Our recent road closure – feedback survey
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Archive for month: October, 2022
West Mercia Police – Economic Crime – October bulletin
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The Fraud & Scam Bulletin October 2022 |
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Your monthly update direct from West Mercia Police on the latest scams and frauds |
INVESTMENT FRAUD
Warning on ‘get rich quick’ schemes as investment fraud soars among young professionals on social media
‘Get rich quick’ investment opportunities are soaring amongst young professionals, with more than £890 million lost to investment fraud last year. Criminals are evolving the way that they target people with bogus investment opportunities, with many victims now being targeted on social media.
The total amount lost to investment fraud in the 2021/22 financial year rose by a staggering 49.5 per cent on the previous period (£890,916,169 up from £596,053,731). New data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) also shows there were 26,170 reports of investment fraud to Action Fraud in the same period, meaning victims lost an average of £34,043.41 each.
How to spot the signs and protect yourself
- Before deciding to invest, always do your research and do not let anyone rush you. Only criminals will put pressure on you to make a quick decision. Stop, take time to think and consult trusted friends and family members before parting with your money.
- Be cautious if you are asked to change money into cryptocurrency to invest or make a payment via cryptocurrency. This is often a tactic used by fraudsters.
- Be aware that some investment opportunity approaches can come via social media. Always undertake additional research to check the validity of such an opportunity.
- Fraudsters have been known to hack social media accounts to promote bogus investments. If you are making an investment based on a recommendation from a friend or family member sent via social media, check that this has actually been sent by them.
- Scammers will often create professional looking websites and utilise fake business premise locations to give an impression of legitimacy.
- Never let anyone take control of your phone or computer for any reason. A reputable business would never do this.
- Check on the FCA website to see if an investment business is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
ENERGY BILL REBATE SCHEME
Several recent Warnings have been issued about possible scams as this scheme comes into play. However it worth remembering the following points about this Scheme to avoid being trapped by the Fraudster’s texts and emails which are already circulating.
· Direct Debit customers will receive the Energy Bill discount automatically as a deduction to the monthly Direct Debit amount collected, or as a refund to the customer’s bank account following Direct Debit collection during each month of delivery
· Standard credit customers and payment card customers will see the Energy Bill discount automatically applied as a credit to standard credit customers’ accounts in the first week of each month of EBSS delivery, with the credit appearing as it would if the customer had made a payment
· Smart prepayment meter customers will see the Energy Bill discount credited directly to their smart prepayment meters in the first week of each month of delivery
· Traditional prepayment meter customers will be provided with redeemable EBSS Energy Bill discount vouchers or Special Action Messages (SAMs) from the first week of each month, issued via SMS text, email or post. Customers will need to redeem these at their usual top-up point
· Customers will NOT need to apply via any government link, website, rebate company, share-scheme; nor will they need to provide their bank account details or make contact with their energy supplier
IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED
OR DO NOT RECOGNISE THE CONTACT
Take Five To Stop Fraud
- 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 okay 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
If you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.
Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.
Forward Fake Emails received to For further information visit:
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
Cost of Living Partnership Bulletin
Dear all,
We thought it might be useful to circulate a cost-of-living focused bulletin that includes details of Bromsgrove and Redditch leaflets and digital campaign, as well as information on warm spaces locally.
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Cost of Living Update
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Leaflet and Digital Campaign – Please help spread the word! |
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Bromsgrove & Redditch Cost of living Leaflet – Key contacts at a glance For those who missed it in our main bulletin, please find attached a copy of the joint Bromsgrove and Redditch cost of living leaflet. It’s an ‘at a glance’ leaflet containing key contacts who can provide expert help and signpost to relevant local support. Please help promote – both a printable and a website version of the leaflet are attached. There are also supplies of printed copies available at Customer Services at both Redditch Town Hall and Parkside in Bromsgrove which you can collect and distribute to your service users. We are particularly keen to reach those who may be digitally excluded.
Looking for more information?
