Three Towns Forum
The Local => Three Towns Policing Issues => Topic started by: SteveH on July 22, 2021, 04:27:35 pm
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« Reply #246 on: July 19, 2021, 04:32:37 PM »
QuoteSplit Topic
I have signed up, and will pass on anything of local interest, but everyone can sign up, the more the better, register below.
COMMUNITIES in North Wales can now keep up to date with personalised policing news following the launch of a brand new free messaging service.
North Wales Community Alert has been funded as part of the Home Office Safer Streets Fund and North Wales Police are the first force in Wales to launch the alert system.
The system is currently used by several other police forces in other parts of the UK and has seen positive results and greater engagement with communities. It will allow residents the chance to access up to date information about crime, engagement events, appeals, prevention advice and general policing activity in a certain area.
The system also includes a messaging service that allows users to put forward what matters to them.
Carl Foulkes, Chief Constable, said: “We are delighted to launch North Wales Community Alert which will form a key part of our Local Policing. It is a free messaging service for people who live and work in North Wales to help our communities to stay informed and up to date with news, alerts, appeals, engagement events and general policing activities from your local police teams.
“What makes North Wales Community Alert so useful is that individuals can choose what information they would like to receive from us and how they would like to receive it whether by email, text or voice message - so they don't even need an internet connection - the choice is in their hands.
“North Wales Community Alert isn’t just a broadcast channel, where it is just us telling you. It is a two-way messaging system so that we have an additional route to listen to what our communities have to say.”
Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “North Wales Community Alert will give our communities a great opportunity to provide feedback to their local neighbourhood police team on the issues that matter most to them, helping us to work together to make North Wales the safest place in the UK.
“Local Police officers will be raising awareness of the scheme and I encourage residents, businesses and community groups to sign up to the system.
“Please take some time to register with North Wales Community Alert, it is quick, simple and completely free.”
Register by visiting www.NorthWalesCommunityAlert.co.uk (http://www.NorthWalesCommunityAlert.co.uk)
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Safety................Play Safe Stay Safe in the Water
The RNLI are experts on sea safety. Whether you're heading to the beach, to the coast, or out to sea, we've collected together our essential safety advice so you can make the most of your time on the water.
Comprehensive safety instructions .......... https://rnli.org/safety
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There has been a burglary in Colwyn Bay and one in Denbigh in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
On both occasions the front door was left open.
Please make sure you check that your door is secure.
Can you afford to wake up and have your valuables stolen.
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Do you know what your children are up to?
As the evenings are longer and brighter, children and young people want to enjoy the time away from school. However, it is very easy for young people to get carried away with each other and become involved in anti-social behaviour activities. Remember, an easy way to consider what is Anti-Social behaviour: any behaviour that you think is wrong, upsets someone or is against the law.
School Liaison Officers provide students with information about ASB and its consequences, as part of our duties, and everyone has the right to a safe and enjoyable neighbourhood. North Wales Police encourage those responsible for children’s welfare to be mindful of what their children are up to on the longer summer evenings, where they are and who they may be hanging around with. Let’s keep our kids and our neighbourhoods safe and happy.
There is lots of information on what you can do as a parent/carer on the “Parents” section of the Schoolbeat Cymru website: https://schoolbeat.cymru/en/parents/know-what-could-affect-your-child/anti-social-behaviour/ (English) or[SMJ(21] https://schoolbeat.cymru/cy/rhieni/gwybod-beth-allai-cael-effaith-ar-fy-mhlentyn/ymddygiad-gwrthgymdeithasol/ (Cymraeg) as well as some downloadable documents.
#PlaySafeStaySafe #HappyNeighbourhoods #EverybodyNeedsGoodNeighbours
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RESIDENTS have been urged to continue taking home security precautions to deter opportunist burglars.
"During the summer months please do not leave windows and doors unlocked unless you are in that room.
"The majority of burglaries are opportunistic, and a property that presents itself as insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured."
"The warm weather has provided ample opportunity with windows being left open to allow rooms to cool down and sadly on at least two occasions residents have woken having been alerted by noise and believe someone has tried to gain entry.
Top tips for keeping homes secure over the summer include:
•Always close and lock windows and doors when leaving the property – even a small open window could entice a burglar.
•If in the garden, make sure windows and doors at the front of the property are secure.
•Do not leave valuables on display through windows.
•Any car or house keys should be out of sight and some distance from a window or door.
•Ensure that any side entrance is secure, locked and not easy to climb over, even when someone is at home.
•If leaving windows open while sleeping, fit window restrictors so they cannot be fully opened.
•Consider installing a visible security light or alarm to deter criminals.
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People across North Wales are being urged to help draw up a new blueprint for the way the region is policed and help decide where 20 extra PCSOs should work.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin and Chief Constable Carl Foulkes are asking local communities, groups and representative bodies to tell them what they think is most important and what they are most worried about.
Mr Dunbobbin is preparing to write his first Police and Crime Plan after being elected in May and is keen for as many people as possible to have a voice in the process.
Along with the Chief Constable, he is asking people to take part in a survey which will help shape North Wales Police’s priorities.
The survey covers all aspects of policing, from tackling serious and organised crime and protecting children and young people from sexual exploitation and abuse, to dealing with social media trolling and responding to non-emergency calls.
The survey is now available at (surveymonkey SMDKY8R)
Direct link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SMDKY8R (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SMDKY8R) for people to complete until Friday, August 20.
Paper copies will be available for those who do not wish to fill in the online version. There will also be an easy read version available.
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If you receive a phone call, from someone claiming your bank account has been hacked and you need to transfer your funds to a different account, put the phone down. It is a Scam.
Unfortunately we are still receiving reports of people falling victim to this scam. Please let your friends and family know, so together we can help stop this happening to someone else.
Message Sent By
PCSO 3642 Chris Livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)
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If you receive a text message that you suspect to be a scam or spam you can forward it for free to 7726. Your network provider will then log and review the number. This will assist in preventing people from being scammed. Please share this number with your friends, family and neighbours.
Os yr ydych yn derbyn neges destyn ar eich ffon symudol yr ydych yn amau sy'n sgâm neu spam fe ellwch ei yrru ymlaen i 7726 am ddim. Fe fydd eich darparwr ffon yna'n cofnodi ac adolygu'r rhif yma. Fe fydd hyn yn helpu i atal pobl rhag cael eu sgamio. Cofiwch rannu'r rhif yma hefo eich ffrindiau, teulu a chymdogion.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police)
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If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, don't use the links or contact details in the email, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) using report@phishing.gov.uk. By reporting suspicious emails the National Cyber Security Centre will be able to analyse the suspect email and any websites it links to.
Please share this email address with your friends, family and neighbours.
Message Sent By
DC 2675 Rachel Roberts
(North Wales Police, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales )
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I am getting inundated with e-mails that I consider junk ...many of them are about jobs in the Llandudno Junction area. None are of any interest to me and I do not click on the links. Just mark them as junk and hopefully my system will learn which addresses to bin straight away - that's what Thunderbird says it will do so I'll see if it happens.
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If someone calls you claiming to be from your bank, be wary and don’t disclose personal information.
If you are asked to end a call and ring back to verify their identity, this could be a scam. Use a different phone to call them back on the bank’s correct verified number. If in doubt, go into your local branch.
Please share this advice with your family, friends and neighbours. #Helpingeachother
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Second notice today.........
We have received a number of reports of rogue traders operating across the force over recent weeks.
Unfortunately one elderly victim in the Conwy area lost a significant sum of money when she paid a cash deposit for building works that were never started after a rogue trader called at her home out of the blue.
We would discourage anyone from engaging with cold callers on the doorstep. Remember - you don’t have to open the door to anyone you don’t know or aren’t expecting.
Please share this message with friends, family and neighbours who may be vulnerable.
Message Sent By
DC 2675 Rachel Roberts
(North Wales Police, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales )
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With children now finishing their school holidays and starting to return back to the classroom, please could we remind everyone driving on the roads to be mindful of the speed limits within in the local communities and in particular around the schools.
Did you know that most if not all of the roads passing schools in the Conwy county area are now restricted to 20MPH zones?
Today we have carried out a couple of speed surveys in the areas of Colwyn Heights and also Old Colwyn.
Whilst conducting the speed surveys we have received a number of positive comments from the local community who were happy to see officers in and around the schools reducing speed.
Message Sent By
Matthew Preston
(North Wales Police, PCSO, West Conwy)
Welcome to SchoolBeat.cymru
SchoolBeat.cymru is a bilingual site from the All Wales School Liaison Core Programme, providing information and resources for pupils, teachers, parents and partners to reinforce the key messages delivered by our School Community Police Officers in primary and secondary schools as well as alternative educational settings.
The website focuses on the three main themes of the Programme: drug and substance misuse, personal safety and safeguarding, and social behaviour and community.
cont https://schoolbeat.cymru/
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Would you recognise a scam? Put your ability to spot a scam to the test with this quick quiz.
Are you scam-savvy? - Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk) https://quiz.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/?_ga=2.135273009.1610248158.1630567370-1483084864.1626080975 (https://quiz.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/?_ga=2.135273009.1610248158.1630567370-1483084864.1626080975)
Please share with your friends and family to see how well they get on. #Helpingeachother
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
Over the recent weeks there has been a slight increase in thefts from motor vehicles within the West Conwy area.
A number of these vehicles have been left insecure and by chance an opportunist thief has used this to their advantage and stolen a number of items from within the vehicles during the early hours of the morning.
Please could we take this opportunity to remind everyone to make sure you lock your vehicles, removes all valuable items from inside.
If you have any information or CCTV which maybe be of use please call 101 or alternatively contact North Wales Police via web chat at: https://www.northwales.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/ (https://www.northwales.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/)
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Do you own a shed? if so, how secure is it from thieves?
Items we keep in our sheds are very attractive to thieves. They are easy to transport and sell on.
Sheds are easier targets for burglars than homes.
The average contents of a shed can be around £600. What is in your shed? Power tools, pressure washer etc
A great man once told me this analogy. Count the value of everything in your shed in pounds. Place that amount in the centre of the shed. Would you still secure that shed using a cheap padlock.
What is keeping your shed secure? Is it a cheap padlock? If so, it would be a good idea to change this to an alarm padlock or disk padlock. Also, fit a good quality hasp and staple using coach bolts.
If you do change the padlock, make sure you change the hinge screws to coach bolts, as it does not matter how good your lock is if a thief could remove the door with a cordless screwdriver.
Does your shed have a window that thieves can look through to see what is worth stealing inside? Cover this with a net curtain or blind or if it is not needed, black it out.
Add an extra layer of security by putting a battery powered PIR (infra red) alarm inside.
Message Sent By
PCSO 3642 Chris Livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)
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Are you someone who likes to shop on Facebook Marketplace?
Please be aware that fraudsters are setting up fake accounts to sell items that they don't even have to sell.
It is very easy for a scammer to create an account and add fake images on Marketplace.
If you want to buy an item on the Facebook Marketplace, you must have a Facebook profile. A legitimate buyer will have a robust profile, while a scam artist likely will have a skeletal profile created recently.
If the seller asks you to send a large deposit before you have even seen the item in person, the chances are you are being scammed.
Message Sent By
PCSO 3642 Chris Livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)
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Lottery Scams are at their highest levels since November 2019. Victims are contacted by phone or via messages on social media, notifying them that they are on a ‘winners list’ or have won a lottery prize. They are told that fees are required to obtain winnings, or the victims are asked to purchase vouches (e.g., Amazon/Google Play gift cards). This is a scam! Don’t fall for it!!
Please make sure that your family, friends and neighbours are aware of this scam. #Helpingeachother
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Please be aware that we have received reports of cold callers in the area. Please be mindful if answering the door to strangers that their intentions may not always be legitimate.
Message Sent By
PS 1620 Sue Carrington
(North Wales Police, Sergeant - Community Safety,
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It’s great to be back in schools and delivering classes to our children and young people. It’s not just about the Law and Policing, but about helping our young people be good citizens, and keeping them safe. I did promise recently, that I would blog about what I teach in your schools, so you as parents, guardians, families and the community can see what we as School Community Police Officers are all about.
This week, I have been in High Schools, teaching older students about safer relationships and consent. This class teaches young people to understand what is meant by consent and exploring the concept and the consequences of not respecting consent. It also helps young people to be assertive and resist unwanted peer pressure and other influences, and to have a responsible attitude toward personal relationships. It teaches about the importance of sexual health and the risks involved in sexual activity including potential exploitation, and we also help advise how to access health advice and personal support. The issue of peer-on-peer abuse has been highlighted recently and classes like this will help educate our young people and our citizens of tomorrow to be respectful of each other and develop and maintain good, healthy relationships.
I have also been in primary schools, teaching our younger learners about the emergency services, teaching them all about 999 and to explore the differences between what is and emergency and what isn’t. It’s a great class as it teaches young children to understand the police and other services who can help in an emergency and who can help in what situation.
I have also delivered classes around the issue of Anti-Social behaviour, where pupils have learned about what kinds of behaviour constitutes ASB, how it impacts on our communities, and the consequences of such behaviour if people continue to act anti-socially.
It’s not all delivering classes though, and we SCPOs also deal with police related criminal matters in school, from assaults and bullying, to damage and abuse, sometimes with our colleagues from Local Policing but always involving the schools themselves. I have already had to deal with matters in relation to students and social media sites this week, so I helped provide advice and information relating to the offences that have occurred, and how the students involved can avoid such a situation in future. We, as SCPOs, try to help young people stay OUT of the criminal Justice system, if we can.
I hope you find this post useful and can see the kind of work we do with the schools to help provide positive influences on our young people.
Remember for more information, you can always visit the [www.schoolbeat.cymru]www.schoolbeat.cymru website.
Message Sent By
PC 2458 Manus Sheridan
North Wales Police, School Community Police Officer
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1 ....Action Fraud have received numerous reports about fake emails purporting to be from Amazon. The email claims to offer an exclusive reward if the recipient completes an online survey but it is a phishing email designed to steal login, personal and financial information.
2....We've received several reports of Facebook accounts being hacked resulting in the victim’s hacked profile sending messages to all their Facebook friends asking to borrow money and for funds to be sent to a bank account.
If you receive any such messages please contact your friend off Facebook to check that it is in fact them who has sent the message before sending any funds. It is very likely to be a scam!!
Please share this information with all of your friends. You could be saving them a lot of money. #Helpingeachother #NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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If you think you have what it takes to BE the difference YOU want to see in North Wales Police head to our website and complete an Expression of Interest Form so we can keep you informed of opportunities and available support
Citizens in Policing | North Wales Police https://www.northwales.police.uk/police-forces/north-wales-police/areas/careers/careers/citizens-in-policing/ (https://www.northwales.police.uk/police-forces/north-wales-police/areas/careers/careers/citizens-in-policing/)
#NWPJustLikeMe
Message Sent By
Chris Perkins
(North Wales Police, Citizens in Policing Team Leader, Citizens in Policing Team, North Wales)
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Another update, about what I have been doing in our communities’ schools this week.
I have been to High School Students, delivering classes around the subject of Hate Crimes, looking at prejudice and discrimination, hate crimes and hate incidents and the laws around such offences. We also look at victims, and how they can be supported by the Police and other agencies and encouraging our young people to help make our communities safer and welcoming.
I have also been teaching our older students about domestic abuse, how to recognise it, and that it doesn’t just happen in intimate relationships, but how domestic abuse can also take place in family units. We looked at different types of domestic abuse, how it’s NEVER the victim’s fault, and how victims can obtain help and support. This is a valuable lesson, as our older students begin to embark on their own relationships.
Another lesson I have delivered this week centred on Bullying, which can be a problem in schools. We looked at how students can recognise different types of bullying, how to get help if they are being bullied, what offences they can be committing if they themselves are bullying, and how students can look out for each other and get help and support.
Younger students have been learning about how to keep safe around one of the most common things we all have at home: medicines.
I have also been looking at upcoming new materials that we School Community Police Officers will be delivering into schools in our areas, and there are some exciting things ahead, but all with the message of keeping our communities' children and young people safe.
Another issue that has raised it's head in our schools this week, is that of Cyberbullying. If you do have children or look after children, please do speak to them about Cyberbullying, check in with them to see if everything is OK and check their 'phones, consoles or devices to see if they are sending or receiving any abusive messages. Let's protect our young people from online abuse.
Message Sent By
PC 2458 Manus Sheridan
North Wales Police, School Community Police Officer
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Action Fraud have received numerous reports about fake emails purporting to be from PayPal. The emails state that the recipient’s PayPal account has been temporarily restricted. The links provided in the emails lead to genuine-looking phishing websites that are designed to steal PayPal login details as well as personal and financial information.
Please make sure that your family, friends and neighbours are aware of this scam. #Helpingeachother #NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Are large proportion of Burglaries take place at the rear of the property. Restricting access to your back garden will greatly reduce your risk of being burgled.
A great way to do this is by attaching trellis to fences or walls. Or putting up a fence with trellis on the top.
Trellis is a great deterrent as it will brake if a burglar attempts to climb it, which will make a noise attracting attention.
Message Sent By
PCSO 3642 Chris Livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)
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Here is my update on what I have been doing in our communities’ schools this week. It’s only a short report this time!
Younger students have been learning about keeping safe online, how to keep personal information private, that sometimes people online may not be who they say they are, and about reporting to parents/carers if anyone wants to meet them in real life etc. By giving this information and advice to our youngest children as they explore using the internet, we aim to prevent them coming to any harm. Remember, if you do have children or young people in your life, please take an interest in what they are doing online and make sure they are safe and OK.
Our older students have been learning about new psychoactive substances; what they are, and the laws surrounding them. Older students have also been learning about on-line grooming and the laws and risks around young people carrying weapons. I have also delivered more lessons on domestic abuse, that I detailed in last week’s report, and delivering assemblies. As our older student embark on their own relationships this advice and information helps them make positive choices and recognise behaviours that might make them uncomfortable or unsafe and how to get help. Peer Pressure is also a major factor in young people's life as they grow up so we provide help and information around this sort of coersion.
As well as delivering lessons, I have been spending time in our schools dealing with crime-related incidents involving students, and planning the year ahead with other schools in terms of lesson delivery. It’s been a busy week!
Message Sent By
PC 2458 Manus Sheridan
(North Wales Police, School Community Police Officer)
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This morning members of Response Team 1 from Llandudno Police Station assisted by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a search warrant under section 23 of the misuse of drugs act at an address on Parc Bodnant in Llandudno.
Although it may go unseen until such actions today but North Wales Police continue to work hard on the fight against drugs and the people that use and supply them to cause the most harm in our communities.
North Wales Police will not tolerate drug use and associated crime in our communities. if you have any information regarding drugs; supply or use please contact us through the normal channels, speak to your local PCSO or contact crime stoppers.
Message Sent By
PC 3211 Gary Sinfield
(North Wales Police, NPT Constable, West Conwy)
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Community Neighbourhood Watch News Letter.
INSIDE:
Fraud trends pg 2 Hannah Ingram-Moore to help find Neighbour of the Year pg 3
New student initiative launched pg 4 National Hate Crime Awareness Week pg 5
Better Health: Every Mind Matters pg 6 Protecting digital freedom for all . pg 8
cont https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2021-10/Oct%202021%20OUR%20NEWS.pdf (https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2021-10/Oct%202021%20OUR%20NEWS.pdf)
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As the lighter nights to come to an end, we are once again reminding residents to consider putting in place these simple tips to keep your house safe from opportunistic burglars:
Lock all doors and windows- even when at home.
Leave a light on- Signal someone is at home by keeping a light on, or use a timer if you won’t be in. Also consider installing outdoor lighting too.
Don’t advertise that you’re away on social media- this tells burglars that your house is empty.
Use visible deterrents and security- think visible cameras or even just a sticker to say that cameras are in operation.
Keep valuables out of sight and don’t leave packaging for expensive items outside your property either.
Message Sent By
Eurwen Williams
(North Wales Police, PCSO - Community Safety)
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Remember to report any suspicious e-mails that you receive to the National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding the e-mail to report@phishing.gov.uk
Since April 2020, reports to them have led to the removal of over 84,000 malicious websites and 43,000 scams. Let’s work together to beat the scammers. #Helpingeachother #NWPCyberSafe
Please ask your family, friends and neighbours to do the same.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
This weeks update on what I have been teaching in your schools!
Younger students learned about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and solvents and how to keep themselves safe at home. Students also learned about bullying including cyberbullying, and about good and bad secrets, and the importance of telling trusted adults if someone asks them to keep a secret that makes them feel uncomfortable or feel bad.
Our older students in high schools learned about safe use of the internet and the laws around the offences of taking and sending indecent images of young people under 18, an offence you may have heard referred to as “sexting”. This is a very serious offence and carries serious repercussions for those involved, but the lesson also covers how to keep young people safe from this offence, and what to do if anyone ever asks them for an indecent image.
Some of the topics may sound heavy, but it is important that our young people have this information in order to keep them safe, and to prevent them committing offences themselves. If you have children or young people in your family unit, please talk to them about these offences to build upon what they have learned in school. There is further information on the parents section of the schoolbeat cymru website https://schoolbeat.cymru/en/parents/
Message Sent By
PC 2458 Manus Sheridan
(North Wales Police, School Community Police Officer)
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Having a diverse workforce is good news for policing because it opens up a wider range of skills and talents. What we really want is for people who are driven not just to see the difference in policing but who actively want to be the difference too.
We want to be truly reflective of the communities we serve by recruiting more people from backgrounds that are underrepresented in policing. Only when everyone in our communities can see themselves in the police will they have full confidence in us.
This is not about recruiting on the basis of ethnicity, gender, or any other characteristic. The standards required in our recruitment processes are high and are applied to everyone equally because we want the best people to join us. We want to ensure that we get applications from the best people in all of our communities, and that these people know they will be welcomed and valued.
If you have any questions about Positive Action, you can email us at PositiveAction@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
Message Sent By
Chris Perkins
(North Wales Police, Citizens in Policing Team Leader, North Wales)
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If you’ve found our recent alerts about Scams and Internet Safety useful you may want to consider following our North Wales Police Cybercrime Team Twitter and Facebook pages. On these pages we share daily information and advice about Internet Safety and Cyber Security as well as information about the latest scams.
You can reach our pages by following the below links :-
HGC Troseddau Seiber / NWP Cyber Crime - Home | Facebook
HGC Troseddau Seiber / NWP Cyber Crime (@NWPCyberCrime) / Twitter
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
Please be aware, fraudsters are using Facebook Marketplace.
It is very easy for a scammer to set up a fake advert to sell items that do not exist. A picture could easily be taken from the internet.
If you are asked to pay a large deposit before seeing the item, there is a chance you are being scammed.
A resident of Denbigh was unfortunately scammed to the amount of £4000. It was for a deposit on a car. The buyer has had no further contact from the alleged seller.
Message Sent By
christopher livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)
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Neighbouring Police forces have recently reported burglaries at Veterinary Premises on their respective Force areas. There have been no occurrences within North Wales but can all such premises please review their security arrangements and ensure Key holders contact details are updated with your relevant security monitoring company.
