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Telephone Preference Service Scam
Have you had numerous unsolicited telephone calls followed by an unexpected call from the Telephone Preference Service?
Have you then been offered the service of the Telephone Preference Service to stop all the unwanted calls you have been getting for a charge? This is a scam.
The Telephone Preference Service is a free service. You can get all the information on the service and register for the Telephone Preference Service by heading to https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/home
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Important Information - Scams Identified By Alert Members and Partners
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Scammers are working overtime to get your details and money. The information on the scams identified below have come from our members and partners to the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland inbox today. Please have a look over the details to arm yourself and ensure that you, your family and community don't fall foul of these criminals.
Please feel free pass this information on through any social media platforms you are involved in.
The first scam is an attempt to get you to make payment for a service that is free.
Have you had numerous unsolicited telephone calls followed by an unexpected call from the Telephone Preference Service? You are then offered the service of the TPS to stop all the unwanted calls you have been getting for a charge! This is a scam. The TPS is a free service and you can get all the information on the service and register for the Telephone Preference Service by heading to https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/home
Next up is a scam text indicating that your Apple Pay account has been suspended and asking you to follow a link to sort the issue out. This is a scam. Do not follow the link and do not give any details or make any payments that may be requested. Any problems with your Apple Pay account log into your account and check out what is going on. Below is an example of the message received.
The next one is an old one that has been circulating for years.
This is letter scam that you will receive addressed to you in your name.
What you need to know.
- You do not have along lost relative who made a fortune in Hong Kong.
- There is not $49 million dollars sitting in a bank account for you to get your hands on.
- The fictitious Mr. Frederick Hoi Ji Ying (CHB) does not exist. However a criminal scammer is behind this letter and wants your money.
However bad things are financially do not fall for this scam as things can only get worse. Below is a the letter received by one of our Falkirk based watch coordinators.
And finally. A warning has been issued over a Toby Carvery scam that is circulating on social media.
It involves a fake brand page offering free items, vouchers or food as a ‘gesture of good will’ in the run up to Christmas.
The chain said: “Unfortunately there has been an upsurge in fake Facebook pages being created with the core aim of collecting contact and payment details from people.”
Similar scams have been reported involving Wagamama and Primark.
The organisation has reminded consumers to be careful of anyone:
- Asking you to make upfront payments, especially if it’s to release funds for a loan or prize money.
- You’ve never heard of or had dealings with in the past. For example, you’ve won a competition you don’t remember entering or you owe money to a company you haven’t heard of.
- Asking for personal information – like your bank details, passwords or PIN numbers, legitimate companies would never ask for this type of information.
- Pressuring you into a sale.
If you have been contacted by someone and you are concerned they may be trying to scam you:
- Don’t send them any money or buy anything - you should always do your homework before agreeing to anything. For example, checking online reviews of the company.
- Don’t give them any personal information, bank details, passwords or PIN numbers. If you’ve given out this type of information, you should change all passwords and pins and notify your bank.
- Don’t download any attachments or files in emails or click on any links. If you have then you should check that your devices security is up to date and run a virus scan.
- Don’t ring any numbers you’ve received in an email or letter, especially if it’s a premium rate number. If you’re unsure about the cost of dialling a particular number, contact your service provider for advice.
Anyone who has been a victim of a scam or is concerned about suspicious activity can contact consumeradvice.scot advisers for free advice on 0808 164 6000 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or visit www.consumeradvice.scot. |
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Unsolicited Mail - Possible
Scam
We have had a number of reports of households receiving letters through the mail which are pertaining to be from a neighbour who is encouraging local residents to sign up to the Nextdoor App and giving a code to use.
On checking with the named neighbour they have no knowledge, and this appears to be a scam using a genuine App which if signed up to will mean some your details are available to the person who has set it up. This in turn may allow scammers to target you.
Best advice would be that if you receive such an invitation then check with the neighbour who's name is at the top to see if it is a genuine invite.
If in doubt then do not sign up.
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Guide To New Fire Alarm Standards - Scotland
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The law on fire alarms is changing. By February 2022, all homes in Scotland will be required to have interlinked fire alarms, meaning if one alarm goes off, they all go off. This will alert you to danger more quickly, no matter where you are in your home.
The new legislation requires all homes to have:
- One smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes
- One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
- One heat alarm installed in the kitchen All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked
- Where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, fire (including open fires) and heater, a carbon monoxide detector is also required. This does not need to be linked to the fire alarms.
