North Wales Community Alert

[SteveH]

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)

[SteveH]

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)

[SteveH]

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)

[SteveH]

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)

[SteveH]

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)

[SteveH]

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)

[SteveH]

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

[SteveH]

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

[SteveH]

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)

[SteveH]

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)

[SteveH]

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)

[SteveH]

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 )

[SteveH]

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)

[SteveH]

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

[SteveH]

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.