Should you see any suspicious activity around a Vet practice please contact North Wales Police via 101 or Web chat using the link below.
https://www.northwales.police.uk/police-forces/north-wales-police/areas/live-chat/ (https://www.northwales.police.uk/police-forces/north-wales-police/areas/live-chat/)
If you suspect a crime is in progress then its 999.
Message Sent By
PC 1952 David Allen
(North Wales Police, Rural Crime Constable, Eastern)
Action Fraud have recently received numerous reports of fake emails purporting to be from Asda. The emails stated that the recipient could win a £100 promo reward gift card by completing a marketing survey.
The links provided in the emails lead to phishing websites that are designed to steal personal information. Be careful what you click on!! #NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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We have received a number of reports of elderly residents being contacted by telephone from an unknown male offering vitamins for sale to those who have not had their Covid 19 booster. These vitamins are being offered for a high price and it is suspected that they are of no medical value.
We advise that residents do not agree to purchase these items and do not pass bank details over the phone.
Please share this message with friends, family and neighbours who may be vulnerable.
Message Sent By
DC 2675 Rachel Roberts
(North Wales Police, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales )
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This last week has seen members of our Police Cadets,
attending Community Events to promote and sign up new members to the Home - North Wales Community Alert where they explained what the system is and how it can be a benefit to its members. By offering up to date information about crime, engagement events, appeals, prevention advice and general policing activity in your local area.
But of course you already know that as you're receiving this message.
The Cadets who attended did a fantastic job, along with one of their Volunteer Cadet Leaders.
North Wales Police Volunteer Cadet Leaders are a mix of individuals some are Police Officers, PCSOs, Police Support Staff and others are members of the public.
If you or anyone you know would be interested in joining the team please visit the following for further information to discover what our Police Cadets do. Volunteer police cadets | North Wales Police
Recruit Cadet places can be sought by those aged between 13yrs up to 15½yrs at the time of applying –
at this time we are not currently recruiting Cadets into our Volunteer Police Cadet Units , we anticipate the next recruitment windows to open as follows :-
@May 2022 for Conwy / Denbighshire / Wrexham areas
@May 2023 for Gwynedd / Anglesey / Flintshire areas
We do not recruit ad-hoc as the Volunteer Police Cadets is a two year programme run usually from our local
Further Education Colleges. We look to recruit 20 Cadets maximum into each Cadet Unit.
If you'd be interested in applying to become a Volunteer Cadet Leader or would like a chat about the role before hand drop a line to CitizensinPolicing@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
Message Sent By
Chris Perkins
(North Wales Police, Citizens in Policing Team Leader, North Wales)
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We have recently seen an increase in reports of scam text messages targeting parents.
The texts claim to be from their adult children asking for money to be sent urgently for various reasons such as the need to pay a debt or bill. A number of residents have lost money because of this scam whilst believing they are helping their children.
If you receive ANY unexpected message requesting money or vouchers please make additional checks to confirm the request is genuine.
Please share this message with friends, family and neighbours.
Message Sent By
DC 2675 Rachel Roberts
(North Wales Police, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales )
Below is a common scam message claiming that you need to pay a fee before an item can be delivered.
Whatever you do, do not click the link. Your device could be infected with malware, malicious software that's designed to steal your credentials. If unsure contact the courier directly to check if they have an item for you. #NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH LAUNCHES ‘SAY NO TO ASB’ CAMPAIGN
Antisocial behaviour (ASB) incidents have increased over the last three years. Police forces, councils and housing associations are reporting significant spikes in ASB cases – and these are not minor incidents. They are complex and serious cases causing real harm to many people.
45% of people say ASB is a problem where they live, and 56% of those who had either been a victim of or a witness to ASB did not report it to anyone. *
To help tackle the issue, we are running a campaign encouraging people to SAY NO TO ASB. The campaign will run from the 25th October through to the 21st November on our social channels with key information on recognising, recording, and reporting ASB on our website: ourwatch.org.uk/asb.
We are running a free online ‘SAY NO TO ASB’ webinar on 15th Novemberat 5pm with the charity ASB Help as part of the campaign. Places are limited. To book your place, visit ourwatch.org.uk/webinars.
HOW TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and share our posts to your social channels, including WhatsApp community groups, to encourage more people to SAY NO TO ASB
Download our ‘Recognising, Recording and Reporting ASB Guide’ from ourwatch.org.uk/asb to share with your community
Download our 14-day ‘ASB Diary’ from ourwatch.org.uk/asb to support you in recognising, recording, and reporting ASB incidents in your area.
To find out more and SAY NO TO ASB, visit ourwatch.org.uk/asb.
If you would like a digital campaign pack, please email enquiries@ourwatch.org.uk.
* Data source: Taking Back our Communities - working together to make communities safer report, commissioned in 2021 by RESOLVE, a Centre of Excellence solely focused upon community safety and antisocial behaviour
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349
Message Sent By
Central Support Team
(NWN, Enquiries Dept, England and Wales)
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This year in Wales, the Police and Fire Service are launching their annual Halloween and Bonfire Night Safety Campaign.
We’ll be asking everyone to think about the way they celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Our messages are about encouraging you to respect each other, protect the emergency services, and enjoy safely.
There's LOTS of information and downloads on our site. Please view our material on the “Partners” section of the schoolbeat website:
https://schoolbeat.cymru/en/partners/halloween/ ENGLISH
https://schoolbeat.cymru/cy/partneriaid/calan-gaeaf/ CYMRAEG
Message Sent By
PC 2458 Manus Sheridan
North Wales Police, School Community Police Officer
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For the second year running, we want to hear your thoughts about crime, community, and how effective Neighbourhood Watch is.
The survey, launched on Wednesday 20th October 2021, is open to the public across England and Wales, regardless of whether they live in a Neighbourhood Watch area or not.
The results will enable us to better understand on a national and regional level crime, fear of crime and benchmark whether membership to a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, or living in a Neighbourhood Watch area, has an impact on levels of crime, concern about crime, neighbourliness, and the willingness of communities to work together.
Last year our survey received just over 30,000 responses from across England and Wales providing us with a rich and useful set of data. This year we will be able to compare our data to last year’s results.
Please share this survey via email and social across all the various communities which you belong to whether they be a Neighbourhood Watch community or other such as sport, religious or work community. This will help us receive a good balance of responses from Neighbourhood Watch members and non-members which will enable us to compare experiences between these two groups. To help you reach others we have attached a poster which you can print and display locally or share digitally. Alternatively, reshare our social posts (Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn) to your channels.
A good response in all regions will ensure we can publish a national report and provide individual regions with their own reports.
All data will be anonymised and aggregated and will be used by Neighbourhood Watch to ensure our work is effective, inclusive, and representative.
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CL72YGJ (http://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CL72YGJ)
The survey closes on the 16th of November. Thank you for your support.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
Message Sent By
Cheryl Spruce
(NWN, Head of Membership & Community Engagement, National)
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With celebrations for Halloween and Bonfire Night upon us, North Wales Police are once again working with partners including the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to help ensure a safe and enjoyable time for everyone.
Activity packs and ideas on how to celebrate Halloween at home have been created, so whether you are looking for a rainy day activity with your family or something to keep the youngsters entertained this half term. We have attached some spook-tacular Halloween activities which you can print.
Also have you visited our website? – We’ve got even more skele-fun Halloween activity packs - #GwarchodParchuMwynhau – Ym Bang 2021 | Heddlu Gogledd Cymru / #ProtectRespectEnjoy – Op Bang 2021 | North Wales Police
Don’t forget to tag North Wales Police in your pics using #CalanGaeafHGC / #NWPHalloween 👻 🎃 🕷️
For those Trick or Treaters, be s-careful this Halloween with our tips:
Young children should always go trick or treating with an appropriate adult
Plan your route and let people know where you are
Do not take short cuts
Make sure you stay in areas that are well lit with street lamps, and take a torch with you
Never go into a stranger’s house
Please respect residents who choose not to take part
Don’t talk to strangers on the street
Be careful not to frighten vulnerable people, especially the elderly
Ensure you are always visible; it may be a good idea to wear reflective tape on your costume so that you are seen by motorists
Look carefully before crossing the road
Remember that throwing eggs and flour at property is classed as criminal damage - and the police will deal with all incidents of anti-social behaviour accordingly
Remember to also be frightfully thoughtful of others this Halloween as some people may find this time of year distressing and intimidating.
Cue the sparklers; here are some tips and advice for bonfire night:
Attending an organised display is the safest way to enjoy fireworks – click here to see your organised displays.
It’s an offence to sell or give Fireworks to anyone under the age of 18. You can be fined or imprisoned for buying or using fireworks illegally
It is also an offence to set off fireworks in a public place
Visit Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub Gogledd Cymru / North Wales Fire and Rescue Service website for more Firework & Bonfire safety advice.
Our Police Officers, PCSO’s and Special Constabulary will continue to be visible in our communities in the run up to, and during the festivities to help prevent and detect antisocial behaviour.
If you have concerns around antisocial behaviour and public safety; this is a matter for the police. If it’s not an emergency, you can contact us via our website. In an emergency always dial 999.
Concerns about noise, the sale of fireworks and other related items, and littering/fly-tipping should be directed to your local authority via Ein partneriaid | Heddlu Gogledd Cymru / Our partners | North Wales Police
#GwarchodParchuMwynhau / #ProtectRespectEnjoy
Attachments
Halloween callers poster_Croeso i alwyr.pdf
Halloween colouring sheet 3_Taflen lliwio 3.pdf
Halloween egg poster_Poster ar gyfer siopau.pdf
halloween no callers poster_Dim galwyr os gwelwch yn dda.pdf
Halloween word search_Chwilair calan gaeaf.pdf
Message Sent By
PS 3189 Abbie Burns-Jones
(North Wales Police, Prevention Sergeant, North Wales)
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We are delighted to be able to invite you to our FREE online webinar regarding Preventing and disrupting county lines exploitation. This will be held on Tuesday 9th November from 5pm-6pm.
The webinar will focus on providing an in depth view on County Lines exploitation, based on the key principals; exploitation, prevention, protection, and reporting
What is County Lines?
County lines is a form of criminal exploitation where urban gangs persuade, coerce or force children and young people to store drugs and money and/or transport them to suburban areas, market towns and coastal towns (Home Office, 2018). It can happen in any part of the UK and is against the law and a form of child abuse.
We are delighted to welcome expert guest speakers from The Children's Society, County Lines leads and organised crime county lines coordinators to be part of our panel of presenters.
Event Details
Tuesday 9th November 2021
5.00pm - 6.00pm
Online via Zoom
Register for your FREE place
How to register for the event
Simply register for your FREE space https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/preventing-and-disrupting-county-lines-exploitation-tickets-195017421357 (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/preventing-and-disrupting-county-lines-exploitation-tickets-195017421357)
You will receive your link to the event once you have registered.
We look forward to welcoming you to the event as part of our serious crime webinars in November. Look for more details in our November newsletter.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Central Support Team
Message Sent By
Central Support Team
(NWN, Enquiries Dept, England and Wales)
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1. Further to my recent alert North Wales Police continue to see an increase in reports of scam text messages and Whatsapp messages targeting elderly parents.
The messages claim to be from their adult children asking for money to be sent urgently for various reasons such as the need to pay a debt or bill. Victims are told that their child has a new mobile number and in some cases the scammers engage in text conversations for some time before asking for money making the messages appear legitimate.
An increasing number of residents have lost money because of this scam whilst believing they are helping their children.
If you receive ANY unexpected message requesting money or vouchers please make additional checks to confirm the request is genuine.
Can I please also ask that if you have elderly parents you discuss this scam with them to ensure they do not become a victim.
Please share this message with friends, family and neighbours.
Message Sent By
DC 2675 Rachel Roberts
(North Wales Police, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales )
2. Criminals will often use major news stories such as the issues currently facing energy suppliers as a chance to pose as a genuine organisation, as well as a bank. Often the criminal will pretend to be from the impacted company and claim they are dealing with the issue or offer to provide help, such as switching supplier.
They use fraudulent emails, phone calls or text messages to contact people. The criminal will then attempt to get recipients to disclose personal or financial information which they will use to steal money.
Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information.
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.
Please share with friends, family and neighbours.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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It is that time of year again when the nights start to draw in.
If you are not going to be home till after it gets dark, consider setting a timer switch to turn on a lamp.
Also if you are someone who pops out to walk the dog in the evening leave a light on.
This will make the house look occupied and as a result deter a burglar.
With the advances in technology you can also get smart bulbs that you can turn on via your smartphone if you are going to be late home.
Message Sent By
christopher livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)
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Beware of automated calls saying that your National Insurance number has been involved in criminal activity.
IT IS A SCAM! Report these calls to Trading standards through the Citizens Advice helpline number on 0808 223 1133.
Please share with friends, family and neighbours.
Gwyliwch allan am alwadau wedi eu awtomeiddio yn dweud fod eich rhif Yswiriant Gwladol wedi bod yn rhan o weithgareddau troseddol.
MAE'N SGAM! Riportiwch y galwadau yma i Safonau Masnach trwy'r linell gymorth Cyngor ar Bopeth ar 0808 223 1133.
Cofiwch rannu'r wybodaeth yma hefo eich teulu, ffrindiau a chymdogion.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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⚠️ SCAM ALERT: Watch out for fake Lidl emails offering a free prize if you complete a survey. The emails link to websites that are designed to steal your personal information.
Action Fraud have already received over 230 reports of this scam. Remember if you receive a suspicious email forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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During the week of the 15th to the 21st of November there will be a national police operation called Operation Sceptre.
During Op. Sceptre Knife surrender bins will be placed on the police side of the below front counters to maximise the safety and security of the public. Bins will also be available at the recycling centres listed below, this is to encourage the public to surrender any knives for those who do not wish to attend a police station.
We understand that some of the below venues may not be in your area, however they have been provided for those wishing to share this information with friends and family in other areas of North Wales.
Police Stations : Wrexham, Mold, Rhyl, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Bangor, Caernarfon, Holyhead
Recycling Centres: Mochdre, Abergele, Rhyl, Denbigh, Ruthin
The purpose of the operation is to remove knives and weapons from our communities in order to safeguard and preserve life.
Thanking you all in advance for your support.
Message Sent By
PS 1754 Sean Woods
(North Wales Police, Community Safety Sergeant, Central)
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Remember to be vigilant for the latest crime trend happening via text message or WhatsApp- "mum/dad, I've lost my phone - can you transfer money to this account XXXX XXXXXX to help me out"
It's likely to be a scam! Always verify any requests for money or gift cards directly with the person making the request before doing anything else.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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It is Operation Sceptre Week, the national week of action which runs from 15th – 21st November, and brings all 43 police forces and British Transport Police together for a coordinated period of intensification to tackle knife crime. As part of this, I have been conducting assembly presentations in our secondary schools raising awareness of knives and knife crime, and what to do if young people are involved or know people who are.
If you have concerns about someone you know or care about, who is carrying or hiding a knife call the Police on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or the Fearless campaign website https://www.fearless.org/en/give-info (https://www.fearless.org/en/give-info) . Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Amnesty Bins:
Unwanted knives can be disposed of in special amnesty bins which are permanently placed at the following police station front counters:
Wrexham
Mold
Rhyl
Llandudno
Colwyn Bay
Bangor
Caernarfon
Holyhead
Amnesty bins will also be located at Mochdre, Abergele, Denbigh and Ruthin Recycling Centres from Friday 12th November.
Social media users can follow the campaign via the #OpSceptre hashtag.
Safer Internet Day 2022 Competition
To celebrate Safer Internet Day 2022, we are running a film competition for children and young people based on the theme ‘Respect me. My internet, my rights’. The competition aims to encourage children and young people to express their creativity and share their understanding of digital resilience online with a short film that highlights the importance of being respectful of others online. Find out more in the Keeping Safe Online area of Hwb. https://hwb.gov.wales/zones/keeping-safe-online/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2022-film-competition/ (https://hwb.gov.wales/zones/keeping-safe-online/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2022-film-competition/)
Message Sent By
PC 2458 Manus Sheridan
North Wales Police, School Community Police Officer.
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Criminals often target online shoppers during November especially with Black Friday and Cyber Monday around the corner!
Purchase scams take place online when criminals trick people into paying for goods and services that don’t exist.
They often advertise on auction sites or social media, with images taken from genuine sellers’ to convince you they’re the real deal.
Remember to always be wary of “too good to be true” deals.
How to spot a purchase scam:
⚠️You’re offered a heavily discounted or considerably cheaper than usual service or product. The deal sounds too good to be true.
⚠️You’re asked to pay by bank transfer instead of using the online platform’s secure payment options.
⚠️You receive a fake email receipt/invoice that appears to be from the website you’ve purchased from or the payment service used to make your purchase – the email address domain doesn’t match that of the genuine sender’s.
⚠️The website that you’re purchasing from was only launched days/weeks ago.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS UNTIL 10TH DECEMBER 2021
Local community groups in North Wales are being urged to bid for a share of a £60,000 pot of money seized from crooks.
Launched by North Wales Police, Police Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) the Your Community Your Choice fund will be used to recycle the ill-gotten gains of criminals and invested in community projects across the region.
Three community groups in each county in North Wales will receive up to £2,500 each whilst there will be three £5,000 grants available for organisations working across three or more counties.
We are encouraging groups to submit applications runs until 10th December 2021, with the winners being chosen by a public poll in the new year.
To download an Application Pack please go to one of the following websites:
North Wales Police website: Your Community Your Choice 2021/22 | North Wales Police
Commissioner’s website: Local crime busters urged to apply for cash (northwales-pcc.gov.uk)
PACT website Your Community Your Choice 2021/22 | North Wales Police and Community Trust (pactnorthwales.co.uk)
Completed applications must be returned by e-mail to yourcommunityyourchoice@nthwales.pnn.police.uk by 5pm on the closing date of 10th December 2021.
Attachments
Eich Cymuned Eich Dewis 2021-22 pecyn cais PDF.pdf
Your Community Your Choice 2021-22 application pack PDF.pdf
Message Sent By
Dave Evans
(North Wales Police, PACT Project Manager , North Wales)
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Please take a few minutes to think about checking your home security -
It may not seem obvious, but protecting your garden and outbuildings like sheds not only keeps bikes and other valuables safe, but can also stop burglars accessing tools to get into your home.
House diagram showing where planting and fences can help protect your house
Low front boundary; keep hedges and walls at the front of your house low (under one metre) so burglars have nowhere to hide.
Secure side gate; keep side gates locked at all times. Open gates mean burglars can easily access your home without being seen by passers-by or neighbours.
High side and rear boundaries with trellis and spiky defensive planting; keep hedges, walls and fences around your back garden high (over 1.8 metres). Add lightweight trellis to gates and fences and plant some prickly plants to make it harder for burglars to climb over.
Gravel driveway and path; gravel driveways and paths make it harder for burglars to go undetected.
Security light; install an outside security light so that intruders can’t approach without being seen.
Intruder alarm system; install a burglar alarm system.
Secure your shed; always keep your shed locked and secured, and make sure it is anchored down to prevent it from being lifted in order to gain access. Often sheds contain valuables such as power tools and bicycles.
Never leave tools lying around; never leave tools lying around as they can be used as a way of breaking into your home.
If you have any information about a crime that has taken place please contact the police on 101 or via webchat on the following link: https://www.northwales.police.uk/ (https://www.northwales.police.uk/)
Thank you and Stay Safe
Message Sent By
christopher livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)
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Top tips to shop online securely this Christmas
Online shopping scams cost shoppers £15.4 million over the Christmas period last year.
New data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, reveals that 28,049 shoppers were conned out of their money when shopping online over the Christmas period last year – an increase of almost two thirds (61 per cent) when compared to the same period in the previous year.
Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Action Fraud is warning the public to take extra care when shopping online as reports of online shopping fraud have continued to surge. Here are some simple tips to help you and your family enjoy a secure online shopping experience this festive season.
Where to shop
Buying from an online store you haven’t used before? Carry out some research first, or ask a friend or family member if they’ve used the site and about their experiences before completing the purchase.
Your information
Only create an account if necessary or to save you effort if you’re going to use that site a lot in the future. Be cautious if the website asks you for details that are not required for your purchase, such as your mother’s maiden name or the name of your primary school.
Payment method
When it's time to pay for your items, check there's a 'closed padlock' icon in the browser's address bar. Use a credit card when shopping online, if you have one. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases.
Phishing
Some of the messages you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. If you’re unsure about a link, don’t use the it – go separately to the website. Report suspicious emails you receive by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to: 7726.
Email accounts:
Make sure that your really important accounts (such as your email account or online shopping accounts) are protected by strong passwords that you don't use anywhere else.
Need help changing your email account password? You can use these links to find step by step instructions: Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook, BT, AOL Mail.
If things go wrong
If you've lost money to an online shopping scam, tell your bank and report it as a crime to Action Fraud (for England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland (for Scotland). By doing this, you'll be helping to prevent others becoming victims of cyber crime.
For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware (https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware)
Thanks for reading! If you found this information useful, please spread the word by forwarding this to your friends.
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Action Fraud have reported a dramatic increase in Advance Fee Lottery Frauds over recent months. Over £925,000 has been lost by victims over the last 6 months.
Victims have reported losing an average of just over £1,500 with 70% of victims aged 50 or over.
Lottery fraud occurs when criminals use fake messages and calls to convince a person that they have won a lottery or a prize draw. The victim is then informed that they will need to pay an advance “fee” in order to receive the winnings.
STOP: Unsolicited offers of large sums of money in return for a small upfront payment should always raise a red flag. Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? After all, you can’t win a prize in a competition you didn’t enter. Remember, 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.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to grab a bargain.
However, criminals take advantage of our keenness to bag a bargain to scam us.
Remember to avoid those who encourage/push you to make payments outside of normal secure payment options.
⚠️Do your research and read online reviews to check websites and sellers are genuine
⚠️Where possible, use a credit card when making purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75 of the Credit Consumer Act.
You could get your money back if:
The product or service is faulty
The company you bought the product or service from breaks their contract with you
The company you bought the product or service from does not deliver what they have promised.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
Do you own a shed?
We have had numerous reports over the last few weeks of sheds being broken into in Conwy and Denbighshire.
Take a look in the link below for some good advice on how to better secure your shed.
https://www.northwales.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/secure-shed-garage/ (https://www.northwales.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/secure-shed-garage/)
Message Sent By
christopher livesey
North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO
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TWO WEEKS REMAINING TO APPLY
OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS UNTIL 10TH DECEMBER 2021
Local community groups in North Wales are being urged to bid for a share of a £60,000 pot of money seized from crooks.
Launched by North Wales Police, Police Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) the Your Community Your Choice fund will be used to recycle the ill-gotten gains of criminals and invested in community projects across the region.
Three community groups in each county in North Wales will receive up to £2,500 each whilst there will be three £5,000 grants available for organisations working across three or more counties.
We are encouraging groups to submit applications runs until 10th December 2021, with the winners being chosen by a public poll in the new year.
To download an Application Pack please go to one of the following websites:
North Wales Police website: Your Community Your Choice 2021/22 | North Wales Police
Commissioner’s website: Local crime busters urged to apply for cash (northwales-pcc.gov.uk)
PACT website Your Community Your Choice 2021/22 | North Wales Police and Community Trust (pactnorthwales.co.uk)
Completed applications must be returned by e-mail to yourcommunityyourchoice@nthwales.pnn.police.uk by 5pm on the closing date of 10th December 2021.