If you live in a one bedroom flat, you will need two smoke alarms and one heat alarm. If you have a carbon fuelled appliance like a boiler, you will also need a carbon monoxide detector.
 A 3 bedroom, 2 storey house will need 3 smoke alarms and one heat alarm. If you have a carbon fuelled appliance like a boiler, you will also need a carbon monoxide detector.
There are two types of alarms available:
- Tamper proof long-life battery-operated alarms, which can last for up to 10 years, and can be fitted by the homeowner or a handyperson.
- Mains wired alarms, which should be installed by a qualified electrician.
The homeowner is responsible for making sure their home meets the the new fire alarms standard, and for finding a contractor to carry out the work. When purchasing an alarm, choose a reputable brand and make sure the packaging clearly displays compliance with BS EN14604:2005 for smoke alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms should have the British Kitemark (EN 50291-1). Heat alarms should comply with BS 5446-2:2003. To find out more about the new legislation and the support available, visit: mygov.scot/firealarms |
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Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Would Like to Thank Trading Standards Scotland for the Following Information and Advice
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Telecoms Provider Scams - What Should I Do
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Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Would Like to Thank Trading Standards Scotland for the Following Information and Advice
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Due to a significant rise in vehicle crime Neighbourhood Watch Scotland is supporting Police Scotland in their Vehicle Crime campaign to help reduce the opportunities for criminals throughout Scotland.
Here are some tips to help secure your motor vehicles:
 If you have a garage use it and lock it. If you have gates ensure these are locked. Consider using an alarm for your garage and gates. Leaving items on show is an invitation – Mobile phones, electronic equipment, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or placed in the boot. Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach – a common way to steal a car or van is to take the keys or ignition fob, either when left in the vehicle or from your home through housebreaking. Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended – on the drive, the petrol station forecourt or when parking. An unlocked vehicle is the easiest to steal or steal from. When away from home, consider using a Park Mark approved car park. Fit theft resistant number plate fittings – stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure plates. Use a steering wheel lock and/or a lock that fits over the gear lever. Alternatively, a security box can be fitted over the pedals to prevent thefts when the vehicle is parked up. Double check: Listen out for the sound of your doors locking, lights flashing and/or mirrors closing. If you don’t hear or see this make sure to double check. Fit an additional external lock to the rear and side doors of the van.
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We are urging residents to be vigilant of doorstep callers offering home improvement works.
These callers will often use persuasive or aggressive tactics to get householders to agree to have work done, then charge far more than was quoted for poor quality work. They also often fail to provide a legally required cancellation notice which enables the householder to cancel the work within a statutory fourteen day cooling off period.
For any home improvement work, our advice is to always use a Trusted Trader. Using a Trusted Trader means that you can be sure the business is legitimate and operating legally. You can also view feedback given to the business by previous customers. https://crowd.in/c4AF3I
If you have been called in this way and require further advice, or simply want to report the matter, please contact Trading Standards via Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or via the ‘Report It’ button on the Dumfries and Galloway Council Website: https://crowd.in/or6llw
Alternatively, you can contact us on 101.
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Following recent incidents in a variety of our rural communities where person/s have entered insecure vehicles and stolen items from within, and in some circumstances stolen the vehicle, Police Scotland are urging members of the public to remain vigilant around securing vehicles.
Remove or conceal all valuables that may be on display in your vehicle. Where possible, park up in a well-lit area which has surveillance from occupied properties. Please remember to lock the vehicle and keep the keys in a safe and secure place within your household that cannot be seen from doorways or windows. If the key is a ‘smart’ or passive key (contactless) please ensure that it is stored in a Faraday Pouch or signal blocking container kept in a safe and secure place away from windows and doors.
Vehicles that are not fitted with an electronic ignition immobiliser, can be secured with a steering lock or pedal clamp.
The same principal applies to agricultural vehicles and plant, in addition, consider the use of hydraulic locks for plant / Agricultural equipment, or Block Stem locks which are fitted to exposed steering rams. These vehicles should be registered with the CESAR scheme and where appropriate a tracking device fitted.
Theft of quad bikes and lightweight utility vehicles has also increased. When not in use these should be parked up where they can be easily observed from occupied premises, the keys removed and immobilised as best as possible. These should also be registered in the CESAR scheme and where appropriate a tracking device can be installed.
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Scotland’s electricity distribution and water networks have joined forces to launch PSR Scotland, an innovative partnership to inform customers of the free support available when they need it most.
