware that it is happening elsewhere.

Alert 1 - PHISHING EMAIL TV LICENSING

The emails purporting to be from TV Licensing claim that the recipient's direct debit has failed and that they need to pay to avoid prosecution. Recipients are told that they are eligible for a "COVID19 Personalized Offer" of six months free. The messages contain links to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information.

Alert 2 HMRC Phishing Email  

CIFAS (the UK’s leading fraud prevention organisation) are warning of a new HMRC scam. This scam appears to be specifically targeting people who are out of work or working less due to coronavirus, and is offering £1,000s in grants. The recipient is told to click on a link to check their eligibility, and answer questions that are designed to steal personal information. CIFAS are stating that this scam comes from the email address “HMRC@hotmail.com”, but as new frauds spring up every day, this could change.

Alert 3 –  HMRC Phishing Email

The below is another HMRC phishing that was recently received by a resident in Kent. As you can see the email address that this was sent from was not an official GOV.UK email address.

Alert 4 – Bereavement scams – From CIFAS

Although I am not aware of this in Kent, CIFAS have stated that elsewhere around the country, fraudsters are targeting families organising funerals for loved ones by contacting them and purporting to be from their local authority's bereavement services team and asking them for credit card details to pay their funeral director. These criminals are then putting families under pressure by telling them that the funeral will be cancelled if they don't pay immediately. As a result, a number of councils put out urgent warnings this week on their social media channels warning about the threat.

Anyone receiving this type of call should hang up immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud.

                              +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please remember the following advice -

Take Five -

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.

And use our own A, B, C of scam awareness:

A- Never Assume a caller, email or text is genuine.

B- Never Believe a caller, email or text is genuine.

C- Always Confirm by contacting a trusted number, family member, friend, your bank’s fraud department or the police to check if it’s genuine.

Report scams at www.actionfraud.police.uk

Phishing emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk

Kind Regards,

PSE 59753 Adam Sackett

Volunteer & Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer

East Kent Police

Police Station, Fort Hill, Margate, Kent, CT9 1HL

Telephone: 07980683802

Email : adam.sackett@kent.police.uk

We’ve seen a surge in neighbourliness as people look out for the vulnerable and talk to those next door more than ever before - a silver lining to the cloud COVID-19 has cast over our daily lives. We think now is a good time to say thank you and celebrate those actions our neighbours have taken no matter how small or big. There are many ways to join in:

Display a poster in your window or gifting a postcard to a neighbour
Award winning British cartoonist, Tony Husband, has created bespoke cartoons depicting kind neighbourly actions in lockdown. Tony’s cartoons can be downloaded as posters to display in your window, or postcards to pop through a neighbour’s door. 

Enter our 'Neighbourliness in Lockdown' competition
Why not have a go at creating your very own cartoon depicting kind neighbourly acts and enter it in a competition to be judged by Tony himself. You can download blank posters and blank postcards as a template for your cartoons. Create your cartoon, display it in your window or gift it to a neighbour, and email us a digital copy (scan or photo of your cartoon). The winner for each age category  4- 11, 12 - 17, and adult will receive their cartoon image on a mug.  Full details of the competition can be found here.

Facebook Live Quiz
Put your general knowledge to the test and join us on the 12th June at 7pm for a light-hearted Facebook Live Quiz, to be hosted by Neighbourhood Watch Network's CEO, John Hayward-Cripps.  To take part simply visit our Facebook page facebook.com/ourwatch/ at 7pm on the 12th June, ready with paper and pen.

Kind regards and stay safe,

PSE 59753 Adam Sackett

This week is Kent’s Cuckooing Awareness week. Below is a short description of what Cuckooing is and attached is a video which I would like you all to watch to gain a better understanding of this crime. The video is just over a minute long.

Cuckooing is a form of crime in which a drug dealer or group of drug dealers takes over the home of a vulnerable person to use it as a base for “county lines” drug trafficking. County lines gangs use vulnerable people such as teenagers and children to transport drugs from cities like London to rural cities and towns.

Cuckooing has a significant impact on the community including anti-social behaviour and violence. There are many signs of cuckooing and our Kent Community Safety Units have created this video to help you to identify the signs of this crime.

See it, report it!

You could hold a vital piece of evidence that could allow Kent Police to prevent or stop cuckooing. Please always call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you suspect, or are concerned, that someone is a victim of Cuckooing please report this via the contact numbers above. All information is investigated to prevent this type of crime continuing. Please share all material in this email to friends, family and other networks and across social media platforms to promote awareness of this campaign.