Attachments
Eich Cymuned Eich Dewis 2021-22 pecyn cais PDF.pdf
Your Community Your Choice 2021-22 application pack PDF.pdf
Message Sent By
Dave Evans
(North Wales Police, PACT Project Manager , North Wales)
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Booking tickets for the festive season this year?
Tickets for the popular concerts, shows and gigs often sell out quickly. With many big artists announcing shows recently Fraudsters will look to exploit the demand for tickets by setting up fraudulent websites that look convincing or by selling non-existent tickets through online forums and social media.
It is safest to buy tickets from the venue’s box office, official promoter or agent, or a well-known and reputable ticket site. Don’t be tempted by people reselling tickets online or social media. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
Helping everyone to report harmful content online https://reportharmfulcontent.com/?lang=en
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We at North Wales Police hope you are all OK following last night's storm.
Please don't fall foul of rogue traders taking advantage of potential damage that may have been caused to your property.
Opportunist criminals are known to target people following events like this, convincing property owners that urgent work is needed on their property to prevent further damage.
They may offer to go onto your roof for you and following inspection tell you that serious damage has occurred and you need to act immediately to prevent further damage. They are aware their claims won't be clarified as most people will not be able to go up on their roof to inspect themselves, and if not using proper equipment can actually damage a good roof by climbing on it.
If you believe that damage has been caused to your property please use reputable, qualified tradesmen, get three quotes and remember reputable tradesmen don't cold call for business as they are usually very busy.
Never feel pressured into having the work carried out there and then, most insurance companies will cover damage with a smaller excess than rogue traders will charge. Often they will increase prices midway through their work as further damage is uncovered. The majority of work will not be necessary there and then, rogue traders are professional businessmen their aim to get as much money out of you, they will use a lot of tricks to do this. Never pay by cash.
Please share this message with your friends, family and neighbours and report any suspicious activity in your area.
More crime prevention information can be found on the North Wales Police website by using this link
Crime prevention advice | North Wales Police
Alternatively you can contact your local trading standards department who will have a list of qualified trusted local tradesmen and women.
Stay safe
Sgt Sue Carrington
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As the lighter nights to come to an end, we are once again reminding residents to consider putting in place these simple tips to keep your house safe from opportunistic burglars:
-
We have become aware of scam phishing emails that are currently circulating and linked to the latest Covid variant, Omicron.
- Stop and think before clicking on a link, as this may install malware, such as viruses, spyware or ransomware on your device, and data or sensitive information could be stolen.
- Delete any phishing email immediately.
- Never give out personal or financial information about yourself unless you are absolutely sure the source is genuine.
Rydym yn ymwybodol fod yr e-bost gwe-rwydo sgam uchod a rhai tebyg o gwmpas ar hyn o bryd ac yn gysylltiedig â'r amrywiad Covid diweddaraf, Omicron.
- Stopiwch a meddyliwch cyn clicio ar ddolen, oherwydd gallai hyn osod meddalwedd maleisus, fel firysau, ysbïwedd neu ransomware ar eich dyfais, a gallai data neu wybodaeth sensitif gael eu dwyn.
- Dylech ddileu unrhyw e-byst gwe-rwydo yn syth.
- Peidiwch byth â rhannu gwybodaeth bersonol neu ariannol amdanoch chi'ch hun oni bai eich bod yn hollol siŵr bod y ffynhonnell yn ddilys.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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We've received reports of fraudsters contacting members of the public pretending to be from Sky.
The fraudsters claim to be offering compensation for poor broadband speed.
Victims have allowed access to their devices (laptop and smartphone) and have also provided their bank details in order to receive the compensation.
The fraudsters are then taking money out of the victims account in the thousands.
Please share information about this scam with your family, friends and neighbours.
#NWPCyberSafe
Rydym wedi derbyn adroddiadau am dwyllwyr yn cysylltu ag aelodau o'r cyhoedd yn esgus bod o gwmni Sky.
Mae'r twyllwyr yn honni eu bod yn cynnig iawndal am gyflymder band eang gwael.
Mae dioddefwyr wedi caniatáu mynediad i’w dyfeisiau digidol (gliniadur a ffôn clyfar) ac maent hefyd wedi rhannu eu manylion banc er mwyn derbyn y iawndal.
Mae'r twyllwyr yna wedi tynnu symiau sylweddol o arian allan o gyfrif y dioddefwyr.
Cofiwch rannu gwybodaeth am y sgam yma hefo eich teulu, ffrindiau a chymdogion.
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Action Fraud have received more than 300 reports of fake scam e-mails claiming to be from Martin Lewis in one week.
The links in the e-mails lead to phishing website that will steal your information, so please don’t open the e-mail or click on the links!
Please share information about this scam with your family, friends and neighbours.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Our colleagues at Dyfed Powys Police have received over 200 reports of scam calls from someone claiming to be from the Police.
The scammers allege that the Police are investigating someone unscrupulous who is working at the bank. They then ask victims to withdraw money and arrange for it to be collected claiming that it will be submitted for forensic analysis.
£85,000 has been stolen so far in the Dyfed Powys area with people aged between 60-90 mainly targeted.
As Dyfed Powys is a neighbouring force of ours it is quite possible that these scammers may also attempt to target members of the public in North Wales.
The Police will never ask you to withdraw money like this and hand it over for any reason.
If someone claiming to be from the Police calls or visits you about something similar to this ask for their full details including their Police number. Using a different phone (in case they are still on the line) call 101 to verify their identity. By calling 101 on a clear line you know that you are talking to the Police.
Please share information about this scam with your family, friends and neighbours.
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Do you know where to report scam messages?
Fake emails and text messages are a common tactic used by cyber criminals, their goal is often to convince you to click a link. Once clicked, you may be sent to a dodgy website which could download viruses onto your computer, or steal your passwords and personal information.
In order to try and convince you that their messages are legitimate, criminals will pretend to be someone you trust, or from some organisation you trust. This could be your Internet Service Provider (ISP), local council, even a friend in need. And they may contact you by phone call, email or text message.
Reporting suspicious emails:
If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, you can report it by forwarding the email to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service at: report@phishing.gov.uk
As of 31st October 2021, the number of suspicious email reports stands at more than 8,100,000, with the removal of more than 67,000 scams and 124,000 URLs.
*In a small number of cases, an email may not reach our service due to it already being widely recognised by spam detection services. The vast majority of reports do reach our system so please keep reporting any suspicious emails you receive.
Reporting suspicious text messages:
You can report suspicious text messages to your mobile network provider, for free, by forwarding the text to 7726.
If you forward a text, your provider can investigate the origin of the text and take action, if found to be malicious. If 7726 doesn’t work, you can find out how to report a text message by contacting your provider.
(On many Android devices and iPhones, pressing and holding on the message bubble should present the option to forward the message)
For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware
Thanks for reading! If you found this information useful, please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends.
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Shed security
Make sure that your shed door, door frame and walls are solid.
Replace any damaged or rotten areas with new sections.
Try to place the shed door facing your house and not too close to a perimeter wall or gate.
Consider keeping valuable items in a strong lockable box or cage.
Fit two closed shackle padlocks on strong padlock hasps - one a third of the way up from the bottom of the door and one a third of the way down from the top of the door.
Fit wire mesh or bars on the inside of your window frames.
Wrap a strong chain around and through the handles of garden tools, lawn mowers, cycles etc and secure the chain to the wall using a padlock or a ground anchor fixed to the base of the shed.
Consider integrating your shed into your home alarm system, especially if you have valuable items in it. Use door contact sensors and check your glass is secure before installing break glass sensors.
Illuminate the area around your shed using dusk till dawn lighting.
Garage security
If you have a household alarm fitted, consider extending the system into the garage area.
Fit a garage door blocker on the outside of the door. This product bolts permanently to the floor, has a large 'T' bar shaped restrictor and a quality locking device.
Consider fitting a pair of garage door locks that are fitted either vertically or horizontally and can be locked either from the inside or outside of the garage.
Install dead bolts mounted one on each edge of the door inside the garage. When in use, the locks throw a bolt into the doorframe or the concrete floor of the garage.
Various good quality 'up and over' or 'rolling' deadlocking door handles can be purchased to replace any existing poor quality locks to give better security.
Consider purchasing loop cables. These have a long braided steel cable and a two-bolt anchor locking point. These fix to garage walls or floors and can be passed through expensive property such as quad bikes, etc. Some cables are alarmed.
Attachments
82873 Shed-Ucated! A5 Leaflet.pdf
Message Sent By
Eurwen Williams
(North Wales Police)
With many people facing isolation and loneliness again this season, we ask you to consider not who is my neighbour, but how is my neighbour, and support them how you can (always prioritising your own safety of course).
We all wish you a safe and festive season and a Happy New Year!
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Unfortunately scam messages are on the increase. The latest one to come to our attention is a fake e-mail purporting to be from Asda claiming that you will get a £90 promo reward if you complete a survey. The link leads to a website that is designed to steal your personal information and possibly your money.
Please make sure that your friends, family and neighbours are aware that this is a scam.
Also remember if you receive a suspicious email to forward it to the National Cyber Secirity Centre: report@phishing.gov.uk
As of the 30th November 2021 the number of reports to them stood at at more than 8,700,000 which has resulted in the removal of more than 68,000 scams across 127,000 websites.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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A number of people are still reporting that they are receiving the below type of scam message, mainly through WhatsApp across North Wales.
"Dad I've changed my mobile number today".
Followed by "I'm locked out of bank account due to the new number, could you help by paying an invoice for me and I'll pay you back tomorrow when I've sorted the number out with the bank. Here are the payment details XXXXXX"
Similar messages claim that the son or daughter has dropped their phone down the toilet and are therefore using a different phone. They then ask to borrow money for a few days to pay the mortgage and promise to pay it back.
Most of these messages are sent via WhatsApp and victims are sending substantial sums of money to the fraudsters.
Please make sure that nobody in your family falls for it!
ADVICE
⚠️Be wary of any text or email received out of the blue, even if it appears to come from a genuine source or a family member.
⚠️Always verify ANY request made for money to be sure it is genuine.
⚠️Don’t give out personal details over the phone, online or by text.
⚠️Never click on links or attachments in emails or texts unless you are certain that they are from someone that you can trust.
⚠️Scam text messages should be forwarded to 7726 (spells SPAM on phone keypad)
⚠️Scam emails should be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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On Tuesday the 4rd of January, North Wales Police where called to an incident where a unknown person had stolen a Pick-up.
We appreciate people lead busy lives and it may seem like a good idea to leave your vehicle running while you make a quick stop or a delivery, for example.
But this can present the chance for opportunist thieves to pounce.
By taking a few simple measures, these incidents can be avoided.
Remember to lock your vehicle when it’s unattended and keep the keys safe. Wherever possible, do not leave any items of value in your vehicle when it is unattended. And in particular, do not leave any items of value on display.
Take precautions, remain vigilant, and if you witness any suspicious activity or a crime in action, report it to us.
Message Sent By
PCSO 3610 Rhys Evans
(North Wales Police, PCSO - Rural Crime, Western)
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In Our Schools this week, and keeping children safe online
School Police Officers are back delivering lessons. This week has been slightly different as I have been delivering the lessons online, rather than in class. This does require some rethinking, as our lessons are designed for in class delivery with hands-on activities. I have worked hard on adapting the lessons, and the feedback has been good. SO far this week, I have delivered lessons on drugs classifications and the risks and consequences, and the risks and consequences of sharing indecent images online, and lessons on keeping safe online and that people on line may not always be who they say they are.
I have also had cause to deal with incidents where adults have been contacting children online, via apps and requesting images. Working closely with schools in such matters, appropriate advice and education has been provided, to those students and their peers. What came to my attention though, was how many students were accessing apps and websites that they shouldn’t have. Most social media apps etc now have minimum age restrictions such as:
Snapchat – users must be 13 or over
TikTok – users must be 13 or over
Whatsapp – users must be 16 or over
I always encourage parents and carers to check what their children are doing on line, so here is a great website that gives lots of information on websites and apps that children might be using. You will be able to find out if they have registered with any using false dates of birth etc.
https://parentzone.org.uk/advice/parent-guides
Message Sent By
PC 2458 Manus Sheridan
(North Wales Police, School Community Police Officer, Denbighshire Coastal)
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Did you know that you can report scam/nuisance calls that you receive on your mobile to 7726 as well as scam text messages?
Ofcom have created short videos to show you how 👇
How to report scam texts and mobile calls to 7726 - Ofcom https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/scams/7726-reporting-scam-texts-and-calls (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/scams/7726-reporting-scam-texts-and-calls)
Or if you want to stop nuisance junk mail in 2022 you can register with the Mailing Preference Service by following this link 👉 MPS Online https://www.mpsonline.org.uk/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo (https://www.mpsonline.org.uk/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo)
Why not help your elderly relatives or neighbours to register as well – it won’t take long.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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A lot of people have been receiving scam messages on Facebook recently.
People receive a message from a ‘friend’ containing a link. The message asks if it’s them in the video or picture. Out of curiosity some people click on the link to have a look.
The link leads you through a chain of malicious websites infected with malicious scripts. The Cyber Criminal will harvest your credentials and infect your device.
If you receive a message like this from a friend, then it’s very likely that their account has been compromised. Advise them to change their passwords for their accounts immediately.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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This week, I have been doing a mixture of lessons online and in class. Our secondary students have been learning about Child Criminal Exploitation, aka County Lines, and how to recognise the signs of young people involved and how to get help.
Primary students have been learning about recognising different types of drugs (legal, illegal and medicines) and anti-social behaviour, what it is and how it affects our communities.
Speaking of Anti-Social Behaviour, residents of Rhyl may have noticed a dispersal order was granted for the town centre last weekend, due to the high levels of ASB occurring in the town. Other areas across North Wales have also recently had these orders. Young people, from within our very community, have been involved in these incidents. Every school pupil in our community will have had lessons on ASB and it’s impacts. I would encourage parents reading this to engage with your children, know where they are going and who they are going out with. Breaching a dispersal order is an offence. Would you want your child arrested because they are committing incidents in the town? A yellow card or arrest is not a badge of honour, it is the beginning of police actions that, if they continue, can have repercussions further on for the young person’s own future. Let’s work together to make our community safe and happy for all.
Another issue that has raised it’s head this week, is abuse on social media. A number of incidents have occurred where young people are threatening and abusing their peers via a number of social media platforms. These students are currently being dealt with by my colleagues. Sending threatening and abusive messages online is a crime, and will be dealt with if we receive such reports. As above, please check in with your young children, if you have any, that utilise social media. They may be victims of such incidents, or the perpetrators. You’ll be helping them in the long run.
Message Sent By
PC 2458 Manus Sheridan
(North Wales Police, School Community Police Officer.)
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Watch out for fake emails claiming to be from McAfee computer security software.
Action Fraud have received more than 700 reports about these scam messages in three days!
The links in the messages lead to phishing websites that will steal your personal and financial information.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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We want to get ‘North Wales Talking’ about how we can improve things in our area.
North Wales Talking is a major initiative being launched by North Wales Police. This is a key priority of our Neighbourhood Policing Teams, aiming to understand the crime and disorder concerns of our local communities across North Wales.
We would like you to take a minute to complete our short survey about what it is like to live in your area and what issues matter most to you and your community. It is also an opportunity for you to raise any concerns you may have. The survey will be running until Sunday 13th February 2022
Please click here to complete the survey...
https://survey.northwalescommunityalert.co.uk/Survey/HASH/9DA16A64A49FD601484996EF27DEFAC1
Your feedback received via North Wales Talking will enable Neighbourhood Policing Teams, together with partner agencies, to act on the information and tackle the issues raised that matter most to our communities. In doing so, you are given a voice in how Neighbourhood Policing activity is prioritised.
Message Sent By
Superintendent Helen Corcoran
(North Wales Police , Superintendent - Local Policing Services, North Wales)
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I was approached by a member of public who stated she has been receiving phone calls from outer agency stating they are conducting a survey for North Wales Police.
I would like to make you aware that North Wales Police are not making phone calls to members of the public. The only ways we will be conducting surveys are face to face, for example when attending your addresses, in high footfall areas (supermarkets) or at community meetings. North Wales Police are not paying outer agents to conduct the survey for us so please do not engage in a conversation with these callers and provide any personal information as this is most likely a scam to receive your personal details.
Enfys Wyn Griffith
Police Community Support Officer / Swyddog Cefnogi Cymuned Yr Heddlu - C3909
Gogarth Ward
Safle / Station: LLandudno
Heddlu Gogledd Cymru / North Wales Police
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We have received a number of calls recently informing us that there are males in the area with large backpacks trying to sell goods via door to door knocking.
NWP have stopped a number of these males and on all occasions been able to verify their identity and reasons for being in the area. We have no reason at this stage to believe that they are here to do anything other than sell goods.
That being said they do require a Peddlers Licence in order to conduct door to door sales and it is highly unlikely they will have one for our area. If they do not have a Peddlers Licence this should be reported to Police on 101.
Message Sent By
PCSO 3407 David Madden
(North Wales Police, PCSO, West Conwy)
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We had a visit from one of them. Not a nice experience ! He reeked of alcohol and was abusive.
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DON'T FALL FOR A SCAM
Remember
Shred all letters and envelopes showing personal details.
Always check your bank and credit card statements.
Be on your guard when answering the phone - scammers often sound very friendly.
Don't let anyone worry or rush you into parting with your personal details.
Never automatically click on links, or open attachments in unexpected emails or texts.
If you receive a suspicious phone call claiming to be from your bank, utility provider or any official body asking for personal information, hang up and call the company yourself.
If possible use another phone. Or, wait at least five minutes before making a call. This ensures the line is automatically cut off, so you will no longer be speaking to the scammer or an accomplice (learn about courier scams)
If you sign up to a reputable credit rating agency, you will be notified when a credit check has been completed using your details. This will inform you that your identity has been stolen.
Think! If you suspect that you have had your identity stolen, or have become a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and also report it to Action Fraud.
Never rely on the caller ID displayed on the phone as the sole means of identification. Instead, hang up and find the phone number on your account statement, in a phone book, or on the company's or government department's website, to check the call is genuine.
Never answer any questions which might have financial consequences.
ALWAYS HAVE A STRONG PASSWORD AND CHANGE IT REGULARLY.
Only ever buy lottery tickets from trusted websites or retailers.
If you are told you've won a prize for a competition you've never entered, its a scam
If you are asked to call a number to find out what you've won, don't. You could end up being persuaded to pay for delivery of a prize that doesn't exist.
Lottery and prize draw letters are mass-produced. However, modern technology allows scammers to insert the recipient's name many times throughout the text, giving the impression they have written to you personally.
The HMRC do sometimes call people about outstanding tax bills and use automated messages. However, they would always include the tax payers reference number. They would never tell you about a tax rebate or penalty, or ask you for personal payment details.
If you receive a suspicious email or phone call, you can help HMRC's investigations by forwarding the email or sending the following
Your phone number
The callers phone number
the time and date of the call
a brief description of the call
Send to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk (NB; Your email and phone number will be shared with other organisations, if that's necessary, to close down the scam)
Forward suspicious texts to 60599
Tax scams can happen at any time but are most common around key deadlines, such as when your tax return is due.
REMEMBER
*The bank and police NEVER ask for PIN numbers; send couriers to collect bank cards; ask people to move money to another account; ask for help with investigations; or ask for cash or goods to be handed over.
These scams can be intimidating, so don't engage in conversation - hang up.
To confirm any call is genuine, never ring back using a number given to you by the caller.
Scammers are opportunists looking for easy targets.
These are just a few examples on how you can help yourself against being scammed. Although it can be scary reading about scams, be assured that no matter what a scammer might try to make you believe, the truth is they really don't know YOU!
Message Sent By
PCSO 3407 David Madden
(North Wales Police, PCSO, West Conwy)
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Beware of phishing e-mails purporting to be from LinkedIn. It’s reported that these messages have surged 232% since the start of February!
Their aim is to trick you into entering your credentials into fraudulent websites. Take a look at this article from IT PRO to learn more :- LinkedIn phishing attacks have surged 232% since start of February | IT PRO
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
Storm Eunice
Our Control Room are experiencing a high level of calls due to #StormEunice – please bear with us and follow social media for updates
For non-urgent matters you can contact us via our website 👉🏽https://orlo.uk/LOqfb THIS IS A HANDY LINK TO BOOKMARK FOR FUTURE USE
Message Sent By
PCSO 3407 David Madden
(North Wales Police, PCSO, West Conwy)
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Watch out for FAKE Amazon emails.
Action Fraud have received over 2,000 reports about these e-mails in one week.
Received an email you're not quite sure about? Forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Watch out for FAKE emails claiming to be from Tesco.
The emails ask the recipient to click on the link provided in order to win "free groceries" but actually leads to a malicious website.
Action Fraud have received nearly 200 reports about this in one week. #NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Our research shows two thirds (67%) of people are worried about their home being broken into, yet there are simple, proven measures we can all take to reduce our chances of becoming a victim of burglary by up to 50%.
To help you be and feel safer at home, we are running our Think WIDE(N) https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/thinkwiden (https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/thinkwiden) burglary prevention campaign (1st-31st March), highlighting the simple, evidence-based WIDE measures which can be taken in any home on a variety of budgets.
At Neighbourhood Watch, we also believe neighbours keeping an eye out for each other is key to reducing burglary, so we've extended the WIDE acronym to WIDE(N):
W: WINDOWS: Keep your windows locked
I: INTERIOR: Put inside lights on a timer/smart bulb
D: DOORS: Double or deadlock your doors
E: EXTERIOR: Put outside lights on a sensor
(N): NEIGHBOURS: Keep an eye out for your neighbours
To learn more about WIDE(N) and burglary prevention measures, visit ourwatch.org.uk/thinkwiden.
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Ukrainian Crisis Warning – We have begun to hear about scams using the Ukrainian Crisis to extort or scam money. Please be mindful of this and check the origins of requests to support the crisis. If you come across scams please report them. Visit our REPORTING SCAMS page for more information........... https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/crime-prevention/crime-types/scams/reporting-scams (https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/crime-prevention/crime-types/scams/reporting-scams)
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Beware of scams where criminals attempt to impersonate Police. There have been reports of this happening in the North West Region and in many other areas in England and Wales recently.
The police will never ask you to move money to secure it or to assist them with a bank fraud investigation and will never call you to ask you to verify your PIN or make arrangements to pick up cash or your bank card by courier for safe keeping.
If unsure about any Police contact call back on 101 to confirm that the contact is genuine.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Recently there have been several reports of Mercedes Sprinter vans being stolen in North Wales. In each case the keys have not been used by the perpetrators.
In view of this we would advise owners of such vehicles to take all reasonable precautions to safeguard their vans. Blocking your vehicle in with another vehicle or fitting a steering lock or pedal box are great ways of keeping your van safe from thieves.
Message Sent By
christopher livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)
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We have recently received an increase in the report of the theft of motorbikes in the Llandudno and Colwyn Bay areas. I wanted to make you aware of this so that you will be more vigilant to this type of crime and to also offer you if you are a motorbike owner some crime prevention advice to deter you from becoming a victim to this crime.