Head to PSRScotland.com to sign up. Let your family, friends and neighbours know of this free service and please feel free to circulate through any social media platforms that you are involved in.
With the launch of the new PSR Scotland website, customers across the country now have a one-stop-shop where they can learn more about the free help available in their individual area, with links straight to the specific pages on each company’s website to make the registration process as simple as possible.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution, SP Energy Networks (SPEN) and Scottish Water, have each been running their own Priority Services Registers (PSR) for several years, offering free support to customers during a power cut or an interruption to local water supplies.
Customers are eligible to register if they: are deaf or hard of hearing, have a disability, live with children under five, are blind or partially sighted, have a chronic illness, are over 60, depend on electricity or water for home or medical care, or feel they may need additional support, even for a temporary period of time.
The new service will make it easier than ever to raise awareness of the additional support available nationwide, encouraging sign-ups from customers who may be eligible but are not yet registered for priority services.
SSEN Distribution owns and operates the electricity infrastructure north of the central belt and SPEN is responsible for the electricity network in central and southern Scotland, while Scottish Water manages the nation’s water and waste water services.
To learn more about the free help and support that is available in your area and check if you are eligible, visit the new PSR Scotland website at PSRScotland.com
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Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety – A Guide for Parents and Carers
The following message and attached guide has been circulated on behalf of Child Protection Charity Stop it Now !
The attached guide provides advice and information on digital parenting.
It will help you speak to your child about safety online in a positive way. It will also signpost you to resources that will help you manage and reduce risks online for your child. Learning to safely navigate the internet and online platforms is like learning to cycle or swim: children need adult support and supervision to learn to do this safely. They need this support before they can use the internet independently.
This guide was created to support online safety training for kinship carers in Scotland. It will be valued by all parents and carers across Scotland. It can be used to support children of any age, but it has a particular focus on the digital resilience of teenagers. This is because of the particular challenges we face keeping adolescents - who are more independent - safe online.
If you have any concerns for a child’s safety and child sexual abuse, then please take action now. Stop It Now!’s confidential UK Helpline (0808 1000 900) is open Monday to Friday, and available for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse. Callers do not need to give identifying information, so can remain anonymous. We speak to thousands of people every year, helping them take action to protect children and young people from sexual abuse and exploitation.
You can also contact us at our Scottish Office on 0131 556 3535 or at scotland@stopitnow.org.uk if you have any questions raised by this handbook. We would love to hear from you!
Please share the attached guide with family, friends, and colleagues as appropriate.
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Protect Scotland App
As a result of information received from communities, our members and key partners the following advice has been circulated
NHS Scotland have launched a new test and protect mobile phone app, "designed to help us protect each other, reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid further lockdowns". The app will alert you if you have been in close contact with another app user who tests positive for coronavirus and can help in determining contacts that you may have.
If you are contacted by NHS (test and protect) it will be by phone on a single national telephone number 0800 030 8012
Be aware that scammers are now exploiting this to commit fraud by contacting the general public advising them that they have been in near contact with someone who has tested positive with Coronavirus and as such you must get a test and self- isolate.
Scammer’s are thereafter asking for payments for booking tests / sending out testing kits by post / courier etc.
ADVICE
NHS Scotland Contact Tracers will:
in some cases, send a text to let you know that you will be receiving a call from NHS Scotland (if mobile is available)
call from a single, national telephone number - 0800 030 8012
always introduce themselves, tell you why they are contacting you and address you by your name
give you the option to call back the above number to provide reassurance that the service is legitimate
Be aware that phone numbers can be spoofed. Consider phoning back using a different phone from the one your received the call. Call will be received on mobile, if concerned phone back on landline
Contact Tracers will never ask you:
for information other than your movements and the people you have been physically close to
to phone a premium rate number
to make a purchase, payment or donation
for your medical history unrelated to coronavirus
for your bank details
for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
for your passwords or PIN numbers, or to set up any
for control of your computer, smartphone or tablet, or to download anything
to visit a website that does not belong to NHS Scotland or the Scottish Government
For further information please go to https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/test-and-protect
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Please circulate to family, neighbours, friends and colleagues
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Rural Safety Advice - Harvest Season
With harvest season well under way and farmers making the most of each dry day in the coming weeks, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is urging everyone working in the fields to “look out, look up” and avoid coming into contact with overhead power lines.