Cost of Living Webpages There are also, cost of living webpages on both Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District Councils’ websites which offers more detailed information in one place and will be updated. Again, please help promote. They are available to view at: www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/costofliving and www.redditchbc.gov.uk/costofliving. See something missing on the webpages? Please let us know if you have any additions / amendments and we will pass them on. You can email the partnership in the first instance at:
*In addition* New financial support leaflets – one for Redditch and one for Bromsgrove These leaflets were created by the Starting Well team, and are different to the cost of living leaflets as they contain more detailed information about help that is available locally. A printable and a website version can be found attached.
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Warm Spaces |
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Local Warm Spaces – Do you know of any others? Below are the ones we know are confirmed and wanted to share with you. But if you know of any others in Redditch or Bromsgrove, or any agency is thinking of similar, please let us know so that we can help link you with other agencies (if that helps) and also share your information more widely so all are aware of what’s available locally. We could even include on the cost of living webpages mentioned above.
Partners have worked together to offer Catshill residents’ access to a warm space each day of the week. In addition to a warm welcome, some buildings are offering Wi-Fi and charging points. Full details can be found on the attached leaflet.
Local residents are being offered a warm welcome and free meal in a friendly environment. The meals are available every Thursday (during term time) at 7:30pm at the Bromsgrove Baptist Church. There is no need to book, you can just turn up, but if it’s a larger group, it would be helpful to let them know in advance. Further information can be found on the attached leaflet.
The church is also running “The Coffee Pot” on the third Thursday in the month from 10.30am-12.00 noon, serving tea, coffee, cakes, and light refreshments which might be suitable for people who don’t or can’t go out in the evening.
Please find attached a leaflet with details of the warm space offering from St Godwald’s Church in Bromsgrove that will run between November to March. Tea, coffee, and cake will be available on alternate Friday’s starting on 28th October, 10am-12.30pm. On alternate Wednesdays, the Warm Welcome Café will be open starting on 2nd November, 12-3pm offering soup and a roll, tea and coffee.
The libraries are continuing to offer warm, welcoming spaces for residents to access free services, find information and support, take part in events and activities, and connect with other people. Full details can be found attached. Local libraries are in the process of registering with the ‘Warm Welcome Network’ (see below).
Warm Welcome Network The Warm Welcome Network was set up to support and champion the community response to the cost-of-living crisis. Any organisation that has opened or are opening free, warm, welcoming spaces for the public over this winter can register and provide details of their offer so that users can search for local warm spaces in their area.
Thinking of setting up a Warm Space? Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert has created a guide: A Warm Welcome, setting up a warm space in your community. This comprehensive guide provides a wealth of information needed if you are considering setting up a warm space in the community.
Looking for Funding? National Grid Electricity Distribution has teamed up with Localgiving and are offering grants of up to £10,000 to organisations tackling fuel poverty. They are accepting applications until midnight on Monday 31st October 2022. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by Tuesday 15th November 2022. All projects must be completed and the funding must be spent by 31st March 2023. Further information can be found at: Community Matters Fund – Fuel Poverty Plus | Localgiving
There is also information on different funding available at: Cost of living Crisis charity trust foundation grant funding (charityexcellence.co.uk)
Don’t forget! – If you do set a warm space up in Redditch and / or Bromsgrove, or have any other plans in relation to supporting local residents during this time, please do let us know so we can raise awareness of the work you’re doing to both other agencies who can signpost to you and local residents as we can include on the cost of living webpages mentioned above. Our email is: . |
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Live Music at Beoley Village Hall
Hi everyone,
We have more live music next week at the Hall on Wednesday 26th October when we welcome the Jake Leg Jug Band.
A list of the remaining forthcoming events in 2022 is provided below.
Unfortunately, I have to advise that since the pandemic attendances for the events we have organised have been very disappointing and it is simply not viable for us to continue to subsidise events of this nature. Consequently, unless we can find a way of substantially increasing our turn outs, we would have to review what type of events, and how many, we should consider arranging.
Regards,
Richards
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PCC newsletter – October 2022
To protect your privacy remote resources have been blocked.
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Rescheduled bridge lift on the M42
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This service is provided free of charge by National Highways. Visit us on the web at https://www.nationalhighways.co.uk |
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M40-M42 Interchange Scheme: Progression to Central Reservation Upgrade
Dear all,
I work for the contractors bmJV that are carrying out the above scheme on behalf of National Highways. Please see an update below.