Motorbikes, scooters and mopeds can be stolen in seconds and are commonly stolen and broken down in to parts, this is why fitting security devices can help stop thieves from stealing your motorbike.
Here are some of the best security devices to use:
GROUND ANCHOR - Using a ground anchor in your home can stop your motorcycle being stolen by acting as an immovable object. It can be fixed to the floor or wall and will allow you to fit a chain and lock from it to your motorcycle.
SECURITY CHAIN & PADLOCK - Using a motorcycle chain and lock is a good way to lock your motorcycle as it stop thieves from picking up your motorcycle if it is attached to an immovable object. They are commonly fitted around the motorcycle frame or around the wheel.
GARAGE DOOR DEFENDER - If you store your motorcycle in the garage then garage door security is the best way to prevent thieves entering. A garage defender can be fitted to most garage doors including up and over garage doors and roller shutters.
DISC LOCKS - These are portable devices so can be taken on the move and easily fitted to your motorcycle wheel.
In addition to security devices you can fit and alarm and/or tracking device. A motorcycle alarm/tracker will not on their own physically prevent your motorcycle from being stolen so should be used in conjunction with other physical security devices. They can act as a deterrent though.
You can also register your motorbike vehicle identification on the Immobilise website. By marking parts of your motorbike it makes it hard to sell if stolen.
When parking your motorbike in the community you should also try to park in areas which are likely to be covered CCTV or high footfall.
If you have any concerns about this then please do not hesitate in making contact with me or your own local Community Beat Manager or Community Support Office.
Message Sent By
Kelly Evans
(North Wales Police, NPT Constable, West Conwy)
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We are pleased to confirm that following on from our security alert on Wednesday about thefts of motorcycles in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay officers have now arrested several people in relation to these offences. The investigation is ongoing and these suspects are currently on bail.
The previous security advice continues. Please do not rely only on factory fitted security devices. Use atleast two layers of security with quality disc locks, heavy duty chains and good quality padlocks along with ground anchors and you are significantly less likely to become a victim of this type of crime.
Message Sent By
PS 2678 Dan Ball
(North Wales Police, NPT Sergeant, West Conwy Coastal)
Three arrests as police target motorbike gang in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay
There have been a spate of thefts and attempted thefts of motorcycles in recent days
cont/video https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/three-arrests-police-target-motorbike-23435697?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/three-arrests-police-target-motorbike-23435697?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
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In the last year the HMRC has responded to 572,423 referrals of suspicious contact. 219,740 of these offered bogus tax rebates.
It’s important to beware of impersonation scams where criminals pretend to represent trusted organisations such as HMRC.
Any phone calls, emails or texts purporting to be from HMRC informing you of your eligibility to claim financial help, are due a tax refund or owe tax, or that ask for your personal or financial details could be a scam.
If you have any suspicions, forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and text messages to 60599.
#StopChallengeProtect #NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Over recent days we’ve received reports of a scam whereby flats have been advertised for rent on Facebook in the Flintshire/Wrexham area. Victims have transferred deposits only to find that the advertiser has then ceased contact with them.
This is likely to be the latest scam, especially with a shortage of rental properties on the market.
Although reports so far have been in the Flintshire/Wrexham area it’s possible that the criminals may target victims anywhere in North Wales.
Please share this information with your family and friends.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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With the increase in fuel prices now might be a good time to change your fuel cap to a lockable one.
If you already have a fuel cap that locks then check it is locking fine, if so, then no need to change it.
If you don't have a fuel cap that locks now might be a good time to change to one that does. Just make sure you get one that is compatible with your vehicle.
This could prevent you waking up one morning to find your fuel has been siphoned. (or tampered with)
Message Sent By
christopher livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)
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Overnight Monday/Tuesday this week BM Mobiles & Computers in St George's Place, Llandudno was broken into. Along with a gaming console and a laptop, the thieves took a large quantity of VAPE products/e-cigarettes.
There is CCTV of the incident which shows three offenders were involved.
Or reference number is B043381 if you have any information.
Message Sent By
David Williams
(North Wales Police,Crime Officer, Central)
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Remember – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
The WhatsApp free Cadbury Easter chocolate basket message doing the rounds at the moment is a scam!
Please don’t click on it or share any of your information via the page.
Read more here - The WhatsApp free Cadbury Easter chocolate basket is a scam
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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A youth has been arrested and suspects identified after two schools in Llandudno were vandalised. North Wales Police say further arrests are likely after "significant damage" was caused to Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn and Ysgol Tudno.
Further youth arrests have also been made in connection with vehicles and businesses vandalised in Mochdre and the theft of vape products following a Llandudno store burglary, police said.
Yobs smashed 35 windows and trashed the playground at Ysgol Tudno, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. It was the second time in a week that the school was targeted by vandals, with 24 windows smashed and playground equipment destroyed. The weekend before, 12 windows were smashed.
A spokesman for police in the West Conwy Coastal area said: "Over the last few days youths have caused significant damage to both Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn and Ysgol Tudno in Llandudno. As a result of this several suspects have been identified and one youth was been arrested yesterday for these offences and it is likely that further arrests will be made.
"We have also been investigating an incident of significant damage having been caused to a number of vehicles at a business in Mochdre. Again another youth was arrested yesterday for this offence, as well as for separate offences of public order and assault.
"Finally after a report of a burglary of a business in Llandudno where a large quantity of Vape products were stolen we are able to confirm that three suspects, again all youths, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and are also currently in custody.
"This is all in addition to another youth who was arrested and remanded in custody to Llandudno Magistrates court on Tuesday for a theft offence and breach of previously imposed bail conditions."
Sgt Ball from the Colwyn Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team added: “We are aware that our community has suffered significantly due to the utterly unacceptable behaviour of a small minority of youths from the local area who seem to have no regard for others or for the misery they are causing to the communities they live within.
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More than £50 million was lost last year to scams where victims are tricked into handing over control of their computer or smartphone to criminals.
New data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, reveals that 20,144 people fell victim to scams where they were persuaded to grant criminals remote access to their device.
Victims reported losing a total of £57,790,384 – an average loss of £2,868 per victim.
What are remote access scams
Remote Access scams will often begin with a browser pop-up saying that your computer is infected with a virus, or maybe a call from someone claiming to be from your bank saying that they need to connect to your computer in order to cancel a fraudulent transaction on your account. Regardless of the narrative the fraudster’s use, their goal is to steal your money or access your financial information by tricking you into allowing them to remotely connect to your computer.
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Mullish, from the City of London Police, said:
"While remote access tools are safe when used legitimately, we want the public to be aware that they can be misused by criminals to perpetrate fraud. We often see criminals posing as legitimate businesses in order to trick people into handing over control of their computer or smartphone.
How to protect yourself
Only install software or grant remote access to your computer if you’re asked by someone you know and trust, such as a friend or family member, and never as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop up, or text message.
Remember, a bank or service provider will never contact you out of the blue requesting remote access to your device.
If you believe your laptop, PC, tablet or phone has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware, follow the NCSC’s guidance on recovering an infected device.
Protect your money by contacting your bank immediately on a different device from the one the scammer contacted you on.
Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk. If you are in Scotland, please report to Police Scotland directly by calling 101.
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Council tax rebate scam warning / Rhybudd scam ad-daliad treth Cyngor.
Raising awareness of potential scams around the Council tax rebate scheme Detective chief inspector Craig Mullish of City of London Police who lead on Fraud in England and Wales said: "Criminals will no doubt take advantage of the £150 council tax rebate scheme to target unsuspecting victims. If you’re contacted about your rebate, take a moment to stop and think as it could protect you and your money. Those eligible for the rebate will be contacted by their local council. If you receive any communication about your rebate that you’re unsure about, we would advise that you contact your local council to confirm that the communication you have received is genuine."
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Beware of FAKE emails targeting Instagram accounts
These emails claim that someone is trying to "recover your password from Russia"
Action Fraud have received 272 reports relating to this in one week.
Don't click on the link in the email as it leads to a malicious website that’s designed to steal your Instagram login details in order to access your account.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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We had a recent spate of people being spotted hanging around garages in the Westshore area recently, and now Colwyn Bay being targeted..........
POLICE have encouraged people to protect their garages and outbuildings with a passive infra-red alarm following a break-in in Colwyn Bay.
“Unfortunately, the garage was not secure.
“Make sure to secure outbuildings such as sheds and garages.
“A great way of keeping your garage protected is by putting in a stand alone PIR alarm.” (from about £10)
https://www.google.com/search?q=stand+alone+pir+alarms&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBGB813GB813&oq=stand+alone+pir+alarms&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30j0i390l2.12595j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#cobssid=s (https://www.google.com/search?q=stand+alone+pir+alarms&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBGB813GB813&oq=stand+alone+pir+alarms&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30j0i390l2.12595j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#cobssid=s)
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This is a just a reminder that there are only 9 days left to enter our Internet Safety Competition! It's open to Primary school aged children, and all they have to do is design a poster or graphic about being safe online! Have a look at the below for the guidelines and entry details, and there are some great prizes up for grabs for the winning entry and their school! GOOD LUCK!!!!!
The competition will require pupils across North Wales to design a poster or graphic highlighting the most important internet safety messages. It can be hand drawn or digital – be as creative as you like! The safe and competent use of the internet is a vital tool in the development of our young people, and the internet is also going to be increasingly used during their education. Our youngsters are our future and North Wales Police are committed to ensuring that they are safeguarded.
Ideas to Consider:
· Don’t give out personal information online
· Report unwanted contact from strangers to a trusted adult
· Settings should be changed to private or ‘Friends & Family’
· Create strong passwords which are not shared with anyone but parents
· Tell a trusted adult about online anti-social behaviour and cyberbullying
· Be kind online!
· Pupils are also encouraged to research websites such as the NSPCC and SchoolBeat to get advice or look at the NWP Cyber Crime Facebook page for tips and advice.
Please send your poster or a photo of your poster to the mailbox for your area as follows:-
· Conwy & Denbighshire: InternetSafetyCompetitionCentral@northwales.police.uk
· Or submit to your local School Liaison Officer
· The closing date is Friday 20th May 2022
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North Wales Police Cadet recruitment is now open!
We are currently recruiting for the Conwy / Denbighshire / Wrexham areas!
Recruit Cadet places can be sought by those aged between 13yrs up to 15½yrs at the time of applying.
We do not recruit ad-hoc as the Volunteer Police Cadets is a two year programme run usually from our local
Further Education Colleges. We look to recruit 20 Cadets maximum into each Cadet Unit.
If you wish to join! Further information about our Cadets as well as the application forms. Can be found following the link below:-
https://www.northwales.police.uk/police-forces/north-wales-police/areas/careers/careers/volunteer-police-cadets/ (https://www.northwales.police.uk/police-forces/north-wales-police/areas/careers/careers/volunteer-police-cadets/)
More information is also available at the National Volunteer Police Cadets’ page at – https://vpc.police.uk/ (https://vpc.police.uk/)
Cadet recruitment window will close on 2nd July 2022
North Wales Police Cadet Leader recruitment is currently open!
We are currently recruiting in the Eastern, Central and Western Areas!
If you wish to improve the quality of life in the community by supporting the development of young people through uniformed Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) Service! Follow the below link for further information and application forms:-
Cadet Leader - Police Jobs Wales (tal.net)
Message Sent By
Andy Harris
(North Wales Police, CiP Cadet Co-Ordinator, North Wales Police)
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Action Fraud has received 752 reports in four days relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem. The emails state that the recipient is eligible for a rebate as a result of a newly announced government scheme. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.
Please view our tweet to see a screenshot of the fake emails reported to Action Fraud: https://twitter.com/CyberProtectUK/status/1527657160586444800?s=20&t=RdAiopW83gUlsAymvjnu5g (https://twitter.com/CyberProtectUK/status/1527657160586444800?s=20&t=RdAiopW83gUlsAymvjnu5g)
Remember, your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text. If you need to check that it’s a genuine message, contact the company using details from their official website or app.
Spotted a suspicious email? Forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) - report@phishing.gov.uk
For more information on how to stay secure online, please visit: www.cyberaware.gov.uk (http://www.cyberaware.gov.uk)
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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We are seeing an increase in incidents whereby members of the public are attempting to rent properties in the North Wales area using social media. Victims are paying upfront for the accommodation only to find that the person they are dealing with is not the owner of the property. Here are some top tips to protect yourself from rental fraud:
👉 Don?t send money to anyone advertising rental properties online until you?re sure the advertiser is genuine.
👉 Don?t pay any money until you or a reliable contact has visited the property with an agent or the landlord.
👉 Ask for copies of tenancy agreements and any safety certificates such as Gas Electricity or HMO Licence.
👉 Do not be pressurised into transferring large sums of money. Transfer funds to a bank account having obtained the details by contacting the landlord or agent directly after the above steps have been followed. Be sceptical if you?re asked to transfer any money via a money transfer service like Western Union.
If you know of anyone currently looking for a property to rent, please make them aware of the above.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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North Wales Police Cadet recruitment is now open and extended to 1st July 2022!
We are currently recruiting for the Conwy / Denbighshire / Wrexham areas!
Recruit Cadet places can be sought by those aged between 13yrs up to 15?yrs at the time of applying.
We do not recruit ad-hoc as the Volunteer Police Cadets is a two year programme run usually from our local
Further Education Colleges. We look to recruit 20 Cadets maximum into each Cadet Unit.
If you wish to join! Further information about our Cadets as well as the application forms. Can be found following the link below:-
https://www.northwales.police.uk/police-forces/north-wales-police/areas/careers/careers/volunteer-police-cadets/
More information is also available at the National Volunteer Police Cadets? page at ? https://vpc.police.uk/
Recruitment window will close on 1st July 2022
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North Wales Police Cadet Leader recruitment is currently open!
We are currently recruiting in the Eastern, Central and Western Areas!
If you wish to improve the quality of life in the community by supporting the development of young people through uniformed Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) Service! Follow the below link for further information and application forms:-
Cadet Leader - Police Jobs Wales (tal.net)
Message Sent By
Andy Harris
(North Wales Police, CiP Cadet Co-Ordinator, North Wales Police)
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We?ve recently been receiving more reports of people being scammed when selling high value items on social media.
Offenders are attending at the victim?s house to buy the item and are showing a fake banking app that shows that the transaction is complete. The offenders then leave with the item before the victim realises that they have not been paid.
Before handing any items over to a buyer please make sure that the transfer has actually gone through by checking your own banking application or PayPal account. If the buyer has actually made the payment the funds should transfer immediately.
Please don?t hand any items over to a buyer unless you are sure that you?ve received payment as you may be giving the items away for free! If they are a genuine buyer then they will always be willing to wait, return to collect the item or by pay cash.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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⚠️BEWARE⚠️
Scammers are sending fake Father?s Day competitions via WhatsApp.
The text reads B&Q Father?s Day Contest 2022 and goes on to advertise 5,000 free gas barbeques.
Do NOT click the link, report it to 7726 then BLOCK the number.
Find out more here :- Watch out for this B&Q Father?s Day competition Scam - Which? News
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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WhatsApp users are being warned about a scam competition offering people a free crate of Heineken beer ahead of Father's Day.
Heineken have confirmed that the competition is fake and warned people not to click on any links and not to forward any such messages on to anyone. The link leads to a malicious website that can steal your personal or financial information and account credentials.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Have you recently had someone knock on your door saying your roof needs fixing or your trees need cutting?
If so, did you report this to trading standards? You can do this via the citizens advice link below
Contact us - Trading Standards Wales
If you ask the cold caller to leave and they refuse, ring it in on 101 or if you feel threatened 999.
If you can, avoid opening the door to the cold caller/criminal trader. They are very good at negotiation and can be difficult to get rid of once you are in conversation with them.
If in doubt keep them out.
Message Sent By
Christopher Livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)
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OP HERITAGE CYMRU | Wales? four police forces have linked-up to drive down heritage crime with a stark warning ? once it is gone it cannot be returned.
Heritage crime harms historic assets and sites, and includes illegal metal detecting, or nighthawking, and off-roading on such sites.
To try and prevent the further loss of important pieces of heritage forces launched Op Heritage Cymru - the first initiative of its kind in the UK aimed at raising awareness and preventing heritage crime across Wales.
PCSO Iwan Owen from North Wales Police? Rural Crime Team said: ?Our heritage is what makes us who we are so it is vital that we protect these landmarks and landscapes for future generations.
?It may seem like small crimes to those involved but it is not. Anything that is taken or damaged in the process of heritage crime is irreplaceable. So, once they are gone they are lost forever.
?We are proud to be part of this important initiative and we hope the public will support us by being our eyes and ears and reporting it to us when they see people committing heritage crimes.?
Read more via
https://orlo.uk/ABDJz
Message Sent By
Iwan Owen
(North Wales Police, PCSO, Rural Crime Team )
North Wales Police and Natural Resources Wales work in partnership to tackle waste crime. We are aware that there are a number of individuals and businesses advertising waste collection services on social media who are not permitted to carry out this activity. As a waste producer, you are responsible for your waste and you have a duty of care to ensure that it is disposed of lawfully. You can do this by checking that whoever you employ to dispose of your waste is a registered waste carrier by checking the public register Natural Resources Wales / Waste carriers, brokers and dealers public register. If your waste is fly tipped by somebody else you may still be liable to prosecution.
If you have any information about illegal waste activity, please contact Natural Resources Wales on 03000 653000 or Crime Stoppers Wales anonymously on 0800 555 111
Message Sent By
Eryl Lloyd
(North Wales Police, Rural Crime Officer, North Wales)
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⚠️ Watch out for FAKE emails claiming to be from Currys offering a chance to win a ?250 Pampers gift package.
Action Fraud have received almost 300 reports about them.
✅ Report suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk
✅ Your reports help remove scams and malicious websites
#NWPCyberSafe Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
North Wales Police say they have seen an increase in reports of suspicious activity over the last few days.
On social media and the community alerts page, the police have highlighted the issue and asked that any suspicious activity be reported via 999, 101, or online.
The increase in reports of suspicious activity includes:
Cold calling
Criminal Trading
Persons acting suspiciously
Thefts from Motor Vehicles
Vehicle inference (Including theft of number plates)
The post read: ?Sometimes small bits of information that might appear to be nothing on their own, could help North Wales Police investigations and develop existing information or evidence.
?Also can we please look out for everyone in our communities especially the vulnerable as they are (often) the ones targeted.
?The Public is North Wales Police best source of information and without your assistance our job is much harder.?
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A RHOS-ON-SEA restaurant was targeted by cooking oil thieves, police have said.
Cooking oil thefts are on the rise across the UK, as the value of it goes up and as demand for biofuel heightens.
The practice of converting used oil into unregulated biodiesel that is being sold on the black market is becoming an increasingly common trend and thieves are sourcing and stealing cooking oil from restaurants and takeaways alike.
Last week, police said would-be thieves targeted two restaurants on a retail park in Flintshire.
And today (July 6), police said there was recently a theft of cooking oil from a restaurant in the Rhos-On-Sea area.
The Llandudno Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Please bear this in mind especially if you own large quantities of cooking oils and make sure they are secured safely."
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Have you heard of "Check a website" ?
It's an easy to use tool from Get Safe Online and Cifas that you can use to check if a website is likely to be legitimate or a scam, before you visit it.
👉 https://check.getsafeonline.org
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
PS I was going to add this into the "Useful Links" page, but cannot get in, no "reply" link available ?
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I'll take a peek, Steve.
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Do you sell items on Facebook Marketplace? If so, don?t fall for this scam!
After showing an interest in an item that you?re selling the scammer will claim that they are going to send a courier to your house with cash to collect the item. If you agree they will claim that the courier insist that you pay for insurance for the cash, but that the buyer will say that they'll send extra cash to cover that cost.
You will then be sent a fake link to make payment to the fake courier for the insurance, but in actual fact the scammer will steal your bank details and money and you?ll never hear from them again!!
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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What is phishing and how does it work?
You wouldn?t let a thief enter your home, but what if the thief was masquerading as someone familiar, such as a postman, and tricked you into opening the door? Phishing works in a similar way - criminals impersonate trusted organisations by creating legitimate-looking messages and websites in order to trick people into opening the doors to their personal information. Once criminals have this information, it can be used to perpetrate fraud and cyber against you, or in your name.
How big is the problem?
Phishing attacks are a common problem faced by both individuals and businesses on a daily basis.
As of 31st May 2022, the National Cyber Security Centre?s Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) has received over 12mn reports from the public, and has removed over 83,000 scams and 153,000 malicious websites. The most impersonated organisations in phishing emails reported last year were the NHS, HMRC and GOV.UK.
Most phone providers are part of a scheme that allows customers to report suspicious text messages for free by forwarding it to 7726. When a text is reported to 7726, the provider can investigate the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender, if it?s found to be malicious. As of May 2022, 13,000 scams have been removed as a result of suspicious text messages reported using the 7726 service.
How can you protect yourself from phishing scams?
Most of the phishing scams reported to us have one thing in common, they started with an unexpected email or text message. Whether it?s an email asking you to ?verify? your bank account details, or a text message claiming you?ve been in close contact with someone that?s got COVID, the goal of a phishing attack is usually the same - to trick you into revealing personal and financial information.
Here?s some simple advice you can follow when it comes to dealing with phishing scams:
1 - If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly.
Don?t use the numbers or address in the message ? use the details from their official website. Remember, your bank (or any other official source) will never ask you to supply personal information via email.
2 - If you think an email could be a scam, you can report it by forwarding the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Send us emails that feel suspicious, even if you're not certain they're a scam - we can check.
3 - Most phone providers are part of a scheme that allows customers to report suspicious text messages for free by forwarding it to 7726. If you forward a text to 7726, your provider can investigate the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender, if it?s found to be malicious.
4 - If you?ve lost money or provided personal information as a result of a phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud: www.actionfraud.police.uk
For more advice on how to protect yourself online, visit: cyberaware.gov.uk
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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I am the North Wales Police ASB Co-ordinator for Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire and Gwynedd. This week is ASB Awareness Week so please read below to gain a better understanding of the ASB legislation available. Regards, Pete Gaffey
#ASBAwarenessWeek - What can be done to tackle ASB?
The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 Act was introduced in 2014 to tackle anti-social behaviour and The Home Office published statutory guidance to enable the effective use of these new powers.
Part of the guidance focuses on the use of powers provided by the 2014 Act. These are designed to be flexible to ensure that local agencies have the tools they need to respond to different forms of anti-social behaviour. Many other agencies also exercise functions under the act to respond to incidents.
Civil injunctions ? to stop or prevent individuals engaging in ASB quickly, nipping problems in the bud before they escalate.
Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO) ? issued by any criminal court against a person who has been convicted of a criminal offence to tackle the most persistently anti-social individuals who are engaged in criminal activity.
Dispersal power ? requires a person committing or likely to commit ASB, crime or disorder to leave an area for up to 48 hours.
Community Protection Notice (CPN) ? to stop a person aged 16 or over, business or organisation committing ASB which is persistent, unreasonable and is having a detrimental effect on a community?s quality of life.
Public Spaces Protection Order ? designed to stop individuals or groups committing ASB in a public place
Closure Power ? to allow the police or council to close premises quickly which are being used, or likely to be used, to commit nuisance or disorder.