Modern farm machinery can often tower over its smaller 20th century predecessors, and with some modern combine harvesters extending as tall as 4m, there is a real danger that farmers and their colleagues focused on the harvest may forget about overhead electricity lines in the fields where they are working, an oversight that has the potential to cause serious injury, or worse, to those involved.
As part of its harvest safety drive, SSEN has teamed up with Perthshire farmer and comedian, Jim Smith, to produce a series of short videos which they hope will help to highlight not only the risks of striking an electricity line, but also offer up first-hand advice for safer working out in the fields.
Jim said:
“I’m keen to get a safety message over to my fellow farmers and to everyone in the local farming community, and that’s just to be careful out there this harvest time. I know it’s difficult when the weather’s good, the crops are ready and everyone’s going for it, but it only takes a minute or two to observe where the power lines are in every field and where the dangers are.
“The key thing is to always remember to ‘look out, look up’ and take time to check your fields for the location of any electricity lines and poles before you start work.”
Ian Crawley, SSEN’s Network Operational Safety Manager, added: “SSEN wants to help its farming communities to stay accident-free throughout the year and hopes that through the ‘look out, look up’ campaign, we can continue to raise awareness and lower the risks associated with their invaluable work. We’re delighted to work with Jim Smith to spread the message to those working in the field this harvest.”
In addition to this series of harvest-specific videos, the key messages in SSEN’s annual ‘look out, look up’ campaign aim to raise awareness of staying safe while working on the land:
‘Look out, look up!’ before you start work in any areas where electricity lines are present.
Risk assess and be aware of the height of machinery that will be in use near lines and ensure there’s plenty of clearance – remember that electricity can ‘jump’ if an object comes near enough.
If you do come in to contact with an overhead line or cable, stay in your cab or vehicle and try to avoid touching anything metal within it.
Call 105 immediately – this is the UK-wide single emergency number for power companies and is the quickest way to put you through to the correct network operator.
If the situation is too dangerous to stay put, for example, if the machinery is affected by fire, it’s advised that you leap out of the vehicle as high and as far as you can to avoid touching any part of the machinery or electricity network.
If you would like further information on staying safe when working near power lines, please visit ssen.co.uk/safety.
The Health and Safety Executive website also contains more detailed information on the full range power lines farmers are likely to encounter, as well as invaluable advice for working safely near them.
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Exploiting Those Trying To Protect Themselves
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During this period of uncertainty regarding Covid-19, it has become apparent to Neighbourhood Watch Scotland that there are some people who are taking advantage of the situation and are targeting the most vulnerable. Although we appreciate the concern that is being caused by the outbreak, please continue to be cautious when dealing with callers at the door, unwanted phones calls and emails.
If everyone can tell 2 people about the following recent developments in their next phone conversation with a friend or neighbour, the message will soon reach all corners of the community.
This is a worldwide pandemic and no legitimate organisation will contact you out of the blue and ask for payment for information or access to treatment which does not exist. We are hearing reports of emails and phone calls asking for donations to help those in need during this time, or offering miracle cures, and door to door campaigns offering testing. Also, please be aware that the Red Cross are NOT doing door to door testing as has been suggested in some areas.
Unfortunately, some fraudsters are offering to do shopping for residents, taking the money and then not returning with the goods. Others have offered to take a shopping list along with a bank card. This would be considered as theft and should be reported to the police.
We don't want to discourage anyone from helping their neighbours or family members, and we don't want to breed distrust in those genuine members of the community trying to support others. We simply ask that you remain vigilant and:
Try to only liaise with people you know.
Only buy the essentials in this manner, therefore the amount of money required is minimal, do not hand over a bank card - use cash only.
If the person says they are from a community organisation, ask for some ID or to verify their identity by calling the organisation directly, not the number on the card.
Scammers are also sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails which attempt to trick people into opening malicious attachments or revealing sensitive information about themselves such as personal and financial details. In the same way that we have seen fake TV licensing and HMRC emails, we are now seeing phishing emails claiming to be from organisations affiliated with the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). There have also been some variations on current scams with fake emails appearing to be from HMRC offering a tax rebate due to the Coronavirus.
Please be aware of any suspicious emails and do not click on the links or attachments, and do not respond to any unsolicited messages or calls asking for your personal or financial details.
If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to Police Scotland Tel 101 or for advice contact Consumer Advice Scotland Tel 08081646000.
For anyone concerned about COVID-19 please refer to the NHS advice page - https://www.scot.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ |
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