Please let me know if you do not want to receive future updates.
If there is someone else who would benefit from this information please have them contact me to be added to the distribution list.
M40-M42 Interchange Scheme: Progression to Central Reservation Upgrade
We’re moving towards completion of our enabling works which includes vegetation clearance, surveys, drainage and speed camera
installation, and onto the upgrade to the central reservation.
To safeguard motorists and our workforce, while minimising disruption, we need to temporarily close some lanes, in 4-kilometre
(2.4 mile) sections.
These closures will take place at night when the roads are quietest. Signage will remain in place to inform and remind motorists
of these closures.
Schedule of closures until 9 December 2022 – night time (between 9pm and 6am):
M40 junction 16 to M42 junction 3a – Lanes 1 and 2: from 10 to 14 October 2022
M42 junction 3a to M40 junction 16 – Lanes 1 and 2: from 17 to 21 October 2022
M42 junction 2 to 3a – Lanes 1 and 2: from 31 October to 18 November 2022
M42 junction 3a to 4 – Lanes below signal 1, 2 & 3: from 21 November to 9 December 2022
Please note: these closures may be cancelled due to poor weather or for operational reasons.
Contact us:
There are a number of ways you can get in touch with the scheme:
– Online: nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/west-midlands/m40-m42-interchange-smart-motorway/
– Customer Contact Centre: email & telephone 0300 123 5000
– Post: National Highways, National Traffic Operations Centre, 3 Ridgeway, Quinton Business Park, Birmingham, B32 1AF
– Social Media: Twitter: (@HighwaysWMIDS) & Facebook (National Highways: West Midlands)
Stay Safe, Stay Back Campaign
National Highways is continuing to run its ‘Stay Safe, Stay Back’ campaign to further increase the number of motorists who
leave at least a two-second gap between themselves and the vehicle in front.
The campaign is still primarily aimed at commuters aged between 25-55 who use the strategic road network at least once a
week.
For more details, visit https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/stay-safe-stay-back
Thanks
Veron
Veron Graham PGDip MCIPR
Customer & Stakeholder Manager – M40-M42 Interchange
SMP Alliance
Mobile: 07881 847 401
Working in partnership with National Highways
National Highways customer service contact centre
0300 123 5000
Wellbeing in Partnership E-Bulletin – Bromsgrove and Redditch – October 22
Dear all,
Please find the October Partnership bulletin below that includes full details of the new Bromsgrove and Redditch cost of living leaflet and digital campaign, as well as all the latest news and updates.
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Services / Support – Information Updates |
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*NEW* Bromsgrove and Redditch Cost of Living Leaflet and Digital Campaign To try and ensure all local residents are aware of the support available, including those who may not be digitally savvy, partners have helped devise a new cost of living leaflet. It’s an ‘at a glance’ leaflet providing key contacts who can provide expert help and signpost to relevant local support. This is in addition to a digital campaign both Councils are starting next week.
Please help promote – both a printable and a website version of the leaflet are attached. There are also supplies of printed copies available at Customer Services at both Redditch Town Hall and Parkside in Bromsgrove which you can collect and distribute to your service users. We are particularly keen to reach those who may be digitally excluded.
In addition, new cost of living webpages on both Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District Councils’ websites are being developed to bring together more detailed information in one place. They are already available to view at: www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/costofliving and www.redditchbc.gov.uk/costofliving. Please note that further information is currently being added to the webpages but please feel free to suggest additions if you believe anything has been missed. You can email the partnership in the first instance at:
Orange Button Community Scheme Launch – Suicide Awareness and Prevention The orange button scheme has been launched in Worcestershire and Herefordshire and offers signposting and support to people with suicidal thoughts or anyone concerned about someone who might be. The orange button is worn by people who have relevant training in mental health and suicide prevention. The aim of the scheme is to: · create a community of people trained in suicide awareness that have gained skills, including active listening, from quality assured training; · create a network of organisations that have orange button wearers in place that can be identified, listen and signpost; · ensure all communities are aware of the Orange Button, what it signifies and how people can be involved, by promoting from within the community.