Full details on attached document.
Message Sent By
Peter Gaffey
(North Wales Police, ASB Co-ordinator, North Wales)
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The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning the public about the continued increase in reports about scams where victims are targeted on WhatsApp by criminals pretending to be someone they know ? typically their children.
Between 3rd February 2022 and 21st June 2022, there have been a total of 1235 reports made to Action Fraud linked to this scam, with total reported losses exceeding ?1.5mn.
Criminals will usually begin the conversation with ?Hello Mum? or ?Hello Dad? and will say that they are texting from a new mobile number as their phone was lost or damaged. They will then ask for money to purchase a new one, or claim that they need money urgently to pay a bill
The criminal will provide bank details for the payment to be made to, with some coming back with further demands for money.
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Mullish, from the City of London Police, said:
?If you receive a message like this from a friend or family member, don?t send any money until you?ve had a chance to call them and confirm their identity. Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.?
How to protect yourself:
STOP. THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity.
You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ?Report? and then follow the instructions.
Never share your account?s activation code (that?s the 6 digit code you receive via SMS)
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Dear Steve
I am writing as we enter the 12-month anniversary since the introduction of the Community Alert. It felt right to mark this anniversary by saying a big THANK YOU for your continued support because without you we will not be able to deliver an effective service to our communities.
Keeping you, your family and friends safe will continue to be our priority. We want to continue to work tirelessly with our partners to tackle issues that are having the greatest impact on you. I once overheard someone saying, "It's not that I haven't got the answer to problems, sometimes I need help to understand what questions I need to ask first". I feel that they were right, we need your support to be able to ask you the right questions to hear what is going on to solve problems. This is why I am reaching out for your support so that you can help us to help you. I am seeking your support by asking if you would kindly encourage your neighbours, friends, and family to join us on Community Alert. Or if you have any opportunities to promote Community Alert with us to enable us to all work together to make some significant difference.
Every new member is a new voice, an extra set of eyes and ears within our communities that we can engage with, share localised alerts to keep you all up to date with what is going on. Keeping you informed about local trends, concerns and good news stories will go some way to put interventions in place and prevent things from happening. Likewise, we want to hear from you as well. So please take a moment to advise others about Community Alert, consider your friends, family, colleagues, customers throughout the day.
I will end as I started, by extending my gratitude towards your continued support, it is appreciated
Thank you - Diolch
Inspector Wesley Williams
Message Sent By
Insp 2749 Wesley Williams
(North Wales Police, Inspector - Prevention Hub, North Wales)
WELCOME TO NORTH WALES COMMUNITY ALERT
North Wales Community Alert is a community messaging service brought to you by North Wales Police and partners, to give you up to date information about crime, engagement events, appeals, prevention advice and general policing activity in your local area.
Registration is completely free, quick and simple. North Wales Community Alert also gives you an opportunity to provide feedback to your local neighbourhood police team on the issues that matter most to you, helping us to work together to make North Wales the safest place in the UK.
For more information check out............. https://www.northwalescommunityalert.co.uk/
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⚠️Watch out for these fake UPS emails⚠️
Action Fraud have received almost 1,700 reports about them. They link to genuine-looking websites designed to steal your personal and financial details.
Please don't click on the link!
✅ Forward suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk
#NWPCyberSafe
⚠️ Gwyliwch allan am e-byst ffug sy?n honni i fod gan UPS⚠️
Mae Action Fraud wedi derbyn bron i 1,700 o adroddiadau amdanynt. Maent yn arwain at wefannau ffug sydd wedi'u creu i ddwyn eich manylion personol ac ariannol.
Peidiwch ? chlicio ar y ddolen!
✅ Anfonwch e-byst amheus at: report@phishing.gov.uk
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Repeat Burglaries - Llandudno/Craig Y Don
Between 5th - 7th August 2022 North Wales Police have received reports of burglary whereby offenders have broken into an insecure garage and tampered with others. During one incident an electric bike has been stolen. If you have noticed anything unusual around these dates please contact North Wales Police on 101 quoting reference B118160.
Please ensure to keep any garages/sheds securely locked.
Message Sent By
Stephanie Ball
(North Wales Police Patrol , West Conwy)
ALSO
QUAD bike owners are being urged to be on their guard as North Wales Police prepares for a rise in thefts.
The force issued the warning to the public on Monday evening.
PCSO Iwan Owen of the Rural Crime Team said: "Quad Bikes thefts are rearing their ugly heads again - two have been stolen in the past few days.
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Due to recent burglaries in the area, we urge residents and business owners to be extra vigilant.
Here?s what we recommend you do to secure your home and belongings:
Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you?re only going out for a few minutes.
Double-lock any door.
Make sure that any valuables are out of sight.
Keep handbags away from the letterbox or cat flap and hide all keys including car keys, as a thief could hook keys or valuables through even a small opening.
Never leave car documents or ID in obvious places such as kitchens or hallways.
In the evening, shut the curtains and leave lights on.
If you?re out all day, then it?s advisable to use a timer device to automatically turn lights and a radio on at night.
Set your burglar alarm.
Make sure the side gate is locked.
Lock your shed or garage.
Lock your bike inside a secure shed or garage, to a robust fitting bolted to the ground or wall, like a ground anchor.
Please check that all CCTV is in working order
Visit our website for more information on how to keep your home secure : Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | North Wales Police......... https://www.northwales.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/
If you think you have been a victim of burglary/theft or seen anything suspicious, please call 101 or use our live chat facility on the website. In an emergency, always dial 999
Message Sent By
Llinos Hughes
(North Wales Police, NPT, Central )
PS ...Police probe 'attempted burglary' at Llandudno's Poundbakery store
Crime scene investigators were spotted at the scene on Monday morning
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/police-probe-attempted-burglary-llandudnos-24763199?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
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⚠️SCAM EMAIL ALERT⚠️
Watch out for FAKE Royal Mail emails about a missed delivery.
Although this is quite a common type of scam message, Action Fraud have seen a spike in these e-mails recently.
✅If you receive an email that you think is suspicious, forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk
Your reports help to remove scams and malicious websites to protect others.
#NWPCyberSafe
⚠️ RHYBUDD e-byst SCAM ⚠️
Gwyliwch allan am e-byst FFUG sy?n honni i fod gan y Post Brenhinol ynghylch parsel neu lythyr.
Er fod y math yma o neges sgam yn eithaf cyffredin, mae Action Fraud wedi gweld cynnydd mawr yn yr e-byst yma?n ddiweddar.
✅ Os ydych yn derbyn e-bost sy?n debygol o fod yn sgam, anfonwch ef ymlaen at: report@phishing.gov.uk
Mae eich adroddiadau yn helpu i gael gwared o sgamiau a gwefannau maleisus er mwyn amddiffyn eraill.
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Do you keep your expensive mountain bike, lawn mower, power tools or other valuable items in your garden shed or garage.
If so here are a few things you can do to optimise the safety and security of them.
Make a note of any serial numbers.
Ensure (Where possible) items are locked away properly.
Ensure good quality padlocks are used.
Ensure expensive items are chained to a fixing for extra security.
Consider investing in a good CCTV system which covers the area in which valuables are kept.
Consider investing in security lights covering the area in which valuables are kept.
Engrave personal details onto the valuables (Name/Address)
Consider investing in GPS/Live trackers on valuable items.
Consider buying "CCTV in operation" signs.
All these steps/pointers can help with protecting your valuables.
Message Sent By
PC Llinos Hughes
(North Wales Police, NPT, Central
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Scammers and Cybercriminals are attempting to capitalise on the cost of living crisis. One of the latest scam e-mails pretends to be from British Gas and offers a non-existent refund of ?315.
Don?t click on the link in the email as it will lead to a malicious website that is designed to steal your financial and/or personal information.
If you think that an email you received from British Gas could be genuine, you should contact British Gas using their official contact number from their website to verify the authenticity of the email.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
Action Fraud is warning the public about a sharp rise in reports relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem, the independent energy regulator for Great Britain. The emails claim that the recipient is due a rebate payment as part of a government scheme and provides links for the recipient to follow in order to apply for the rebate. The links in the emails lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
Between Monday 22nd August 2022 and Monday 5th September 2022, a total of 1,567 phishing emails related to this scam have been reported via the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS). All the emails display the email subject header ?Claim your bill rebate now?. Offenders are using the Ofgem brand logo and colours to make the emails look as authentic as possible. However, the emails ask recipients to ?apply for an energy bill rebate before September 2020?, which is what prompted many recipients to realise the emails weren?t genuine.
You can view examples of the fake emails in our social media posts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
How you can protect yourself and others
If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly. Don?t use the numbers or address in the message ? use the details from their official website. Remember, your bank (or any other official source) will never ask you to supply personal information via email.
If you have received an email which you?re not quite sure about, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Send us emails that feel suspicious, even if you're not certain they're a scam - we can check.
For advice on how to stay secure online, please visit: www.cyberaware.gov.uk
(If you found this information useful, please share it with your friends, family and colleagues)
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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?? SCAM WARNING / RHYBUDD SCAM ??
Criminals are impersonating Ofgem and UK Government to target the public with energy rebate scams.
In reality the there's no need to claim as it will be paid automatically via energy suppliers to every UK household.
Read the full alert here: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/energyrebatescam
Warning as criminals exploit cost of living crisis to target the public with energy rebate scams | Action Fraud
✅Help to remove scams like these by forwarding suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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ALERT: Energy Bill Scam texts
Action Fraud has received 139 crime reports relating to fake text messages purporting to be from the UK government. The texts state that the recipient is owed or eligible for an energy bill discount as part of the Energy Bill Support Scheme. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.
You can see screenshots of the text messages on our Twitter post here. https://twitter.com/CyberProtectUK/status/1575811908565110785?s=20&t=WFEfPloLys_EloK3ouUqkA
How to protect yourself
Energy Bill Discount : 400 off energy bills for households in Great Britain from October 2022. You do not need to apply for the scheme and you will not be asked for your bank details.
Spotted a suspicious text message Forward it to 7726 (its free of charge). If you forward a text to 7726, your provider can investigate the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender, if it?s found to be malicious.
For more information on how to stay secure online, please visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk
If you found this information useful, please share it with friends, family and colleagues.
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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🚨SCAM WARNING🚨
Action Fraud are still receiving numerous reports about scam text messages relating to the Energy Bills Support Scheme.
✅You DO NOT need to apply for the scheme, or provide any bank details.
✅Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (it's free).
#NWPCyberSafe
🚨RHYBUDD SCAM🚨
Mae Action Fraud yn dal i fod yn derbyn nifer o adroddiadau am negeseuon testun sgam yn ymwneud ??r Cynllun Cymorth Biliau Ynni.
✅ NID oes angen i chi wneud cais am y cynllun, na rhannu unrhyw fanylion banc.
✅ Anfonwch negeseuon testun amheus ymlaen at 7726 (mae'n rhad ac am ddim).
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Neighbourhood Watch 2021/22 Impact Report demonstrates ?More than you think?
We are delighted to share our 2021/22 Impact Report, which highlights how, in our 40th anniversary year, we are helping more people feel safe and connected. The report demonstrates how we are beating crime together and building a more diverse set of partnerships in communities.
Our work on antisocial behaviour, burglary, theft and car crime remains vitally important, but it is important we continue to do more than this. We work hard to address crimes such as violence against women and girls, rural crime, scams, fraud, cybercrime and more.
Through uniting communities on what matters to them, we are also bringing new people together and, in so doing, increasing pride in our neighbourhoods and reducing loneliness and isolation.
We couldn?t have achieved what we have in the past year without the hard work and dedication of our funders, partners, trustees, staff, our own communities, and most importantly, our incredible volunteers.
Read our impact report here............. https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/impact
We are making this a better place to live. Together.
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO, Neighbourhood Watch Network
Follow us... ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Message Sent By
Central Support Team
(NWN, Enquiries Dept, England and Wales)
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Beware of scams where criminals attempt to impersonate Police. There have been reports of this happening in the North West Region and in many other areas in England and Wales recently.
The police will never ask you to move money to secure it or to assist them with a bank fraud investigation and will never call you to ask you to verify your PIN or make arrangements to pick up cash or your bank card by courier for safe keeping.
If unsure about any Police contact call back on 101 to confirm that the contact is genuine. 📞👮♂🤔
Often the Criminals will target the elderly with this sort of scam, so please take a few minutes to raise awareness of this with your elderly relatives and/or neighbours.
#NWPCyberSafe
Byddwch yn wyliadwrus o sgamiau lle mae troseddwyr yn ceisio dynwared yr Heddlu. Mae adroddiadau wedi bod am hyn yn digwydd yn Rhanbarth y Gogledd Orllewin ac mewn llawer o ardaloedd eraill yng Nghymru a Lloegr yn ddiweddar.
Ni fydd yr heddlu byth yn gofyn i chi symud arian i'w ddiogelu nag i'w helpu gydag ymchwiliad twyll ac ni fydd yr Heddlu byth yn eich ffonio i ofyn i chi wirio'ch PIN na gwneud trefniadau i gasglu arian parod neu'ch cerdyn banc trwy negesydd er mwyn ei gadw'n ddiogel.
Os ydych chi?n ansicr am unrhyw gyswllt gan yr Heddlu ffoniwch 101 i gadarnhau mai Swyddog Heddlu wnaeth gysylltu hefo chi. 📞👮♂🤔
Yn aml bydd Troseddwyr yn targedu?r henoed gyda?r math hwn o scam, felly a fyddech cystal ? threulio ychydig funudau i godi ymwybyddiaeth o hyn gyda?ch perthnasau a/neu gymdogion oedrannus.
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
Neighbourhood Watch's national online shop is now open
We are offering all customers a 20% discount until the end of October 2022. Use the code NW-SHOP at checkout.
Products.............. https://nwnshop.myshopify.com/collections/all
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North Wales Police have received several reports from members of the public in relation to fraudulent payments when selling items on Social Media Marketplaces.
Genuine sellers have been listing items on Marketplace. Fraudulent buyers have then been agreeing to buy high value items and upon collection and payment of the item, the buyer shows the seller their mobile device with alleged proof of payment on an app. They sometimes claim that it can take 2hrs for the transaction to appear in the seller?s bank account which isn?t genuinely the case!
However, the app that they?ve shown on their screen isn?t a genuine banking app and in reality no payment has been made. The fraudulent buyer leaves with the item and the seller hasn?t received any payment.
Our advice for sellers is to check your own bank account and not to hand over any items that you?re selling until payment has arrived in your account. The fraudulent buyer may be very convincing and may try to push you into handing over the item and try to convince you that they can be trusted. On some occasions, fraudulent buyers have entered the seller?s address and have become aggressive putting the seller under immense pressure. If this happens, call 999 immediately and refer to Marketplace fraud.
Don?t trust anybody you don?t know!
If you?re selling a phone, record the IMEI number.
Don?t let the buyer into your house.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Watch out for FAKE emails about the chance to win supermarket vouchers.
There has been an increase in these types of e-mails recently.
✅If you receive one, forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk
Your reports have helped to remove 184,000 malicious sites as of Sept '22.
#NWPCyberSafe
Gwyliwch allan am e-byst FFUG sy?n honni i roi y cyfle i chi ennill talebau archfarchnadoedd.
Mae cynnydd wedi bod yn y mathau yma o e-byst yn ddiweddar.
✅ Os byddwch yn derbyn e-bost fel hyn, anfonwch ef ymlaen at: report@phishing.gov.uk
Mae eich adroddiadau wedi helpu i gael gwared ar 184,000 o safleoedd maleisus hyd at fis Medi '22.
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Homeowners warned to watch out as burglary claims spike - here's how to stay safe
Homeowners are being urged to ensure their properties are 'extra secure' during winters
As nights get longer and darkness begins to seep in, it is important to make sure your home is safe and secure during this time period.
Thieves prefer to operate in the shadows, so it's hardly surprising that the number of burglaries increases when the clocks go back and the nights get longer. Analysis of Aviva data over the past two years shows that home theft claims increase by 15 per cent during October and November months.
cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/homeowners-warned-to-watch-out-as-burglary-claims-spike-heres-how-to-stay-safe/
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OUR NEWS - Neighbourhood Watch national newsletter for England and Wales
We are delighted to bring you OUR NEWS for November.
With the cost of living crisis, many people are under financial strain. Our newsletter highlights were to go additional support and how to support others.
We also look at: how to reduce your chances of being burgled this winter; how to support older people; combating the never-ending cycle of stress; creating places for connection; and more.
Informative News Letter ........ https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2022-11/Nov%202022%20OUR%20NEWS%20small.pdf
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With Christmas fast approaching we have seen a sharp increase in Facebook Marketplace fraud. Over the weekend members of the public in North Wales have reported losses of ?4270 over a two-day period.
The reports include victims paying large deposits or making full payment direct into the suspects bank account. Unfortunately, the goods are never received. In one instance a large deposit was made for an item but when the victim attended the address provided to collect the item, the elderly occupants were totally unaware of the sale and the victim was left out of pocket.
People selling items have also been targeted by criminals. In one case fraudsters posing as buyers arrived at the victim?s house to collect an item and claimed they had made payment using an online banking app. The suspects were handed the item and left, but the funds were never received by the victim as the banking app was fake.
Be careful when using Facebook Marketplace as there is little chance of being reimbursed if something goes wrong. When buying items, we advise to carry out transactions face to face where possible, using cash or safe payment services such as Paypal, where a level of protection is offered. Don?t pay for an item until you?ve received it and don?t hand over an item you are selling to a buyer until you have received payment
If you need to report any fraudulent activity, contact Facebook to report the account, and visit the Action Fraud website or the North Wales Police website or call 101.
#NWPCyberSafeMessage Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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⚠️ Watch out for fake emails claiming to be from the DVLA. Action Fraud have received over 1,700 reports about them in two weeks!
The DVLA will never ask for bank details over email. The only place to access official info on the DVLA and its services is at GOV.UK
#NWPCyberSafe
⚠️ Gwyliwch allan am e-byst ffug sy?n honni i fod gan y DVLA. Mae Action Fraud wedi derbyn dros 1,700 o adroddiadau amdanynt mewn pythefnos!
Ni fydd y DVLA byth yn gofyn am fanylion banc dros e-bost. Yr unig le i gael mynediad at wybodaeth swyddogol am y DVLA a?i gwasanaethau yw drwy GOV.UK
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Before setting the amount that people in North Wales pay for policing through the precept, the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin, wants to hear what you think about the plans as part of a public consultation and survey.
As well as having your view on changes to the amount paid towards policing, you will also be able to say what priorities you want to see North Wales Police act on. The survey will also give you the chance to comment on how you see policing in your own community more generally.
The survey launches on 5 December 2022 and closes on the 11 January 2023.
Please visit the below link during the consultation period and fill in the short survey to make your voice heard. Paper copies of the survey, in Welsh and English, are also available at libraries and police stations across North Wales. You can also get the survey in Easy Read format.
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DWKGQVB
Alternatively, to receive a paper copy by post, contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in the following ways:
Email: OPCC@northwales.police.uk
Phone: 01492 805486
Post: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, Police Headquarters. Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW
Attachments
86522 Precept Survey SM (w).jpg
86522 Precept Survey SM (e).jpg
Message Sent By
Inspector 2749 Wesley Williams
(North Wales Police, Inspector - Prevention Hub, North Wales)
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📱 Phone scams can affect anyone. So, we urge everyone to be careful to ensure that you don?t get scammed by criminals over the phone! 📞
Download the Little Booklet of Phone Scams here to help you stay safe 👇 https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/central/advice/fraud/met/little-booklet-of-phone-scams.pdf
📱 Mae sgamiau ff?n yn gallu effeithio unrhyw un. Felly rydym yn annog pawb i fod yn ofalus er mwyn sicrhau nad ydych yn cael eich twyllo gan droseddwyr dros y ff?n! 📞
Lawrlwythwch y Llyfryn Bach o Sgamiau Ff?n yn rhad ac am ddim yma i'ch helpu i gadw'n ddiogel 👇
https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/central/advice/fraud/met/little-booklet-of-phone-scams.pdf
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
THE ?Your Community, Your Choice? initiative, supported by the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) and North Wales Police, celebrates a decade of funding projects in 2023.
To celebrate this milestone, the funding available to apply for has doubled to ?120,000.
Since its inception, Your Community, Your Choice has sponsored grassroots projects that bring people and organisations together, ultimately creating a safer environment for all.
In the last 10 years, a total of ?428,792 has been awarded to 149 projects working to support the priorities in the Commissioner?s Police and Crime Plan.
Four projects in each of the six North Wales counties will each receive ?2,500, one in each will be given ?5,000, and three pan-North Wales projects will each receive ?10,000.
The funding for ?Your Community, Your Choice? comes partly from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the rest from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The application window for this year?s initiative will open on January 9, 2023 and closes on February 3.
Details on how to apply will be published in due course on the PACT and North Wales Police websites.
A shortlist of applicants will then be chosen by a panel consisting of the Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as PACT and North Wales Police representatives.
cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/23178804.community-projects-across-north-wales-invited-apply-new-funding/?ref=rss&IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
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Following recent burglaries across North Wales, advice has been issued to help prevent more.
North Wales Police have taken to the Community Alert page to residents and business owners to be extra vigilant.
To secure your home and belongings, the police advise that you:
Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you?re only going out for a few minutes.
Double-lock any door.
Make sure that any valuables are out of sight.
Keep handbags away from the letterbox or cat flap and hide all keys including car keys, as a thief could hook keys or valuables through even a small opening.
Never leave car documents or ID in obvious places such as kitchens or hallways.
In the evening, shut the curtains and leave lights on.
If you?re out all day, then it?s advisable to use a timer device to automatically turn lights and a radio on at night.
Set your burglar alarm.
Make sure the side gate is locked.
Lock your shed or garage.
Lock your bike inside a secure shed or garage, to a robust fitting bolted to the ground or wall, like a ground anchor.
Please check that all CCTV is in working order
More advice can be found on the North Wales Police website.
If you think you have been a victim of burglary/theft or seen anything suspicious, please call 101 or use the live chat facility on the website. In an emergency, always dial 999
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⚠️Watch out for FAKE Royal Mail emails about a missed delivery. These are very common, but even more so as Christmas and the New Year Sales approach.
❌ Don?t click on the link.
✅If you receive an email you think is suspicious, forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk Your reports help to get scams and malicious websites removed.
#NWPCyberSafe
⚠️Gwyliwch allan am e-byst ffug gan y Post Brenhinol ynghylch danfoniad parsel a fethwyd. Mae'r rhain yn gyffredin iawn, ond yn hyd yn oed mwy cyffredin na?r arfer wrth i i'r Nadolig a'r S?ls Flwyddyn Newydd agos?u.
❌ Peidiwch ? chlicio ar y ddolen.
✅ Os byddwch yn derbyn e-bost sy?n edrych yn amheus, anfonwch ef ymlaen at: report@phishing.gov.uk Mae eich adroddiadau yn helpu i gael gwared ar sgamiau a gwefannau maleisus.
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
Everyone at North Wales Police Cybercrime Team would like to wish you a very happy Christmas and a fantastic, prosperous and safe New Year in 2023!
