Vaccination scams: We are hearing reports across the Country of people being contacted out of the blue with offers of a coronavirus vaccination. The approaches have been made by text and from a recorded voice message on the telephone. In each case the recipient is required to respond by clicking a link in the text message or by pressing 1 when receiving the call. They are then asked to give personal information, as well as financial details to book their vaccination. THESE ARE SCAMS.
Criminals are exploiting the current situation to attempt to steal personal details and your money. The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus. These people will be contacted by the NHS.
There has been a surge worldwide of vaccine related phishing email scams. We expect to see an increase in these in the coming days. Phishing emails seen have contained malicious files that installed malware, or links to bogus websites to obtain the victim's information.
Protect yourself from vaccine-themed phishing campaigns by checking the email addresses on incoming messages and be alert to hyperlinks that contain misspelled domain names; be aware of highly emotive language designed to manipulate you; do not supply login credentials or personal information in response to an email; monitor key financial accounts regularly; and keep software and apps updated.
Report all scams to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Pet fraud: Thinking of buying an animal online this Christmas? Paws for thought, to make sure you’re not barking up the wrong tree!
Figures from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, show that criminals conned 4,751 animals lovers out of £1,935,406 between March and November this year, after they put down deposits for pets they saw advertised online. This is an increase of over 400% when compared to the same period in 2019.
Capitalising on the rise in people getting pets due to the national lockdown caused by coronavirus, criminals have been posting fake adverts on social media, online marketplaces and specific pet-selling platforms. Unsuspecting victims will be asked to pay a deposit for the animal without seeing it in person first, with many criminals using the restrictions caused by the pandemic as a reason why they cannot see the animal. After the initial payment is made, more and more funds will be requested to cover additional costs such as insurance, vaccinations and even delivery of the pet.
How can you protect yourself from falling victim to pet fraud?
Do your research: If you’re making a purchase from a website or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first. Look up reviews of the website or person you’re buying from. If you’re purchasing an item from an online marketplace, you can view the seller’s feedback history before going ahead with the purchase.
Trust your instinct: If you’re unable to physically view the animal in person, ask for a video call. If you’re buying a young animal, make sure you’re able to see the mother and rest of the litter. Any responsible seller will understand why you want to view the animal in person. If the seller declines, challenge them on why. If you have any suspicions, do not pay any money until you’re certain it’s genuine.
Choose your payment method wisely: Avoid paying by bank transfer as that offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Use a payment method, such as a credit card if you have one, that offers buyer protection in case anything goes wrong.
When things go wrong: Anyone can fall victim to fraud. If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040, or to Trading Standards by calling 0808 223 1133.
Spoof websites: Are you aware of the tactics used by criminals to trick you into parting with your money and information?
The creation of spoof websites that imitate those of trusted organisations by using their official branding and logos are used by criminals to obtain your personal and financial information. These may also include small changes to the website’s URL which can be hard to spot at first.
Protect your money from falling into the hands of criminals by avoiding clicking on links in emails and texts. Instead login to your account directly using a secure webpage or app. You can also contact an organisation directly using a known email or number for further support.
If you receive a scam email forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam texts to 7726. If a scam text claims to be from your bank, then you should also report it to them.
Poultry: New poultry housing measures are now in force. It is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate Avian Influenza.
Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns. They can help prevent avian flu by maintaining good biosecurity on their premises, including:
- housing or netting all poultry and captive birds
- cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and using effective vermin control
- thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing at the end of a production cycle
- keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all points where people should use it, such as farm entrances and before entering poultry and captive bird housing or enclosures
- minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
The new housing measures will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to protect flocks.
The introduction of these new measures follows a number of confirmed cases of avian influenza in the UK.
More advice and information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
Friends Against Scams would like your scam mail for Christmas!
Have you received post saying wonderful things have been seen in your future - all you need to make it come true is to send money or purchase an item? Or have you received a letter saying that you're in trouble, but that they can help you, and encourage you to buy a "lucky charm"? It is a scam – send it to the Friends Against Scams team to investigate - www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/Scamnesty1
Recalls: Lidl is recalling Red Hen Breaded Chicken Nuggets and Red Hen Southern Fried Chicken Pops because salmonella contamination has been found in some of the products in the batch.
Red Hen Breaded Chicken Nuggets
Pack size: 450g
Best before: End: February 2022
Red Hen Southern Fried Chicken Pops
Pack size: 210g
Best before: 05 February 2022
If you have bought any of the above products do not consume them. Instead, return them to a Lidl GB store for a full refund, with or without a receipt. Alternatively, dispose of the product and email customer.services@lidl.co.uk, including photo of the affected product with Best Before Date and Lot Code. The team will process this refund via letter.