Anyone who wants to get involved can apply for an orange buttons via the Now We’re Talking website.
Anyone struggling to cope with mental health issues can call the Urgent Mental Health Helpline on 0808 196 9127.
Please use the communications assets in the google drive to help spread the word to your communities: Orange Button Further resources and advice about preventing suicide can be found here: Acting Together to Prevent Suicide | Worcestershire County Council
Living with Dementia Toolkit On behalf of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire and developed by the University of Exeter in conjunction with Innovations in Dementia, the Living with Dementia Toolkit is for people with dementia and their carers. This set of resources is based on research, and the expert experiences of people with dementia and their carers. It aims to: give hope for the future, inspire through examples of real-life experiences, offer ideas to help ‘live your life as you choose’. To access the resources, please visit: Living with Dementia Toolkit
Wellbeing and Recovery College The wellbeing and recovery college is made up of a partnership of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, Voluntary and Community Sector organisations (VCS), Public Sector partners and Experts by Experience across our communities in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Their aim is to increase awareness and understanding of recovery and self-management, while breaking down the stigmas relating to mental health. The college offers a wide range of learning opportunities with a focus on wellbeing and recovery. To find out more visit Herefordshire and Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College | Recovery College (hwwellbeingandrecoverycollege.org.uk) or see the leaflet attached.
Home Fire Safety Visits If you are working with adults and families who need a Home Fire Safety Visit, please find attached the latest electronic referral form and a leaflet with contact details that can be left with families and individuals who can self-refer. If you would like a supply of leaflets, email Partner referrals and self-referrals can be made online via the following link: www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc
The home fire safety team are currently reviewing all signposting information and leaflets to ensure that they have up to date information when they signpost occupiers to other services. If appropriate, please can you let them know how to refer to your agency (online/ telephone/ email)?
The Home Fire Safety Team can help you! If you have leaflets, would you like the technicians and crews to give them out? If so, can you supply paper or electronic copies (or both) please. Postal address: Worcester Fire Station, McKenzie Way, Worcester WR4 9GN. For more information, please contact Caroline Webster by emailing
Stoptober 2022 The annual stop smoking campaign Stoptober has been launched. A range of resources are now available on the Campaign Resource Centre, including various printed posters as well as downloadable resources for use on social media, websites, and digital screens. A campaign toolkit including key messages, statistics, social media posts and long/short copy is also available. To order/download resources visit Stoptober 2022 | Campaign Resource Centre (phe.gov.uk).
Covid-19 Vaccination Update The Artrix centre in Bromsgrove is longer being used as a vaccination centre. To find out all the latest information on covid boosters, pop-up clinics or when the covid vaccine van will be next visiting a location near you follow the link: Walk-In Covid-19 Vaccines – Worcestershire — SW Healthcare
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Events, Roadshows and Open Days |
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World Mental Health Awareness Day Event Mental Health Action Group (MHAG) Redditch are holding an event on Saturday 8th October at the Kingfisher Centre Redditch. Please help promote. Visit the pop-up shop opposite Clinton’s cards and receive a warm welcome and a chance to chat and chill. All details can be found on the attached leaflet. Please support!!
Making Mental Health & Wellbeing a Priority For All – Event Taking place at Worcester Rugby Football Club on 11th October 9.30am to 12.30pm, this conference is aimed at Employers’ and Employees from Public, Private and Voluntary and Community Sectors, people with mental health conditions, advocates, and other stakeholders. The event will focus on progress in this area in Worcestershire and be vocal about what needs to be done to continue stamping out stigma and discrimination. To book on visit: Making Mental Health & Wellbeing a Priority For All (Free) Tickets, Tue 11 Oct 2022 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
Hate Crime Awareness Conference This year, in support of national Hate Crime Awareness Week 2022, North Worcestershire Hate Incident Partnership will be hosting its annual Hate Crime Awareness Conference on the 14th October between 10.00am – 13.00pm at Parkside, Bromsgrove. This year, there are three exciting, high profile Keynote speakers:
· Rt Hon. Stuart Lawrence MBE – author, motivational speaker, brother of Stephen Lawrence Follow the link to book a place at the conference or for any questions about the event, please contact the Community Safety Team at
As well as the conference, Bromsgrove and Redditch residents can help crack down on hate crime by supporting a pop-up event on 10th October, 11am – 3pm, in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and in Bromsgrove on 11th October, 11am – 2pm, in the Market Area of the High Street. The information stands at the pop-up event will provide information and materials about what a Hate Crime is, how it can be reported and what support is available to victims and witnesses.