Here's an infographic created by our friends at the NLAWARP covering the 12 Scams of Christmas to help keep you safe and secure online over the festive period.
clicking on photo might enlarge......
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Recently we?ve again seen an increase in Rental Fraud in North Wales, particularly in the Wrexham area
Members of the public are attempting to rent properties that are advertised on Marketplaces on social media. They are paying an upfront deposit of up to ?300 to secure the property only to later find that the person they paid the deposit to was nothing to do with the property. In actual fact the property is not for sale or rent at all.
👉 Don?t send money to anyone advertising rental properties online until you?re sure the advertiser is genuine.
👉 Don?t pay any money until you or a reliable contact has visited the property with an agent or the landlord.
👉 Ask for copies of tenancy agreements and any safety certificates such as Gas Electricity or HMO Licence.
👉 Do not be pressurised into transferring large sums of money. Transfer funds to a bank account having obtained the details by contacting the landlord or agent directly after the above steps have been followed. Be sceptical if you?re asked to transfer any money via a money transfer service like Western Union.
If you know of anyone currently looking for a property to rent, please make them aware of the above.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
E-scooters have become an emerging problem for pedestrians, but for many people with sight loss they present a serious safety issue, especially when misused. People with sight loss often rely on hearing to navigate safely, which makes e-scooters difficult to avoid, with collisions more likely.
E-Scooters fall under the definition of a motor vehicle as a motor vehicle, they must comply with various pieces of Road Traffic Legislation, including but not limited to:
driving with a licence
driving/riding with insurance
driving/riding other than on a road
need to be taxed
Any person, who uses an e-scooter on a public road or other public space, must comply with the relevant Road Traffic Legislation or they face potential prosecution.
Some E-Scoopers can operate up to speeds of 70mph.E-Scooters are currently not permitted for road use, in cycle lanes or on pavements.
There is an exception of electrically assisted pedal cycles that are fitted with pedals, have a maximum power output of 250watts and should not be able to propel the bike when it is travelling at more than 15.5mph.
E-Scooters are currently being used as part of a UK Government trial and are permitted on the roads in a number of trial areas none of which are currently within North Wales. These E-scooters are however rented from private countries and must be used on a road. They are not privately owned. Privately owned E-Scooters can only be used on private land with the permission of the land owner.
Message Sent By
PC Llinos Hughes
(North Wales Police, NPT, Central )
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Peter Kay fans have been left angered after losing almost ?400 in a ticket scam. The popular Bolton comedian previously announced his return to stand up comedy with his first live tour in 12 years.
Fans were quick to snap up tickets to his original 110 dates, with shows in Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Cardiff and Nottingham, reports WalesOnline. In December, due to popular demand as tickets sold out rapidly, Peter Kay revealed there would be extra dates added to his tour.
But, some fans in Liverpool were left disappointed after they found out they had been scammed, paying ?380 for Peter Kay tickets from a fake website that no longer exists, Manchester Evening News reports. Bolton Councillor Andy Morgan said a friend had bought tickets from www.peterkaytickets.com and they planned to go to this weekend's show in Liverpool.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/peter-kay-fans-left-fuming-25899194
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Emergency Alerts
About Emergency Alerts........... https://www.gov.uk/alerts
Emergency Alerts is a new service from the UK government. It?s expected to launch in 2023.
Emergency alerts will warn you if there?s a danger to life nearby.
In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
What happens when you get an alert.......... https://www.gov.uk/alerts/when-you-get-an-alert
Reasons you might get an alert
The government and mobile phone networks are testing emergency alerts.
You may get an alert if you live in, or travel through, a test area.
Other reasons you might get an alert..........https://www.gov.uk/alerts/reasons-you-might-get-an-alert
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Another warning over Online Marketplace fraud / Rhybudd arall am dwyll wrth brynu a gwerthu Ar-lein.
Since the 1st of January 2023 North Wales Police have received 21 reports of victims selling items online and not receiving payment, totalling a loss of over ?10,600.
Criminals are using a number of methods and are targeting those selling high value items such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
In some cases, the victims receive a fake email from Paypal claiming the payment has been made and the victim is then urged to send the sold item to the suspect in the post, only to find that no monies have actually been paid and all contact with the buyer is blocked.
In other cases, suspects have attended the victims home address and pretended to make payment using a fake banking app or using forged bank notes to pay before leaving with the goods.
Anyone selling items online are urged to ensure that payment is made in full prior to parting with any goods. If using Paypal, check the payment has been made using the app and do not agree to use the Friends and Family option as there is no protection offered with this service.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Cold callers are out in North Wales selling household items. Callers purporting to be "reformed Criminals" will say they are doing this as they are trying to better themselves. These individuals are Pedlars or Hawkers and will carry their own ID. However they do require a Pedlars license in order to carry out this activity. Police forces issue these licences to people of "good character" now doing the maths on this - do you think we would give a licence to someone who is a known offender...
Probation services will never encourage this kind of activity to anyone on probation.
Intelligence suggests that these individuals will sell on information, as to who is vulnerable, has cash and who would be a useful target for criminal activity. Once they have a victim they will often over inflate the price, with some vulnerable people in our community spending hundreds of pounds. They are also now taking card payments - would you give your card details to a total stranger with a criminal history?
If someone comes knocking on your door politely say no and lets make North Wales a "no go area" for these individuals to keep our communities safe.
Be a good neighbour and please share this information, and report any suspicious behaviour to 101 or Crime stoppers, we have recently seen an increase in burglaries in North Wales with vulnerable people being specifically targeted.
Further information on Doorstep crime please see the following website: Doorstep Crime and Scam Prevention | Operation Repeat (oprepeat.co.uk) https://www.oprepeat.co.uk/
Message Sent By
PS 1620 Sue Carrington
(North Wales Police, Sergeant - Community Safety)
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North Wales Police are currently investigating a Burglary Dwelling which occurred in the Craig Y Don area, Llandudno on the evening of Wednesday 1st February 2023.
We will be conducting high visibility patrols in the area over the weekend to deter further incidents 🚔
We would like to provide local residents with target hardening information as follows:
- Ensure all doors are locked 🚪
- Make sure all windows are secure and locked 🪟
- Ensure all property alarms/cctv are in full working order 📹
- Find a secure place for post/parcels 📮
If anyone has any information, we urge you to kindly contact 101 quoting reference 23000094309
Message Sent By
PC Llinos Hughes
(North Wales Police, NPT, Central )
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We have joined forces with our Financial Abuse Safeguarding colleagues at our Economic Crime Unit and with North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin to raise awareness of the dangers Romance Fraud.
Read the article here - PCC & NWP urge residents to be on the lookout for romance fraud | Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales (northwales-pcc.gov.uk) https://www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk/pcc-nwp-urge-residents-be-lookout-romance-fraud
Our Financial Abuse Safeguarding colleague Michelle Shirley was also interviewed on Radio Wales this morning at 7.35. You can listen to the interview on BBC sounds.
#NWMessage Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
PCyberSafe
-
BBC 1's excellent consumer show, Rip-Off Britain (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wck32), covered this recently, and featured one woman who'd lost more than 80,000 pounds. It's easy to dismiss these folk as gullible but the scammers are very skilled and have refined their techniques over many years.
The bottom line is never, ever send money to anyone, anywhere that you've never met, and met several times.
-
Fake BT e-mails / E-byst ffug BT.
⚠️Watch out for fake emails purporting to be from BT.
Know about it, spot it!
✅Received a suspicious email? You can report it by forwarding the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk
Your reports have led to the removal of 209,000 scam websites as of January 2023
⚠️ Gwyliwch allan am e-byst ffug sy'n honni eu bod gan BT.
Os ydych chi?n gwybod amdano, mae?n haws i chi ei adnabod fel twyll.
✅ Wedi cael e-bost amheus? Gallwch ei riportio drwy anfon yr e-bost ymlaen at: report@phishing.gov.uk
Mae eich adroddiadau wedi arwain at ddileu 209,000 o wefannau scam hyd at mis Ionawr 2023.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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SchoolBeat Newsletter February 2023
SchoolBeat: Home is a bilingual site from the All Wales Schools Police Programme, providing information and resources for pupils, teachers, parents and partners to reinforce the key messages delivered by our Schools Police Officers in primary and secondary schools as well as alternative educational settings.
This months newsletter is packed full of information, advice and news to help support young people.
In this months edition, you will find information on:
Sexual Harassment
Illegal Tobacco
Safety on the Railways
Young People and Gambling
What?s new?
Ending Physical Punishment in Wales
Click here to view the newsletter in Welsh - Layout 1 (schoolbeat.cymru) https://schoolbeat.cymru/fileadmin/public/newsletters/Cylchlythyr-Schoolbeat-Rhif21.pdf
Click here to view the newsletter in English - Layout 1 (schoolbeat.cymru) https://schoolbeat.cymru/fileadmin/public/newsletters/SchoolBeat-Newsletter-No21.pdf
Message Sent By
PC 3384 Erin Hulley
North Wales Police, School Police Officer
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Beware of charity fraud / Byddwch yn ofalus o dwyll elusen.
Don?t be tricked into sharing your personal or financial information with scammers. Criminals are trying to take advantage of the Turkey and Syria earthquake to scam you out of your money.
They will ask you for donations which they will use for their own fraudulent purposes.
Before making a donation, consider following these steps:
Check the charity?s name and registration number on the Charity Register at www.gov.uk/checkcharity ? most charities with an annual income of ?5,000 or more must be registered.
Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information.
Make sure emails are from valid addresses/sources before responding or clicking on links within them.
Contact or find out more online about the charity that you?re seeking to donate to in order to understand how they are spending their funds.
Look out for the Fundraising Badge ? the logo that says ?registered with Fundraising Regulator? ? and check the Fundraising Regulator?s Directory of organisations which have committed to fundraise in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice.
Always #TakeFive before making a donation.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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World Book Day - get a ?1 token! by PC Manus
This year, World Book Day is March 2nd. A number of books will be available for children at ?1 in specific retailers. You can visit this link: https://www.worldbookday.com/secondary-digital-token/ to receive a ?1 token and get a ?1 book effectively for free!
For full details of the ?1 books and lists of retailers, visit the link above.
Have a great World Book Day!
Message Sent By
PC 2458 Manus Sheridan
(North Wales Police, School Community Police Officer, Denbighshire Coastal)
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Anti-Social Behaviour
We have seen an increase in the number of Anti-Social Behaviour incidents being reported in the following areas:
COLWYN BAY
LLANDUDNO
LLANDUDNO JUNCTION
CONWY
The issues involve youths predominantly causing problems to the public, local business and being a general nuisance in these areas.
Heightened and visible patrols will take place in these areas to deter further incidents. Positive action will be taken against any youth(s) seen to be causing Anti-Social Behaviour.
We ask parents/carers in these areas to be vigilant of their child/children who are going out in these areas and ask for the message to be reinforced.
Diolch/Thank you
Message Sent By
PCSO 3407 David Madden
(North Wales Police, PCSO, West Conwy)
Pioneer article on the Increase in anti-social behaviour incidents on Conwy coast
cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/23358340.increase-anti-social-behaviour-incidents-conwy-coast/
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Another Paypal scam / Scam Paypal arall.
⚠️ Watch out for this PayPal scam!
ℹ️ For very useful advice on how to spot a PayPal email scams, visit:
Learn to Recognize Scams and How to Avoid Them | PayPal TC..... https://www.paypal.com/tc/webapps/mpp/security/common-scams
✅ Remember that you can report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk
#NWPCyberSafe
⚠️ Gwyliwch allan am y sgam PayPal yma!
ℹ️ Am gyngor defnyddiol am sut i adnabod sgamiau e-bost PayPal, ewch i:
Learn to Recognize Scams and How to Avoid Them | PayPal TC...https://www.paypal.com/tc/webapps/mpp/security/common-scams
✅ Cofiwch y gallwch riportio e-byst amheus drwy eu hanfon ymlaen at: report@phishing.gov.uk
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
North Wales Police are urging residents to protect themselves against courier fraud. This is due to a rise in courier fraud in the force area whereby vulnerable people have been exploited out of their money and personal information. Sadly, the most common victims of courier fraud are the elderly.
In the most recent cases, the fraudster has telephoned their victim and claimed to be from their bank. Victims have been advised that their bank card has been used fraudulently and that the victim?s bank accounts are at risk. Victims have then been conned into revealing their PIN and debit card details.
Scammers have then either sent couriers to collect bank cards from the victim?s home address or the victims have been instructed to wrap their bank card in foil and send it through the postal service. Once the scammer has the victim?s card and PIN they have spent their money on high value transactions and have also withdrawn cash.
Financial abuse safeguarding officer, Detective Michelle Shirley said: "Courier fraud can be difficult to spot, especially when you are being put under pressure and you believe you are speaking to a bank official in an urgent situation. Fraudsters are able to impersonate phone numbers to appear to be your bank and may know your personal information, which is how they convince you to trust them. It?s important to remember that your debit or credit card is yours and you should only ever hand it to someone at the bank. If you are told it needs to be collected by courier or asked to send it through the postal service, then this is probably a scam and you should end the call immediately."
The bank will never phone to ask for your full PIN or banking password, or send someone to your home to collect cash, PINs, cards or cheque books. Please take the time to speak to any elderly relatives or neighbours that you have to make sure that they are aware of this as they are most likely to be targeted.
For more information and help or to report this and many other types of fraud, go to Action Fraud the UK?s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre or you can report it directly to North Wales Police.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Fake banking app being used to deceive sellers using online Marketplaces / Ap bancio ffug yn cael ei ddefnyddio i dwyllo gwerthwyr sy?n gwerthu eitemau ar-lein.
Think that if you sell your online items in person, you're scam-free? Unfortunately, not! Thieves are using fake banking apps to trick you
North Wales Police are warning sellers on Facebook Marketplace to be cautious when accepting bank transfers as this scam is designed to part sellers from their goods for nothing. This fraud involves using fake banking apps to fool unsuspecting victims into thinking they have received payment for an item.
A fake banking app is an app that's designed to look like it comes from a bank but is actually used for deception.
This scam starts with the victim attempting to sell something online. The fraudster will then contact them offering to buy the item in person. When the transaction takes place, the buyer will request to pay using an app. The buyer will then open the fake app and will ask the seller to enter their bank details into the app. They will then show the seller confirmation that a transfer has started. Many sellers will accept this as proof that a payment has occurred and the buyer then leaves with the item.
Buyers on occasions make phone calls to their bank and advise the seller that it can take upwards of 2 hours for the transfer to take place. The seller usually won't realise that there is a problem until the bank transfer doesn't arrive.
Financial abuse safeguarding officer, Detective Michelle Shirley said: ?Fake banking apps are designed to look identical to the real thing and the average person isn't aware of their existence. The seller doesn't need to believe the buyer for very long and the buyer only needs to trick the seller long enough to leave with the item?.
The Economic Crime Unit?s advice is?.
Don?t allow the buyer to rush you in an effort to persuade you that payment has been made.
Keep hold of any property until you have received confirmation from your bank that the payment has been received successfully.
Trust your instincts, decline the sale if you have any doubts.
For more information and help or to report this and other types of fraud, go to Action Fraud the UK?s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre or contact your local police force on ?101?.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
❗ Watch out for these FAKE Netflix emails asking you to update your payment details.
✅ Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk
Your reports have led to the removal of 214,000 scam websites as of Feb 2023.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
Everyone has the right to feel safe across the region.
Did you know you can anonymously flag an area where you feel uncomfortable, regardless of whether a crime has taken place. Help us make the streets safer 👇🏽
Make a report via https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Forlo.uk%2FSZVxm&data=05%7C01%7CLlinos.Hughes%40northwales.police.uk%7C525158886c654993591e08db279f085f%7C4e86b176a10e43bd8d27927f44d0e665%7C0%7C0%7C638147336213931257%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xU66nDi19KPYAcDGgjC%2B4sTTFyTZC4J6sa9C98A%2BFQw%3D&reserved=0
#StreetSafe
Message Sent By
PC Llinos Hughes
(North Wales Police, NPT, Central )
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Scam letter claiming to be from the ?People?s Postcode Lottery? / Llythur scam yn honni i fod gan y ?People?s Postcode Lottery?.
Watch out for fake letters claiming that recipients have won thousands on the People?s Postcode Lottery.
This scam letter includes the People?s Postcode Lottery logo and branding. It claims that your postcode has been randomly selected from the electoral roll database and says your 'win' is part of a programme to award money from previously unclaimed prizes.
The letter asks you to call a number to claim your prize. At this point the scammer will ask you to provide personal information, which will likely include your bank account details.
Always contact the People?s Postcode Lottery directly via a verified phone number, e-mail address or postal address if you genuinely believe that you may have won a prize.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
I signed up years ago, and a few days ago got an automated call from SP, and mistook it for a scam, later found out it was genuine, and luckily the power cut did not affect our part of llandudno
Be prepared in the event of a power cut ? sign up to SP Energy Networks? free Priority Services Register
Despite having one of the most reliable electricity networks In the UK, bad weather can sometimes lead to power cuts, which is why we are working with SP Energy Networks to raise awareness of its free Priority Services Register.
The free Priority Services Register provides extra support during power cuts for those who need a little extra help during planned or unplanned power interruptions.
People who are
over the age of 60
have children under the age of 5
have a chronic illness or mobility issues
can sign up for free and benefit from a wide range of support. This includes:
being proactively contacted if there?s a known power outage in the local area
receiving a support pack during storms and power outages containing essentials like torches, blankets, hand warmers
having access to a dedicated welfare number during periods of storms and significant events.
Kendal Morris, Customer Service Director at SP Energy Networks said: ?Customer safety is always our top priority and we are committed to supporting our local communities, particularly those customers who are in need of a little extra help. The free Priority Services Register provides invaluable support for our customers during planned and unplanned power outages, and I really encourage all those who are eligible to sign up today to ensure they receive the support they are entitled to?.
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network said: ?Supporting the vulnerable and isolated is fundamental to what we do, which is why are pleased to be raising awareness of this vital service for those who need a bit of extra support. If you know someone who can benefit, please let them know about the service and how to sign up.?
For more information, please visit spenergynetworks.co.uk/psr or call 0330 10 10 167.
Text PSR to 61999 to sign up today.
Best wishes and keep safe,
Central Support Team, Neighbourhood Watch Network
Follow us... ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / online shop
Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349
WE ARE MAKING THIS A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE. TOGETHER.
Please note: This email has been sent to all those who have signed up to receive messages from Neighbourhood Watch in North Wales, Cheshire, Shropshire and Merseyside.
Message Sent By
Central Support Team
(NWN, Enquiries Dept, England and Wales)
-
Criminals are targeting WhatsApp users by posing as a friend and asking for a security code. Action Fraud has received over 60 reports relating to this scam.
The scam begins when a criminal gets access to another WhatsApp account which has you listed as a contact.
The criminal, posing as your friend or someone that?s a member of a WhatsApp group you?re in, will then send you seemingly normal messages to try and start a conversation with you. However, around the same time you will receive a text message from WhatsApp with a six-digit code. This is because the criminal has been trying to login to WhatsApp using your mobile number. The criminal will claim that they sent you their code by accident and ask you to help them by sending it to them. Once the criminal has this code, they can login to your WhatsApp account and lock you out.
The criminal will then use the same tactic with your WhatsApp contacts in an effort to steal more accounts and use them to perpetrate fraud.
What you need to do:
Set up two-step verification to give an extra layer of protection to your account: Tap Settings > Account >Two-step verification > Enable.
THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity.
Never share your account?s activation code (that?s the 6 digit code you receive via SMS)
You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ?Report? and then follow the instructions.
If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud or 0300 123 2040.
(If you found the information in this alert useful, please share it with your friends and family. Social media versions of this alert can be found on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram)
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Update on above
I signed up years ago, and a few days ago got an automated call from SP, and mistook it for a scam, later found out it was genuine, and luckily the power cut did not affect our part of llandudno
Be prepared in the event of a power cut, sign up to SP Energy Networks? free Priority Services Register
For more information, please visit spenergynetworks.co.uk/psr or call 0330 10 10 167.
Text PSR to 61999 to sign up today.
PARTS of Llandudno experienced a blackout on Saturday afternoon (March 25) following a power cut, with reports of more power outage today.
This was at roughly 4pm on Saturday, and lasted for approximately an hour and a half, affecting those in the LL30 postcode area of the town.
One residents said that parts of the town, particularly the area around the Post Office, have been affected again today.
ScottishPower has explained the reason for the power cut, and said that repair work is underway but that this wouldn't affect customers.
-
Criminals are targeting WhatsApp users by posing as a friend and asking for a security code.
❌Never share your WhatsApp activation code with anyone.❌
Read the full alert here 👉Warning issued to WhatsApp users over account takeover scam | Action Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/warning-issued-to-whatsapp-users-over-account-takeover-scam
#NWPCyberSafe
Mae troseddwyr yn targedu defnyddwyr WhatsApp drwy ddynwared ffrind a gofyn am god diogelwch.
❌Peidiwch byth ? rhannu eich cod actifadu WhatsApp ag unrhyw un.❌
Darllenwch y rhybudd llawn yma 👉Warning issued to WhatsApp users over account takeover scam | Action Fraud
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
The UK governments new Emergency Alerts system is now live.
The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger. On Sunday 23 April 2023 at 3pm, there will be a national test of the Emergency Alerts service.
It will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding.
Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They don?t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data. Only the government and the emergency services will be able to send them. If you dont have a mobile phone, youll still be kept informed through other channels
If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, youll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. Youll be able to check an alert is genuine at https://www.gov.uk/alerts
If you receive an alert, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions
You can opt out of receiving emergency alerts; for more information on how to opt out please go to https://www.gov.uk/alerts
To find out more about Emergency Alerts, visit https://www.gov.uk/alerts
(If you found this information helpful, please forward it to friends and family members. To view this information on social media, please visit Facebook, Twitter or Instagram)
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Shopping online securely / Siopa'n ddiogel ar-lein.
Looking to bag a bargain online? 🛍️
Follow the National Cyber Security Centre?s advice on how to shop safely online and spot a scam websites 👇
Shopping online securely - https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/shopping-online-securely
#NWPCyberSafe
Chwilio am fargen ar-lein? 🛍️
Dilynwch gyngor y Ganolfan Seiberddiogelwch Genedlaethol am sut i siopa'n ddiogel ar-lein ac adnabod gwefannau scam 👇
Shopping online securely - https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/shopping-online-securely
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
A message from District Inspector Steve Pawson:
Parents & Carers Please ensure your young people are aware of the following:
In response to the recent incidents of Anti-social behaviour, over the last 48 hours, 10 youths have been arrested for several different offences across the West Conwy District.
These have involved arrests for offences against persons, public order offences and burglary. They are all live investigations, so I am not able to provide further details, however I want to reassure the community that anti-social behaviour and criminal offending will continue to be dealt with proportionately and robustly.
It is important to remember that this is a small minority of children behaving in an antisocial manner.
Such behaviour affects all sections of our communities including children. My teams continue to work with partners and third sector groups to prevent and deter children and teens from engaging in this type of behaviour, thereby keeping the community safe. I would encourage parents and carers to play their part, and ensure they know where their young people are.
Where there is clear criminality there will be appropriate application of the Criminal Justice system.
With recent incidents in mind, your local team will be visibly patrolling in Llandudno this weekend when we will once again welcome the Victorian Extravaganza.
To ensure this enjoyable, family friendly event is not marred by a tiny fraction of our community, I have authorised the implementation of a Dispersal Order, covering the areas marked on the maps.
This will come into force at 1pm on Saturday, 29th April and will last for 48 hours until 1pm on Monday 1st May.
What does this mean?
This gives my officers (including PCSO?s) the power to disperse a group of people who are causing, or are likely to cause a nuisance, harassment, distress, or public safety concern.
Failure to comply with the order, or returning to the Dispersal Area may result in police returning young people under 16 to their homes. (For adults, failure to comply with an order could be treated as an offence and you could be convicted. If this happened, you could be fined or issued with a term in prison of up to three months.)
However, I would like to stress, that adults and young people who are behaving themselves have nothing to fear from this order ? all are welcome to enjoy this great event in our beautiful town.
Finally, Id like to thank our local community for your continued support. Please be assured we are working hard to ensure that the very small number of people perpetrating these crimes do not disproportionately impact on the vast majority of law-abiding residents and visitors.
Message Sent By
PC Llinos Hughes
(North Wales Police, NPT, Central )
Dispersal order issued for Llandudno as 10 youths arrested ahead of Victorian Extravaganza weekend
The order comes into force at 1pm on Saturday and will stay in place until 1pm on Monday
North Wales Police have issued a 48-hour dispersal order covering parts of Llandudno over the bank holiday weekend. It comes after a number of incidents over the past two days led to 10 youths being arrested across the west Conwy district.
The order comes into force on Saturday, April 29, at 1pm and will remain in force until 1pm on Monday, May 1.
Police say they will also be visibly stepping up patrols in Llandudno over the weekend as the town welcomes the return of the popular Victorian Extravaganza.
cont plus maps https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dispersal-order-issued-llandudno-10-26805829
-
TV Licensing scam emails have been reported to Action Fraud 3,455 times recently.
Real TV Licensing emails will always include your name and/or part of your postcode.
Forward suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk
#NWPCyberSafe
Mae negeseuon e-byst sgam am Drwyddedau Teledu wedi cael eu riportio i Action Fraud 3,455 o weithiau yn ddiweddar.
Bydd e-byst Trwyddedu Teledu go iawn bob amser yn cynnwys eich enw a/neu ran o'ch cod post.
Anfonwch e-byst amheus ymlaen at: report@phishing.gov.uk
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
Beware of fake websites selling King's Coronation memorabilia. They are data harvesting traps aiming to exploit personal information for fraud.
Protect yourself:
1️⃣ Verify authenticity
2️⃣ Use secure payment methods
3️⃣ Search for reviews
4️⃣ Report suspicious activity
#NWPCyberSafe
Byddwch yn wyliadwrus o wefannau ffug sy'n gwerthu nwyddau i gofio Coroni?r Brenin. Trapiau cynaeafu data ydyn nhw sy'n anelu i ecsbloetio gwybodaeth bersonol ar gyfer twyll.
Amddiffynnwch eich hun:
1️⃣ Gwiriwch ddilysrwydd
2️⃣ Defnyddiwch ddulliau talu diogel
3️⃣ Chwiliwch am adolygiadau
4️⃣ Riportiwch weithgaredd amheus
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
⚠️Watch out for FAKE emails informing you about an undelivered bank or credit card
The message provides an e-mail address to contact to arrange delivery. Needles to say the e-mail address belongs to a scammer and not a Bank
✅You can report scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
NWPCyberSafe
⚠️ Gwyliwch allan am e-byst FFUG yn eich hysbysu am gerdyn banc neu gredyd sydd heb ei ddosbarthu
Mae'r neges yn rhoi cyfeiriad e-bost i gysylltu ag ef i drefnu iddo gael ei bostio. Wrth gwrs mae?r cyfeiriad e-bost yn perthyn i sgamiwr a nid y Banc
✅ Gallwch riportio e-byst sgam i report@phishing.gov.uk
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
Have you secured your email account?
Why are email accounts so important?
Your emails contain a lot of information about you, so it?s crucial you make your email password strong. If criminals get into your email account, they could access personal information that could be used to scam you or others. To make it harder for them, always use an email password that you haven?t used elsewhere.
Your email inbox can also act as a ?gateway? to your other accounts. Once they can access it, a criminal could use the ?forgot password? option to request emails enabling them to get into other accounts, such as your social media.
How to secure your email account
Your email password
Using a combination of 3 random words creates passwords that are long enough and strong enough. Avoid words that can be guessed, like your pet?s name or birth month. Adding numbers and symbols is a good way to make your password even harder to guess.
Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) for your email
2-Step Verification (2SV) gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can't access your email.
2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity. For example, getting a code sent to your phone when you sign in using a new device or change settings such as your password.
You won't be asked for this every time you check your email.
Hot to turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV)
? Turn on 2SV for Outlook
? Turn on 2SV for Gmail
? Turn on 2SV for iCloud
If you are using an email service that does not offer 2SV, please consider switching to an email provider that does.
How to check if one of your online accounts may have been compromised
Services such as www.haveibeenpwned.com can tell you if your personal information or any of your account passwords have been made public in a major data breach.
If you have been affected by a data breach, you can find some useful information here from the National Cyber Security Centre on how to how to protect yourself from the impact of data breaches.
For more advice on how to stay secure online, please visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk
(If you have found this information useful, please forward it to friends, family members and colleagues)
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
-
SCAM: Watch out for these FAKE emails claiming to offer you the chance to win airline vouchers.
Received a suspicious email?
✅ Forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk
ℹ️ Your reports have led to the removal of 227,000 malicious websites as of April 2023.
#NWPCyberSafe
⚠️SCAM: Byddwch yn wyliadwrus o e-byst ffug sy'n honni i roi cyfle i chi i ennill talebau cwmn?au awyrennau.
Wedi derbyn e-bost amheus?
✅ Anfonwch ef ymlaen at: report@phishing.gov.uk
ℹ️ Mae eich adroddiadau wedi arwain at ddileu 227,000 o wefannau maleisus hyd at Ebrill 2023.
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
Google Family Link can help to keep your family safer online and can put you in charge of what?s best for your family. Use easy to use tools that will allow you to understand how your child is spending time on their device. You can :-
Establish digital ground rules.
Set screen time limits.
Guide them to age-appropriate content.
Manage privacy settings and secure their account.
See where they are.
And much more??
#NWPCyberSafe
Gall ?Google Family Link? helpu i gadw'ch teulu'n fwy diogel ar-lein a gall eich rhoi chi mewn rheolaeth o?r hyn sydd orau i'ch teulu. Defnyddiwch app hawdd ei ddefnyddio a fydd yn eich galluogi i ddeall sut mae'ch plentyn yn treulio amser ar ei dyfais. Gallwch :-
Sefydlu rheolau sylfaenol digidol.
Gosod terfynau amser sgrin.
Eu arwain nhw at gynnwys sy'n briodol i'w hoedran.
Rheoli gosodiadau preifatrwydd a diogelu eu cyfrif.
Gweld ble maen nhw.
A llawer mwy.......
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
links https://www.google.com/search?q=%23NWPCyberSafe&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBGB813GB813&oq=%23NWPCyberSafe&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i546l3.332291882j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
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Beware of a scam Father?s Day ?give away? message on WhatsApp
The message claims to offer the chance to win a Guinness mini fridge. Clicking on the link would take you through to a fake website where you?d be asked to provide payment details for delivery of the free fridge that you?ve won.
Needless to say, sharing payment details with scammers won?t end well.
#NWPCyberSafe
Byddwch yn wyliadwrus o neges scam am wobr Sul y Tadau ar WhatsApp.
Mae'r neges yn honni i fod yn rhoi cyfle i chi ennill oergell fach Guinness am ddim. Byddai clicio ar y ddolen yn mynd ? chi at wefan ffug lle gofynnir i chi rannu manylion talu am gostau postio'r oergell rydych chi wedi'i hennill.
Wrth gwrs, ni fydd rhannu manylion talu gyda sgamwyr yn gorffen yn dda.
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Almost 21 million reports have been made to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS), resulting in the removal of over 235,000 malicious websites.
SERS was launched by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the City of London Police in April 2020 to enable the public to forward suspicious emails to an automated system that scans them for malicious links. Since its launch, almost 21 million reports have been made to the service.
Mobile phone providers also offer a service that allows customers to report suspicious text messages, by forwarding them to the number 7726. The service is free of charge and enables providers to takedown malicious websites and block malicious texts from being sent across their network.
As of 31 May 2023, 54,000 text message scams have been removed as a result of suspicious texts forwarded to the 7726 service.
Commander Nik Adams, from City of London Police, said:
?Every year, thousands of people in the UK are sca
mmed by a fraudulent email or text message. Phishing scams, whether it?s a text message claiming you have missed a delivery and are required to pay a redelivery fee, or an email claiming to be from your bank are a common security challenges that both individuals and businesses across the UK face on a daily basis.
?If you receive an email or text message that you think might be a scam, don?t respond to it or click any links in the message or email. Instead, contact the organisation directly using contact information from the company?s official website, and not the links or numbers provided in the message itself.
?If you think you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. By reporting phishing scams or suspected fraud, you are directly helping us in our work to identify and stop these criminals and helping us protect others from these scams. If you are in Scotland, I ask that you report the fraud directly to Police Scotland by calling 101.?
How to protect yourself from scam emails and texts
Received an email or text that seems suspicious? Report it. Your reports enable us to remove the emails and websites criminals use to commit fraud and cyber crime.
1: Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk . Send emails to this address that feel suspicious, even if you're not certain they're a scam - we can check.
2: Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (it?s free of charge). Your provider can find out where the text came from and block or ban the sender.
3 - If you?ve lost money or provided personal information as a result of a phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
Please note: Sometimes a forwarded email may not reach us because it is already recognised by spam detection services. You can also take a screenshot of the email and send it to report@phishing.gov.uk
(If you found this information useful, please forward it to your friends and family)
:oMessage Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Stop, hang up, call 159 Stopiwch, rhowch y ff?n i lawr a ffoniwch 159.
159 is the memorable, secure number that connects you directly to your bank if you think you might be being scammed.
159 works in the same way as 101 for Police or 111 for the NHS. It?s the number you can trust to get you through to your bank.
If you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details??Stop, hang up and call 159 to speak directly to your bank.
Learn more here - https://stopscamsuk.org.uk/159
159 yw'r rhif cofiadwy, diogel sy'n eich cysylltu'n syth ?'ch banc os ydych chi'n meddwl eich bod chi'n cael eich twyllo.
Mae 159 yn gweithio?r un ffordd ? 101 i'r Heddlu neu 111 i'r GIG. Dyma?r rhif y gallwch ymddiried ynddo i gysylltu uniongyrchol a?ch banc.
Os ydych yn meddwl bod rhywun yn ceisio eich twyllo i drosglwyddo arian neu fanylion personol??Stopiwch, rhowch y ff?n i lawr a ffoniwch 159 i siarad yn uniongyrchol ?'ch banc.
Dysgwch fwy yma- https://stopscamsuk.org.uk/159
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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⚠️ Criminals are using mortgage offers ?as low as 2.39%? to lure people into phishing scams. The messages claim to offer limited time deals to low mortgage rates, but the links lead to fake websites.
Always forward suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk
Your reports have resulted in the removal of 235,000 malicious websites as of May 2023.
#NWPCyberSafe #ReportThePhish
⚠️ Mae troseddwyr yn defnyddio cynigion morgais ?mor isel ? 2.39%? i dwyllo pobl mewn sgamiau gwe-rwydo. Mae'r negeseuon yn honni eu bod yn cynnig bargeinion amser cyfyngedig i gyfraddau morgais isel, ond mae'r dolenni'n arwain at wefannau ffug.
Anfonwch e-byst amheus ymlaen at: report@phishing.gov.uk
Mae eich adroddiadau wedi arwain at ddileu 235,000 o wefannau maleisus hyd at Mai 2023.
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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SCAM EMAIL / E-BOST SCAM.
⚠️ Fraudsters are trying to lure victims with free smartphone giveaways.
ℹ️ Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: Report@phishing.gov.uk
Your reports have led to the removal of 242,000 scam websites.
#NWPCyberSafe
⚠️ Mae twyllwyr yn ceisio denu dioddefwyr gyda?r addewid o ff?nau clyfar am ddim fel gwobrau.
ℹ️ Riportiwch e-byst amheus trwy eu hanfon ymlaen at: Report@phishing.gov.uk
Mae eich adroddiadau wedi arwain at ddileu 242,000 o wefannau sgam.
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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🚨WHATSAPP SCAM WARNING / RHYBUDD SCAM WHATSAPP🚨
📷 Action Fraud have received 268 reports about a WhatsApp account takeover scam targeting community and religious groups.
📷 Never share your account?s two-factor authentication (2FA) code with anyone.
Find out more about how the scammers do it here - actionfraud.police.uk/whatsappscam
#NWPCyberSafe
📷 Mae Action Fraud wedi derbyn 268 o adroddiadau am sgam meddiannu cyfrif WhatsApp sy?n targedu grwpiau cymunedol a chrefyddol.
📷 Peidiwch byth ? rhannu cod dilysu dau ffactor (2FA) eich cyfrif gyda unrhyw un.
Dysgwch fwy am sut mae?r sgamwyr yn gwneud hyn yma - actionfraud.police.uk/whatsappscam
#SeiberDdiogelHGC
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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**PLEASE SHARE AND/OR DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS, NEIGHBOURS AND FRIENDS**
After warning about scam messages where criminals were impersonating family members and asking for money only a few weeks ago we?re still seeing victims losing money to this scam across North Wales. Please take the time to speak to those close to you to make sure that this doesn?t happen to them.
Sadly, fraudsters are taking advantage of loved ones and making contact via text message or messaging apps. They message out of the blue from a number that you don?t recognise claiming to be a family member or friend. They claim to have lost their phone or that it has been damaged. They will then claim that they have an urgent bill to pay and will ask you to pay on their behalf saying that they?ll pay you back.
Example messages received by North Wales victims recently are :-
'Hi Mum can you help, I've had to change my phone number and I've been locked out of my online banking and need to pay a bill, could you pay ?250 into ... '
and
?Morning mum, save my new number, my phone has suffered water damage. I am locked out of online banking and need to pay a friend back, could you pay it for me, and I?ll send the money back to you tomorrow. You must do large amounts via the phone, so you ring, and I?ll tell you what to say.?
Tips to protect yourself:
- If you are in any doubt call your family member or friend on the number you already have for them.
- Ask them a question only your family member or friend will know. Take care that this information isn?t freely available on any of your Social Media platforms for example your dog?s name.
- Do not let the fraudsters pressure you - think logically.
How to report a scam message:
- If the fraudsters are using WhatsApp, press and hold on the message bubble, select ?Report? and then follow the instructions.
- Send scam text messages on to 7726 for free.
- If you are unfortunate enough to have paid money, please contact your bank and report to the matter to North Wales Police on 101.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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⚠️Fraudsters are at it again with giveaway scams!⚠️
Action Fraud have received over 6,000 reports about fake emails advising you can claim a free Oral-B electric toothbrush. 🦷
The links lead to malicious websites that harvest personal and financial information.
If you receive a suspicious email, you can report it by forwarding the email to - report@phishing.gov.uk
#NWPCyberSafe
⚠️Mae twyllwyr wrthi eto hefo sgamiau rhoddion am ddim!⚠️
Mae Action Fraud wedi derbyn dros 6,000 o adroddiadau am e-byst ffug sy?n cynghori y gallwch hawlio brws dannedd trydan Oral-B am ddim. 🦷
Mae?r dolenni?n arwain at wefannau maleisus sy?n cynaeafu gwybodaeth bersonol ac ariannol.
Os byddwch yn derbyn e-bost amheus, gallwch roi gwybod amdano drwy anfon yr e-bost ymlaen at - report@phishing.gov.uk
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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SCAM email claiming that you?ve won a free air fryer / E-bost SCAM sy?n honni eich bod wedi ennill ffr?wr aer am ddim.
⚠️Watch out for the latest SCAM email claiming that you?ve won a free air fryer. The websites the emails link to are designed to steal your contact information and payment details.
✅ Remember that you can report any e-mails that you believe to be suspicious by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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It?s a scam! / Mae?n Scam!
This scam message that is doing the rounds at the moment was shared with us by a member of the public.
Can you spot the little tricks used by the scammer in an attempt to get you to click to confirm without taking the time to think things through?............see below.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is!
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Alert for North Wales Businesses / Rhybydd i Fusnesau Gogledd Cymru.
Action Fraud has received 31 crime reports since June 2023 relating to remote access scams targeting businesses. Victims have reported losses totalling over ?3.8M. Based on analysis of crime reports by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, we know that scammers will generally use the following tactic to target businesses:
Contact the victim claiming to be a representative from their bank or from a financial services vendor used by the victim?s business.
Convince the victim to install a piece of software that enables remote access to their computer, claiming that it?s required to install an important software update.
At some point during the call, the victim is instructed to login to their online banking account. Once the victim has done this, the remote access software is used to blur the victim?s screen whilst the scammer makes fraudulent transactions from the victim?s account without their knowledge.
The victim is also asked to read out a series of numbers the scammer claims they have sent to the victim?s mobile. In reality, the numbers are a one-time verification code from the victim?s bank which, if shared with the scammer, will allow them to transfer money out of the victim?s bank account.
Some victims reported a slightly different account of how the scam was perpetrated. However, the goal of the scammers usually remains the same ? to convince victims to login to their online banking account whilst the scammer has remote access to their computer.
How to protect your business from remote access scams
Your bank will never ask you to grant them remote access to your computer or smartphone. Never install any remote access software on your device as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop up, or text message.
The one-time verification codes sent to you by your bank to authorise transactions on your account should never be shared with anyone, not even bank employees.
If you believe your laptop, PC, tablet or phone has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware, follow the National Cyber Security Centre?s guidance on recovering an infected device ? https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/hacked-device-action-to-take
Received a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from your bank? Hang up, wait a few minutes, then call your bank using the contact number on the back of your debit card, or use the contact information on their official website or app. If your business has fallen victim to fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk, or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber attack (in progress), please call 0300 123 2040 immediately.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Rental scam / Scam Rhentu.
Detectives from the Fraud Team at our Economic Crime Unit are warning the public to be vigilant against a scam that is happening on Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms. There?s recently been an increase in the amount of fraud committed whereby potential tenants are paying a deposit to view a property that either doesn?t exist or is already occupied. Often, people who are already renting a property have had visits from people wanting to view, who have all paid deposits ranging from ?125 to ?1000.
DC Rachel Roberts said: "The property rental market is currently very competitive, and potential tenants may be fooled into thinking that paying a deposit will help them secure a property. Legitimate landlords will never ask you to pay money just to view a property, and we would encourage anyone who receives such a request to contact us via our live webchat or by calling 101.?
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Do Something Amazing
Tomorrow, 14th September we'll be at Asda in #Llandudno with our
Engagement Van from 9.30 - 16.00 to share with you what it's like to volunteer with #TeamNWP
We'll have some of our #SpecialConstables along to give you an insight into the role and give you a chance to ask any questions.
We'll also have some PCSOs from the 'We Don't Buy Crime' team out giving some great crime prevention tips
We hope to see you there!
If you cannot make it drop us a line at citizensinpolicing@northwales.police.uk if you have any questions
Message Sent By
Chris Perkins
(North Wales Police, Citizens in Policing Team Leader, North Wales)
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Electricity scam e-mail / E-byst scam am Drydan.
⚠️SCAM: Watch out for these FAKE emails claiming to offer you free or cheap electricity.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!!
Received a suspicious email?
✅ Forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk
ℹ️ Your reports have led to the removal of 242,000 malicious websites as of June 2023.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
Free iPhone 15 Pro scam / Scam iPhone 15 Pro am ddim.
⚠️ Fraudsters are at it again with FAKE giveaway scams! ⚠️
This time they are claiming you could win a free iPhone 15 Pro📱 Action Fraud have received 2,600 reports so far!
The emails state that the recipient needs to complete a survey in order to claim their free iPhone. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.
If you receive a suspicious email, remember you can report it by forwarding it to - report@phishing.gov.uk
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Due to a report of recent push bike theft in the area of Old Colwyn , can we please ask that all sheds, where you store your bikes, are locked and secure.
It is also advisable to record the bike frame numbers and register it on an approved national bike registration database.
Ten ways to protect your bike
Follow these 10 tips to ensure your bike remains safe, secure and not a statistic.
1. Double lock it
Using two locks slows thieves down and makes your bike less of a target. Use two quality locks, at least one of which is a D-lock. Thieves are less likely to carry multiple tools, so use two different types of lock if possible.
2. Lock the lot
Lock the frame and both wheels to a secure cycle stand.
3. Secure it
Secure your bike as close to the stand as possible to give any thieves little or no room to manoeuvre.
4. Take removable parts with you
Take parts that are easy to remove with you, such as wheels, lights, baskets or the saddle. Or use locking skewers or nuts which can increase security by securing the bike's components to the frame permanently.
5. Park securely
Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV.
6. Register it
Register your frame number on a national bike registration database approved by Secured by Design. The frame number is usually found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in. If your bike is ever stolen and recovered by the police, it can be traced back to you.
7. Mark it
Get your bike security marked. It?s a highly effective, visible deterrent to bike thieves. They know that if they are caught with a registered bike, the owner can be traced and they will be arrested. Security marking products can be found at Secured by Design.
8. Remember safety begins at home
Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street. Avoid advertising that you have a bike at home, for example, by removing car roof racks, and creating ?privacy zones? on apps like Strava to avoid disclosing your location.
9. Check ownership
Ask for proof of ownership and check the bike frame number on national bike registration databases approved by Secured by Design.
10. Act fast
If your bike has been stolen, contact us as soon as possible by calling 101 or reporting online. Give us your frame number, cycle database number, a photo and any other details and make sure you update the status on the cycle database where you registered it. The sooner we know, the sooner we can act, which might stop it being sold on.
Message Sent By
PCSO 3407 David Madden
(North Wales Police, PCSO, West Conwy)
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Fake recruitment adverts / Hysbysebion recriwtio ffug.
Watch out for fake job recruitment messages and ads. We've seen an increase in this type of Fraud in North Wales recently.
If you receive a job offer, always carry out thorough research to ensure the employer is legitimate and never pay advance fees or share any of your bank details.
Read more about how to spot the signs of recruitment fraud here - https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/recruitment-scams
#Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
NWPCyberSafe
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Information about the most recent scams we are seeing in North Wales.
https://members.northwalescommunityalert.co.uk/AlertMessage/Attachment/F6441E9916D4EEA56F9C032F3D312E14
Message Sent By
DC 2675 Rachel Roberts
(North Wales Police, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales
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Fake banking app scam / Scam ap bancio ffug.
Seller beware! For those of you selling items on social media marketplaces, we're receiving increasing reports of Fake Banking apps.
The scammer will show you an app on their phone and say they've paid, but they haven't, it's a scam!
Check you've received the money in your account before handing over your item, and ignore what they've shown you.