New Dementia group – Redditch and Bromsgrove Meeting Centre Meeting centre groups are for people who have a diagnosis of dementia and are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. They are a place where people can socialise and take part in stimulating and meaningful activities. Members can attend alone, but carers are also welcome to stay. The New Bromsgrove Meeting Centre is being held in Crabtree Court, Parkwood Road, Bromsgrove on Tuesdays, 10.30- 3.30pm. The Redditch Meeting Centre is for people with young onset dementia (diagnosed under the age of 65) and is held at the Forge Needle Museum on Mondays. See the poster attached or to find out more about the groups and the free taster sessions call 0800 008 6077.
West Mercia Women’s Aid drop-in sessions in Redditch Job Centre Women’s Aid are offering support to those living with domestic abuse at drop-in sessions at the Redditch Kingfisher Jobcentre on the following dates: 2nd November & 7th December Please could you pass this onto to anyone who you feel would benefit from this face-to-face support in a safe and central location. Full details can be found on the flyer attached.
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Consultations / Surveys |
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Stroke Services – Join the Conversation and have your say! NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB), on behalf of the Stroke Programme Board want to hear what people about the issues and potential solutions discussed in the Stroke Issues Paper and presentation. You do not have to have had a stroke or know anyone who has to complete this survey, they would like to hear from a wide range of people. The survey can be found here and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The Deadline to complete the survey is 9am, Friday 11 November 2022. If you have any queries about this engagement exercise, contact the engagement team at or call 0330 053 4356 . For more information or for the easy read version of the issues paper, please visit the website.
Redditch District Collaborative – Asset Mapping – Is your service included? Many of you will be aware that the Redditch District Collaborative (RDC) is led by the Redditch Primary Care Networks (PCNs) working with other agencies. The Programme Team for Redditch District Collaborative (RDC) are currently inviting organisations, services and individuals who are delivering to the communities of Redditch, to share their service information for Asset Mapping. Information is being captured using 3 Microsoft Forms surveys on: Services, Hubs and Roles. Please complete one or more forms which are the most relevant to you. See attached for full information or if you have any questions, email –
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Training/Courses/Workshops |
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Mental Health Courses *FREE* MIND, South Warwickshire and Worcestershire in partnership with Hereford and Worcestershire Recovery College are offering the following free courses via zoom for Worcestershire residents. • Mentioning the Menopause & Mental Health • Male Mental Health “Be in your mates’ corner” • Anxiety and Worry Please find full details on the attached flyer.
Deaf Awareness Course *FREE training* – places are limited. Action Deafness have funding to deliver free training to organisations who operate within the Bromsgrove District. This informative course will cover: • Types of Deafness • Models of Deafness • Communication tactics • Invisible disabilities • Types of hearing aids• Barriers to communication • How to get Deaf people’s attention • How to book an interpreter • Basic signs such as, greetings, questions, and the alphabet • Lip reading challenges. Training will take place on Wednesday 19th October at Parkside. There will be a morning and afternoon session. Full details can be found on the attached flyer or to register for the course please email: saying which session you would like to attend.
Carbon Literacy Action Day The Carbon Literacy Action Day on 7th November is the world’s largest climate education training day. It brings together hundreds, and maybe even thousands, of people from all walks of life, ages, and countries all across the world, to simultaneously complete their days’ worth of Carbon Literacy training. There are three main audiences for the Action Day, Individuals, Organisations, Trainers and facilitators. To find out more, see the details attached.