They may even put you under pressure to hand over the item, or try to come into your home. Don't let them!
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
Scam NatWest e-mails / Ebyst scam NatWest.
Have you received an email asking you to verify or update your NatWest account details? Don?t take the bait!
The emails are FAKE and the links lead to malicious websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.
If you have doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly. Don't use the numbers or address in the message - use the details from their official website.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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SCAM: Watch out for FAKE emails claiming to offer you ?free spins? at online casinos.
Action Fraud have received over 2400 reports about these in 2 weeks.
Received a suspicious email?
✅ Forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk
ℹ️ Your reports have led to the removal of 261,000 malicious sites as of August 2023.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
FRAUD ALERT
North Wales Police have been made aware of fraudsters targeting residents, purporting to be from their local pharmacy or chemist. The criminals state that they are calling to confirm a repeat prescription or delivery of medication. The victim is then asked to provide their bank details.
I would urge residents to be aware of this tactic and not provide personal details or bank details to ANYONE over the telephone. If you receive such a call, please hang up and report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
If you are concerned about your medication, please contact your pharmacy using a phone number you know and trust.
Message Sent By
DC 2675 Rachel Roberts
(North Wales Police, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales )
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Digital Conwy Event / Digwyddiad Conwy Digidol.
With Black Friday Sales and Cyber Monday fast approaching many are worried about online scams.
Don't worry, we've got you covered! We?re teaming up with our partners from across Conwy to share essential tips on staying scam-aware! We'll all be at Llandudno Community Hub (right next to the train station), tomorrow, Thursday 16th November.
Hope to see you there!
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
-
Please find attached the most recent fraud alerts.
Message Sent By
DC 2675 Rachel Roberts
(North Wales Police, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales )
cont https://members.northwalescommunityalert.co.uk/AlertMessage/Attachment/1DA08F9C691F46F6DD0B02A6AA1B0958
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With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, the busiest time of year for online shopping is also the busiest time for online criminals.
Be a safe shopper by using recommended secure payment methods & reading reviews from reputable sources to check sites and sellers are legit. Only use retailers that you trust, or authorised sellers named on official websites when shopping for deals online.
Beware of:
⚠️Offers that seem 'too good to be true'.
⚠️Websites that are only days/weeks old.
⚠️Anyone who encourages you to make payments outside of normal secure payment options.
⚠️Being asked to pay a seller you don?t know for goods by bank transfer. (This could be a sign of fraud - always pay by credit card if you can).
⚠️Fake email receipts and email addresses that don?t match the genuine sender?s.
You should ?
⚠️ Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or social media posts.
⚠️ Access the website you?re purchasing from by typing it into your web browser.
If unsure -
⚠️ 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 that you?re unsure about. 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.
Learn more about shopping safely and securely online here - Shopping online securely - NCSC.GOV.UK
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
FRAUD ALERT
North Wales Police have been made aware of fraudsters targeting residents, purporting to be from their local GP Surgery. The criminals are asking the victim about their general health and recommending new prescriptions for ailments. The victim is then asked to provide their bank details.
I would urge residents to be aware of this tactic and not provide personal details or bank details to ANYONE over the telephone. If you receive such a call, please hang up and report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
If you are concerned about any ailments or medication, please contact your GP surgery using a phone number you know and trust.
-
At this time of the year, with Christmas just around the corner and with so much to do and so little time left before the big day, it can be easy to fall prey to online scams. This is especially true when shopping online for presents, festive essentials and those Christmas bargains we are all searching for. But it?s important to remain vigilant to the dangers of online fraud and with this in mind, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin and the Economic Crime Team at North Wales Police are calling on the public to take some simple steps to protect themselves from internet-based fraud. They are asking people to:
Stop Take your time and think twice before clicking links or opening attachments.
Challenge If you receive any contact that is unusual or unexpected, contact the individual or organisation to make sure it is genuine.
Check Check your credit score and bank statements regularly to spot any irregularities.
Read more here.......https://www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk/pcc-and-nwp-call-public-guard-against-online-fraud-christmas
PS
Four ways criminals know you're not at home over Christmas
Home security expert Matthew Lake shares how you can keep your home safe if you're planning to be away this festive season
As the festive season approaches, many of us might be preparing to travel some distances to spend time with our loved ones. You might be leaving your home unoccupied for a little while and potentially vulnerable to a break-in.
Criminals know how to spot an empty home. Understanding their tactics can help you safeguard your property from would-be thieves and give you peace of mind while you're enjoying the festivities.
Home security expert Matthew Lake, from Guardian Safe and Vault, has outlined four ways criminals might know you're not around over Christmas and how to reduce the risk of being burgled.
read more https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/four-ways-criminals-know-youre-not-at-home-over-christmas/
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Cost of living scams / Sgamiau costau byw.
We?re urging the public to be on their guard against fraudsters operating cost of living scams such as falsely offering grants or scam energy discount texts.
Criminals are experts at impersonating people. Stop, think as it could protect you and your money.
Read more here - New warning about cost of living scams issued by Action Fraud. https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/costofliving
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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🎁 During last year?s festive season, online shopping fraudsters stole ?639 on average from each victim.
🤔 Do you know someone who will be shopping online this festive season? Share these top tips with them so they can buy online securely: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/shopping-online-securely
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Some of the most common scams reported involve fraudsters connecting remotely to a victim?s computer.
⚠️ Never allow remote access to your computer following an unsolicited call, text message or browser pop-up.
Lear more here - https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/remoteaccess
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Romance scams / Twyll Rhamant.
We hope that everyone had a great Christmas!
Unfortunately however, Christmas can be a lonely time for some. This can increase the chances of someone becoming a victim of a Romance scam.
Criminals are experts at impersonating people. They will sometimes spend hours researching individuals for their scams, especially when committing romance fraud.
Has someone that you know met someone new online? Are they asking for money? The victim is often the last person to realise what's going on.
Read more here - https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/romancefraud
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Beware of Investment Fraud in 2024 / Byddwch yn ofalus o Dwyll Buddsoddi yn 2024.
💷 Investment fraud usually happens when criminals present professional and credible looking online adverts or websites or send emails or text messages to advertise fake investment opportunities.
Do you know how to spot the signs of a fraudulent investment?
Learn more here - https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/investment-fraud
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Received a suspicious message that you're unsure about? Take your time!
Fake messages can be difficult to spot and criminals put in a lot of effort into making their communication look legitimate. It?s therefore important to take your time and not act too quickly. Ask a friend or relative for a second opinion if you?re unsure.
Learn more here - https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/mulletover
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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We have received reports of vehicle interference overnight in the local area.
We are currently reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out house to house investigations.
Can we please ask you to make sure your vehicle is locked when leaving it overnight and also ensure that you remove any valuables from your vehicle when you leave it.
For vehicle security advice please visit our website here Keeping vehicles safe | Crime prevention | North Wales Police
If you see anyone acting suspicious around a vehicle, please call us on 101 or 999 if it is an emergency.
Message Sent By
PCSO 3407 David Madden
(North Wales Police, PCSO, West Conwy)
Beware of Holiday Fraud / Byddwch yn wyliadwrus o Dwyll Gwyliau.
⛱️ Thinking about taking a New Year break?
🤔 Don?t be tempted by too good to be true deals on flights and accommodation. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is!!
Find out more about holiday fraud here - https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/holidayfraud
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Phishing e-mails related to online shopping scams / E-byst gwe-rwydo yn ymwneud ? sgamiau siopa ar-lein.
‼️Action Fraud have seen a huge rise in phishing e-mails reports related to online shopping scams. These FAKE Temu emails have been reported over 30,000 times!
The emails claim that the recipient can win free products by completing a quick survey.
The links in the email lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
✅ Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk
ℹ️ Your reports have led to the removal of 268,000 scam sites.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Fake emails claiming to be from TV Licensing / E-byst ffug yn honni i fod gan Trwyddedu Teledu.
⚠️Watch out for fake emails claiming to be from TV Licensing. Action Fraud have received over 6,000 reports in two weeks!
The emails state that the recipient's TV License is about to expire, or that there was an issue with their latest payment.
📷 Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk
ℹ️ Your reports have led to the removal of 268,000 scam sites so far.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Attached is the most recent fraud alert......... Jan 2024
https://members.northwalescommunityalert.co.uk/AlertMessage/Attachment/FE08E7E6AB78C051A328B3388BBFAA6A
Message Sent By
DC 2675 Rachel Roberts
(North Wales Police, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales )
Safer Internet Day at Bayview Shopping Centre in Colwyn Bay / Diwrnod Diogelwch y We yng Nghanolfan Siopa Bayview ym Mae Colwyn.
Next Tuesday the 6th of February is Safer Internet Day and so we?ll be at Bayview Shopping Centre in Colwyn Bay between 10-1 to share information and advice about internet safety and cyber security alongside partners from Creating Enterprise, Libraries as Community Digital, North Wales Together, Llandrillo College Learning Development and Digital Communities Wales.
We hope to see you there. #NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Watch out for scams when booking holidays online / Gwyliwch am sgamiau wrth chwilio am wyliau ar-lein.
February is the month of the year when people begin to think about booking their summer holidays and most of us look forward to an annual holiday or short break which, often, we find and book online.But fraudsters also love the internet. They use fake websites, listings, emails, advertisements, social media posts and texts ? and also phone calls ? to trick you into paying for a holiday that doesn?t exist.
To help save you from losing your holiday and your money, the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales has teamed up with Get Safe Online to put together some expert tips on safely searching and booking holidays and travel with confidence.
Get Safe Online is a leading source of unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety in the UK.
PC Dewi Owen from North Wales Police Cybercrime Team said: ?With the steep rise in the cost-of-living, people across North Wales may be thinking about how they can save money on their next well-earned break.
?Cybercriminals will be looking to take advantage of this by creating fake websites, listings, e-mails, adverts, social media posts or text messages promoting fake ?great deals?. Some victims don?t even realise that they?ve been scammed until they arrive at their holiday destination.
?With 6,457 people reporting that they fell victim to holiday fraud in the UK between April 2022 and March 2023 according to Action Fraud, resulting in losses of ?15.3m, don?t let your dream holiday become a nightmare. Follow the advice and guidance to make sure that it?s not the scammer going away on a nice holiday with your money.?
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: ?Everyone looks forward to their summer holidays and right now, while the weather is cold and grey in the UK, is the time that many people in North Wales start to dream and plan for warmer times.
?But it?s important for people to be vigilant of the dangers posed by fraudsters on the internet and to take a few moments to follow advice and look into the deal they are presented with. There may well be no concerns at all, but it?s better to be cautious than be caught out.?
Tony Neate, CEO at Get Safe Online comments: ?As the cost of living remains high, we want to help protect the people of North Wales?s hard-earned cash and urge people to stay alert when it comes to booking a holiday. Trust your instincts and remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, then it probably is.?
Top tips to keep in mind when booking
As well as thoroughly researching your package holiday, flight, accommodation, cruise, pilgrimage or other break/travel to make sure it?s authentic before you book, here are some other golden pieces of advice to consider:
- Be wary of unusually cheap holidays/flights or high deposits.
- Check that accommodation actually exists by finding it on Google Maps and looking for independent reviews and recommendations. Make sure there?s a phone number, and call the owner/agent directly to try to ascertain if the person you?re booking the holiday with is authorised to sell it to you. If the number isn?t provided, email and request it. - Ask questions to see if they have knowledge of the area.
- Check reviews on Trip Advisor or similar sites.
- If you?re booking accommodation via Airbnb, always keep communications and payment on the Airbnb platform, and don?t be tempted off it as this may indicate an attempt at fraud. Read Airbnb?s safety advice for guests.
- Never pay by bank transfer to a company or person you haven?t had personal experience of buying from previously. If it?s a fraud, you may never get your money back. Paying by credit card means more chance of getting your money back if something goes wrong.
- Check that travel agents and tour operators you book holidays and travel through are members of trade associations such as ABTA or ATOL, by checking on these bodies? websites.
- Enter the address of the website you plan to book a holiday through, at www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite to check if it is likely to be legitimate or fraudulent.
- Check terms and conditions prior to making any payment.
- Before paying online or providing any confidential details, type in the website address you know to be correct (instead of following a link) and ensure the payment page is secure (begins with ?https? and has a locked padlock in the browser window frame).
- Keep confirmations and payment receipts, and check bank/credit card statements for irregular entries.
North Wales Police advises that if you have been the victim of holiday fraud please report it to your own bank in the first instance and then to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
For further free, practical advice on staying safe online visit www.getsafeonline.org.
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Fake emails claiming that youve won a 36 piece Tupperware set / E-byst ffug yma syn honni eich bod wedi ennill set Tupperware 36 darn.
⚠️ Watch out for fake emails claiming that youve won a 36 piece Tupperware set.
The emails lead to websites designed to steal your personal information.
If you receive a suspicious email, report it by forwarding the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk
Your reports have led to the removal of 295,300 malicious websites as of December 2023.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Fake emails claiming to sell Life Insurance / E-byst ffug yn honni i werthu Yswiriant Bywyd.
🚨 Watch out for FAKE emails claiming to sell Life Insurance 🚨
⚠️ Action Fraud have received over 800 reports of these scam emails, designed to steal your personal information.
If you have doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly. Don't use the numbers or address in the message as they could be fake - use the details from their official website.
Remember that your bank (or any other official source) will never ask you to supply personal information via email.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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This sounds like an advert for security devices, but good to know anyway............
Do you own a Mercedes Sprinter, or know somebody who does? Please be aware there has been an increase in the amount of vans being stolen across the Eastern part of the force.
This could potentially start to happen in the central and western parts of the force.
A quick fix to stop this happening to you, is to purchase a Secured By Design steering wheel lock like the one pictured below.
This is disklok, it has been given Secured By Design accreditation. Others are available.
What SBD means is that it has been rigorously tested against known methods of attack.
This particular device has been given Gold standard. This device goes over the steering wheel and stops the thieves from driving away with your van.
Another fantastic device is the TVL pedal box, this device goes over the pedals and locks in place. It has been given the secured by design accreditation.
Investing in either of theses devices would make it very difficult for a criminal to take your van.
Message Sent By
Christopher Livesey
(North Wales Police, Crime Reduction Officer/ Architect Liaison Officer, Western)
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Stanley Tumbler scam e-mails / E-byst scam Tymbleri Stanley.
🚨 Watch out for the latest FAKE emails claiming to give away Stanley tumblers. Action Fraud have had over 2,700 reports about them so far. 🚨
⚠️ E-mails impersonate well-known supermarket brands, and provide links that recipient can use to claim their "Free" tumbler. The links lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
💻Report emails that feel suspicious, even if you're not certain they're a scam as they can be checked.
📨Forward emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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More TV Licensing scam e-mails / Mwy o e-byst sgam Trwyddedu Teledu.
Watch out for the latest TV Licensing scam e-mails.
The sender's email address has been spoofed to appear genuine. You can verify its authenticity by checking the sender's address is donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk
🔗Check out the @tvlicensing advice 👇.............https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ288
Helping you avoid TV Licensing scams and how to report one - TV Licensing
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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North Wales campaign highlights online gaming safety / Ymgyrch yng Ngogledd Cymru yn amlygu diogelwch chwarae gemau ar-lein.
This March, North Wales Police?s Cyber Crime Team and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner are joining with online safety experts, Get Safe Online to highlight some of the threats of online gaming ? and how children and young people can game safely. Get Safe Online is a leading source of unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety in the UK.
One of the most popular online pastimes for children, online gaming has both positive and negative aspects. The benefits of gaming can range from developing qualities such as strategic thinking, rationalising, problem solving and persistence to supporting development of a wide range of cognitive and motor skills. What?s more it can encourage creativity while socialising, albeit virtually, with friends.
Risks to children who play games online arise largely from the vast number of people both in the UK and abroad who are also playing, the minimal restrictions and the fact that they are not playing face-to-face..............
Tips for safety while gaming online
It?s very important to work with your child to find the best games for their age, interests and personality, and additionally:
? Check PEGI (Pan European Game Information) age ratings of games to ensure your children aren?t accessing inappropriate content.
? Join your child in online gaming from time to time and randomly. This will give you an idea of the games they?re playing and who they connect with.
? Have open and honest conversations with your child about their online gaming and the risks involved including stranger danger, bullying and oversharing. Tell them that not everybody they meet on gaming platforms and forums is who they claim to be.
? Set and monitor limits for the amount of daily or weekly time your children spend online gaming.
? You could pre-load some spending money on to their game, but be clear that when it?s gone, it?s gone, and stick to it.
? Don?t give your child access to your payment card details as extras can be very costly.
? Impress upon your child that they can come to you or another responsible adult with any concerns. Depending on their age, you could also discuss how to report issues to the gaming platform and/or the police.
For free, practical advice on staying safe online visit www.getsafeonline.org
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Please find attached the most recent Fraud Alert.
More information about fraud can be found at www.stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk
If you have been the victim of fraud please report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk
Attachments
Tarian Fraud Alert E FEB 24.pdf.......... https://members.northwalescommunityalert.co.uk/AlertMessage/Attachment/12A74D484431F2D0CCAE87525A625537
Message Sent By
DC 2675 Rachel Roberts
(North Wales Police, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales )
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Mystery Box scam e-mails / E-byst scam am Focs Dirgel.
Watch out for fake emails claiming you've won a "mystery box" of free prizes. The only "reward" they lead to are phishing websites designed to steal your personal or financial information.
✅Forward suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk
ℹ️ Your reports have led to the removal of over 306,000 websites to date.
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Over 22,000 email and social media account hacked
Data from Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, shows that 22,530 people reported that their online accounts had been hacked in 2023, with victims losing a total of ?1.3 million.
How are accounts hacked?
On-platform chain hacking
This is when a fraudster gains control of an account and begins to impersonate the legitimate owner. The goal is to convince people to reveal authentication codes that are sent to them via text. Many victims of this type of hacking believe it?s a friend messaging them, however the shared code was associated with their own account and the impersonator can now use it to access their account. Usually when an account is taken over, fraudsters monetise control of the account via the promotion of various fraudulent schemes, while impersonating the original account owner.
Leaked passwords and phishing
The other predominant method of hacking reported is leaked information used from data breaches, such as leaked passwords, or account details gained via phishing scams. This becomes prevalent as people often use the same password for multiple accounts, so a leaked password from one website can leave many of their online accounts vulnerable to hacking.
How to secure your accounts
Use a strong and different password for your email and social media accounts. Your email and social media passwords should be strong and different from all your other passwords. Combining three random words that each mean something to you is a great way to create a password that is easy to remember but hard to crack.
Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) for your email and social media accounts. 2-Step Verification (2SV) gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can't access your email or social media account. 2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity. For example, getting a code sent to your phone when you sign in using a new device or change settings such as your password. You won't be asked for this every time you check your email or social media.
If you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101.
If you receive a suspicious email, you can report it by forwarding the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk.
Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: Gov.uk/stopthinkfraud
(If you found the information in this email useful, please forward it to your friends, family and colleagues)
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Combining three random words that each mean something to you is a great way to create a password that is easy to remember but hard to crack.
Hmmm...some of us have been saying that for several years. Still, better late than never, I suppose.
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⚠️Scam warning / Rhybudd Twyll⚠️
📣 3,500 reports and counting! Watch out for FAKE emails claiming to give away DeWalt products.
The emails claim to be giving away various DeWalt products, such as drills and backpacks. The links in the emails lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
👀 Spot a suspicious email? Report it by forwarding to: report@phishing.gov.uk
#NWPCyberSafe
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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Recently, there have been reports around the country of scammers placing fake QR
codes on parking meters, which lead unsuspecting drivers to unauthorised payment
sites where they are prompted to input their personal and financial information.
Follow these top tips to avoid falling victim to these scams...
1. Verify QR codes: Before scanning any QR code for parking payment, look for any
signs of tampering or irregularities, such as scratches or tear marks on the QR code.
2. Use official payment methods: Stick to using official payment methods and avoid
making payments through unfamiliar QR codes or websites.
3. Stay Vigilant: Be on the lookout for any suspicious behaviour around parking
meters, such as individuals tampering with them or loitering nearby.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: You can call 101 or contact CrimeStoppers to report
potential scams of this nature.
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Protect your online accounts / Gwarchodwch eich cyfrifon arlein.
In 2022 it was estimated that worldwide 4.59 billion people were using social media platforms, with usage projected to increase to just under six billion by 2027.
🚨 Social media and email account hacking is the most commonly reported cyber-dependent crime in the UK.
Want to keep the hackers out? 🔐
✅ Social media and email account passwords should be strong and different from all your other passwords.
✅ Enable 2-step verification (2SV) on your accounts too.
Find out more here: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/protect-yourself-from-fraud/protecting-against-online-fraud/
#NWPCyberSafe #TurnOn2SV
Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)
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New data released today by Action Fraud reveals ?6.7 million was lost to ticket fraud last year. https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ticketfraud
Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has launched a ticket fraud awareness campaign, warning people to be alert to fraudsters trying to catch out people planning for popular and sold-out events. Last year more than 8,700 people reported they had been a victim ticket fraud, with a total of ?6.7 million lost. This works out to an average loss of ?772 per victim.
How to protect yourself from ticket fraud:
Only buy tickets from the venue?s box office, the promoter, an official agent or a well-known and reputable ticket exchange site.
Avoid paying for tickets by bank transfer, especially if buying from someone unknown. Credit card or payment services such as PayPal give you a better chance of recovering the money if you become a victim of fraud.
The password you use for your email account, as well as any other accounts you use to purchase tickets, should be different from all your other passwords. Use three random words to create a strong and memorable password, and enable 2-step verification (2SV).
Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts or adverts offering unbelievably good deals on tickets.
Is the vendor a member of Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR)? If they are, the company has signed up to their strict governing standards. STAR also offers an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service to help customers with outstanding complaints. For more information visit star.org.uk/buy_safe.
Report ticket fraud
If you feel at all suspicious, report the email to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) at report@phishing.gov.uk. For more advice on how to stay secure online, please visit cyberaware.gov.uk.
Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk
If you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101.
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Do you own property that you love?
Do you want to protect it or increase the chances of it being returned to you if it is stolen and recovered, or sold to a second hand retailer?
Every year property is stolen by criminals but often the owners are unable to identify or recall what the make / model is etc. What's worse is recovering property that we know is stolen but having to return it to thieves as we can't prove who owns it.
We have joined forces with ?immobilise? a national property database where you can log your items for free.
Why not have a family ?immobilise day? where you can put one person in charge of logging the items when other family members can bring their items for listing? Perfect for those wet and windy weekends!
What's more, for items such as jewellery / bikes and tools you can take pictures as well and upload them. Making sure you take pictures of any distinctive marks they may have, that scrape on the handlebars when you fell off etc!
Police forces and second hand retailers across the UK have access to this database to check property that they come across (I literally checked a phone this afternoon and found a marker on it!)
So if you love it log it! Oh and you can also record property you may have had stolen if you perhaps still have the packaging for it with the serial number on it.
Check out the website and watch the video for a better explanation of how it works;
The National Property Register, for Phones, Gadgets, Bicycles & More... (immobilise.com) https://www.immobilise.com/
Message Sent By
PS 1620 Sue Carrington
(North Wales Police, Sergeant - Community Safety, Eastern)