New Family & Community Learning Courses Please find attached the Community Learning Newsletter from Worcestershire County Council with details of all Autumn Term Family Learning Courses, Art Courses and Wellbeing Courses for any adult in Worcestershire. Details of the full range of courses can be found here: Autumn Term Family Learning Courses, Art Courses and Wellbeing Courses
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Other Newsletters |
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Worcestershire County Economic Summary – Find attached
DWP Latest Touchbase Newsletter – 2 September – Find attached
DWP Useful Update – 22 September – Find attached
SpeakEasy N.O.W. Autumn Newsletter – Find attached
Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcome Refugees Newsletter – BRWR Summer Newsletter (mailchi.mp)
NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Involvement Network Update – 3 October 2022 – Find attached
Worcestershire Growth Hub – Latest News and Articles – Worcestershire Growth Hub
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We hope you find the above useful.
The contents of these bulletins are made up of whatever you decide to send through so if you have information you think is relevant and helpful to share with other local organisations, you can email it to:
Many thanks,
Della McCarthy & Ali Wakeman
Bromsgrove Partnership & Redditch Partnership
Wyre Forest Big Band at Beoley Village Hall
Hi everyone,
On Saturday 8th October, Beoley Village Hall is hosting the Wyre Forest Big Band. This is the first time we have had a big band inside the hall, but some of the musicians have played here before in other bands.
The band were due to play for us at our VE Anniversary Event which was cancelled during the covid lockdown so please come along and support live music at your local village hall.
Tickets are £12 each and the hall and bar open at 7.15pm, with the music starting at 8.00pm. Please contact Richard to reserve tickets – 01527-66646 or email
Many thanks for your continued support during these concerning economic times.
Richard
West Mercia Police – Economic Crime Unit – September bulletin
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The Fraud & Scam Bulletin September 2022 |
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Your monthly update direct from West Mercia Police on the latest scams and frauds |
THE RISING COST OF LIVING
We are all very aware of the current rising cost of living and no more so than the Scammers and Fraudsters who prey on the public’s emotions with tempting offers of rebates, discounts and prize awards. It is quite likely that these will be on the increase in the coming months.
At over one third of the reported crime, Fraud is extremely high on the number of the reported crimes in the region. Even more worryingly the actual number of Frauds and Scams may well be much higher as many victims are too ashamed or embarrassed to report the crime.
Never be afraid to report any such Frauds immediately to Action Fraud at the contact details at the foot of this message.
Whilst everyone wants to make savings, our awareness must be raised to the many and various, very authentic looking e-mails and texts, as the Fraudsters up their game in light of the current crisis.
For example, Scammers are taking advantage of the cost of living crisis and impersonating energy providers in very authentic looking emails to trick people into sharing their personal details.
A typical example of a current scam, now circulating, comes from British Gas offering an energy bill rebate of £315.
- The email looks genuine as it uses the British Gas logo and brand and may even contain the account number
- However it is not addressed to the account holder, only the email address of the customer
- British Gas will always address you by your full name or surname, and will never ask you confirm or provide personal details via an email
- Always check such emails for spelling and grammar errors, and check out the sender’s email address to make sure it is, as listed, on the company website or on any invoices you have
- Finally, never click on any links within such emails. The email may not ask for cash, but sharing your personal details may open the door for scammers to access your bank accounts
Whilst this is just one example, the tricks and ploys used by Scammers are many and various, as highlighted in previous messages.
Examples of other fake messages circulation at the moment include the following:
· An email claiming to be from OFGEM claiming the recipient is due a refund; OFGEM would never make such an offer and the email address of the sender is obviously fake.
· Phone Calls claiming to be from your local authority asking for bank details to make payments for Energy Rebates or Household Support Funds. Local Authorities will never ask for such details over the phone.
· Fake parcel delivery messages claiming to be from genuine Parcel Delivery services, with clickable links to make a payment of a delivery charge or provide personal details – never be tempted to “Click”
· A plethora of fake money saving schemes such as food giveaways and fuel gift cards
Finally, as people search for bargains through online second hand sales sites they become easy targets by paying for items which never arrive or even exist.
Research the seller first, then try and pay by credit card where possible or select another secure method of payment that protects the payer.
IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED
OR DO NOT RECOGNISE THE CONTACT
Take Five To Stop Fraud
- 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 okay 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
If you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.
Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.
Forward Fake Emails received to For further information visit: