Neighbourhood watch
Neighbourhood Watch
Les Rowlands is the Neighbourhood watch co ordinator. In the event of your needing to report anything please contact Les on 07752213981 or lesrowlands@virginmedia.com
Les Rowlands is the Neighbourhood watch co ordinator. In the event of your needing to report anything please contact Les on 07752213981 or lesrowlands@virginmedia.com
Eaton Rise remains one of the safest and trouble-free areas of the City and, hopefully, it will stay that way. With the introduction of Neighbourhood Watch rather than Homewatch our contacts with the police are now less well defined. Scams and fraud, especially on-line fraud, are a regular national problem and the Neighbourhood Watch page of our web site is frequently updated with details of the latest occurrences.
Anti-social behaviour 01603 212100 asb@norwich.gov.uk
Police non-urgent 101 (calls cost 10p)
Crimestoppers 0800 555111
In an emergency always dial 999
Safer Neighbourhood Team. https://www.norfolk.police.uk/your-area/norwich-south/officers-norwich-south
Police non-urgent 101 (calls cost 10p)
Crimestoppers 0800 555111
In an emergency always dial 999
Safer Neighbourhood Team. https://www.norfolk.police.uk/your-area/norwich-south/officers-norwich-south
Residents urged to be vigilant following telephone scamsPolice are urging residents to be vigilant following a number of fraud attempts in the South Norfolk area on Wednesday 3 November.
Officers received three separate reports from elderly residents living in the Diss area, claiming to have been contacted by fraudsters purporting to be police officers. During the calls they were encouraged to withdraw large amounts of money from their bank.
The incidents happened in:
Residents are reminded that your bank or the police will NEVER ask you to withdraw money or purchase items.
Further advice includes:
Officers are investigating these incidents and enquiries are ongoing.
If anyone has received a similar type of telephone call or has any information about these incidents. Contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting Operation Radium.
Alternatively, Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For further advice, head to the Action Fraud website: www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Officers received three separate reports from elderly residents living in the Diss area, claiming to have been contacted by fraudsters purporting to be police officers. During the calls they were encouraged to withdraw large amounts of money from their bank.
The incidents happened in:
- Pulham Market, Diss at approximately 12pm. No details or money was handed over.
- St Mary’s Drive, Diss at approximately 11am. Victim attended the bank but no money was handed over.
- Waveney Heights, Brockdish, Diss at approximately 12.30pm. No details or money was handed over.
Residents are reminded that your bank or the police will NEVER ask you to withdraw money or purchase items.
Further advice includes:
- Your bank or the police will NEVER ask for your PIN, bank card or bank account details over the phone – never give these details to anybody.
- Neither the police nor the banks will send a courier to collect money from you.
- Always request Photo ID and if unsure call the police.
- If you're asked to telephone a bank, then always do it on a different phone to the one you were contacted on.
- Fraudsters will keep the line open and have been known to play ringtones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number. Ensure you can hear a dialling tone before calling police or use a friend or neighbour's telephone instead.
- Do not rush into complying to the scammers demands / requests.
- If you have already given your bank details over the phone or handed your card details to a courier, call you bank straight away to cancel the card
Officers are investigating these incidents and enquiries are ongoing.
If anyone has received a similar type of telephone call or has any information about these incidents. Contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting Operation Radium.
Alternatively, Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For further advice, head to the Action Fraud website: www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
You can now see an interactive map of the Eaton/Tuckswood area showing where crimes have been committed. Click here to view
We are excited to tell you more about our SLING YOUR HOOK campaign running throughout July to help tackle scams
WHY ‘SLING YOUR HOOK’?
The campaign taps into the psychology that scammers use to hook people in, helping you stay one step ahead and protect yourself and your loved ones against the increasing variety of scams happening every day. We’ve identified the following five behaviours scammers commonly use:
We also know that often victims of scams report that in hindsight they felt something wasn’t quite right at the time. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the tactics scammers use and encourages people to ‘stop and think’ if something doesn’t FEEL, SEEM, LOOK or SOUND right. This allows them time to trust your gut instinct and help prevent becoming a scam victim.
“Everyone likes to feel special. But watch out! If a stranger is going out of their way for you, something fishy may be going on instead. Scammers like to offer one-off deals and favours. Don’t be afraid to tell them no.” John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network
How can you support this campaign?
We are delivering a series of scams awareness online talks in partnership with the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU), the National Trading Standards Scams Team (NTSST) and Avast.
Anyone can attend, but we are now running waiting lists only for all the webinars apart from one! Last week we ran an online talk on ‘Exploring the psychology behind scams and how scammers are so effective at their crimes’. It was so popular we have decided to re-run it on 27th July, 5pm. Click here to book your place. Please note – this event will not be recorded.
Keep safe,
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
WHY ‘SLING YOUR HOOK’?
The campaign taps into the psychology that scammers use to hook people in, helping you stay one step ahead and protect yourself and your loved ones against the increasing variety of scams happening every day. We’ve identified the following five behaviours scammers commonly use:
- They imply they’re doing you a favour (reciprocity)
- They indicate everyone else is doing this (social proof)
- They say your only chance is to act now (urgency)
- They act like they’re similar to you, so you like them and want to please them (connection)
- They ask you to do one little thing which makes you do more (commitment).
We also know that often victims of scams report that in hindsight they felt something wasn’t quite right at the time. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the tactics scammers use and encourages people to ‘stop and think’ if something doesn’t FEEL, SEEM, LOOK or SOUND right. This allows them time to trust your gut instinct and help prevent becoming a scam victim.
“Everyone likes to feel special. But watch out! If a stranger is going out of their way for you, something fishy may be going on instead. Scammers like to offer one-off deals and favours. Don’t be afraid to tell them no.” John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network
How can you support this campaign?
- LEARN: Visit our scams website pages to learn more about common scams, preventing scams, reporting scams, supporting victims and a scams campaign toolkit
- SHARE: Follow us on our Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn channels and share our posts
- JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Join us for an online talk (details below)
We are delivering a series of scams awareness online talks in partnership with the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU), the National Trading Standards Scams Team (NTSST) and Avast.
Anyone can attend, but we are now running waiting lists only for all the webinars apart from one! Last week we ran an online talk on ‘Exploring the psychology behind scams and how scammers are so effective at their crimes’. It was so popular we have decided to re-run it on 27th July, 5pm. Click here to book your place. Please note – this event will not be recorded.
Keep safe,
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
NEW TELEPHONE SCAM
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We have today been alerted about a Telephone Scam happening in the Norfolk area, especially within Norwich.
We understand that people are being targeted by fraudsters posing as police officers over the telephone and being convinced to withdraw large amounts of money, in some cases over £10,000 or being asked to leave their bank card with the pin number written on a piece of paper outside their property. The police have been alerted to this and have launched a operation called OPERATION RADIUM. Please follow the following advice and share this message to all your contacts, family and friends. |
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If you are called by someone claiming to be a police officer or anyone else and they are asking for your bank details, money or bank card...
Remember a genuine person/police officer will never ask you for money, bank details or for you to leave your card and pin in a designated place. If you are suspicious, please trust your instincts.
To find out more about Telephone Scams - click HERE
- Hang up phone
- Call 101, using a different phone
- When answered, please say you are porting something to do with OPERATION RADIUM
- Provide as much detail as possible
Remember a genuine person/police officer will never ask you for money, bank details or for you to leave your card and pin in a designated place. If you are suspicious, please trust your instincts.
To find out more about Telephone Scams - click HERE
1. Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘Amazon’ – 3 December 2020
We are again warning residents to be on their guard for telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘Amazon’. We have had several reports from Norfolk residents of recorded message calls claiming to be from Amazon that advise your Amazon Prime subscription ‘is about to renew at the cost of £39.99’. The call then states you can ‘press 1 to speak with someone’.
Where residents have interacted with the call, they have then been connected to a person who attempts to gather personal, account or financial details. These calls are a scam and are not connected with Amazon in any way. If you receive this or a similar call our advice is do not interact with the call and hang up.
Amazon have put together some helpful tips on how to identify if a phone call is from them. This information can be found on the Amazon UK website. If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.
We are again warning residents to be on their guard for telephone cold calls claiming to be from ‘Amazon’. We have had several reports from Norfolk residents of recorded message calls claiming to be from Amazon that advise your Amazon Prime subscription ‘is about to renew at the cost of £39.99’. The call then states you can ‘press 1 to speak with someone’.
Where residents have interacted with the call, they have then been connected to a person who attempts to gather personal, account or financial details. These calls are a scam and are not connected with Amazon in any way. If you receive this or a similar call our advice is do not interact with the call and hang up.
Amazon have put together some helpful tips on how to identify if a phone call is from them. This information can be found on the Amazon UK website. If you have received a telephone cold call which you believe to be a scam you can report it to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.
2. Scam Alert - Investment scams and fake cryptocurrency exchanges – 2 December 2020
We have received reports of Norfolk residents falling victim to online investment scams, including fake cryptocurrency exchanges. Bitcoin is the most famous cryptocurrency, but there are more than 1,500 cryptocurrencies including other well-known ones such as Ethereum and Litecoin. Cryptocurrencies only exists online and are not controlled by a bank, treasury or country, meaning you can’t get physical notes or coins from the bank.
If you don’t understand a cryptocurrency or an investment, it is recommended that you avoid handing over any money.
A cryptocurrency scam can take many forms, this could include:
The Financial Conduct Authority have also produced an interactive warning list where members of the public can check investment or pension opportunities that they have been offered and receive advice about current scams. This is available on the Financial Conduct Authority website. If you think you have received an investment offer that you believe is a scam or you have become a victim of a scam, you can report this to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
We have received reports of Norfolk residents falling victim to online investment scams, including fake cryptocurrency exchanges. Bitcoin is the most famous cryptocurrency, but there are more than 1,500 cryptocurrencies including other well-known ones such as Ethereum and Litecoin. Cryptocurrencies only exists online and are not controlled by a bank, treasury or country, meaning you can’t get physical notes or coins from the bank.
If you don’t understand a cryptocurrency or an investment, it is recommended that you avoid handing over any money.
A cryptocurrency scam can take many forms, this could include:
- A fake cryptocurrency which doesn’t, or will never, exist
- A bogus investment which promises to put money in a legitimate cryptocurrency
- A dangerous website link that then downloads malware onto your computer
The Financial Conduct Authority have also produced an interactive warning list where members of the public can check investment or pension opportunities that they have been offered and receive advice about current scams. This is available on the Financial Conduct Authority website. If you think you have received an investment offer that you believe is a scam or you have become a victim of a scam, you can report this to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
3. Scam Alert – Text messages claiming to be from ‘Royal Mail’ – 1 December 2020
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We are warning about text messages circulating claiming to be from Royal Mail. A Norfolk resident has reported receiving the message pictured above which states, ‘we attempted to deliver your package’ and offering a link to ‘reschedule your package delivery’. |
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The link listed then goes to a fake version of the Royal Mail website which has been registered with one small difference which may be hard to spot.
In this case the website has been registered as ‘royaimail’. Anyone accessing it is asked for a range of personal information supposedly to enable them to ‘reschedule the delivery’. Our advice is always be wary of claims made in unexpected messages and never click on any links or open attachments contained within them. You can see further examples of fake Royal Mail communication and how to report ones received to them on the Royal Mail website. You can report suspicious text messages received to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133. |
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4. Scam Alert – Telephone cold calls offering cover for washing machines – 1 December 2020
We are warning Norfolk residents about telephone cold calls from an individual stating that your washing machine warranty has expired and needs extending. The cold caller attempts to gather personal and financial details from the call recipient.
If you receive this or a similar call our advice is do not give or confirm any details and hang up. If you want to check on warranty details of any goods within your home, contact the business where you purchased the item directly via their official website or phone number.
A recent article published by Which? gives further advice on receiving unwanted calls about appliance cover which can be found on the Which? website. You can report suspicious telephone cold calls to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.
We are warning Norfolk residents about telephone cold calls from an individual stating that your washing machine warranty has expired and needs extending. The cold caller attempts to gather personal and financial details from the call recipient.
If you receive this or a similar call our advice is do not give or confirm any details and hang up. If you want to check on warranty details of any goods within your home, contact the business where you purchased the item directly via their official website or phone number.
A recent article published by Which? gives further advice on receiving unwanted calls about appliance cover which can be found on the Which? website. You can report suspicious telephone cold calls to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.
5. Information Alert – Don’t fall prey to loan sharks online – 30 November 2020
We are proud to support the Stop Loan Sharks Week Campaign #SharkFreeSurfing to raise awareness of the dangers of online loan sharks and help people access advice and support if they have fallen victim to this crime. If you have been a victim of illegal money lending, or are concerned about someone you know, please contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit the Stop Loan Sharks website.
How to protect yourself from loan sharks online
Alternatively, you can email the team reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or access support via live chat on the website Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
The Stop Loan Sharks App is free to download on both iOS and Android devices from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
We are proud to support the Stop Loan Sharks Week Campaign #SharkFreeSurfing to raise awareness of the dangers of online loan sharks and help people access advice and support if they have fallen victim to this crime. If you have been a victim of illegal money lending, or are concerned about someone you know, please contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit the Stop Loan Sharks website.
How to protect yourself from loan sharks online
- Know who you're dealing with. If you've only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a lender, take some time to do a bit more research. Check the lender is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If not, don’t borrow from them and report to the Stop Loan Sharks team
- Beware of loan adverts with no credit checks. Loan sharks have been known to advertise in community groups and on local selling pages. They may seem friendly and accommodating, but their behaviour can quickly change, and you might be harassed or threatened if you get behind with your repayments. Lenders must carry out credit checks to make sure borrowers can afford to pay back their loans. You should never hand over your bank details to strangers, even if they lure you with attractive offers. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is
- Beware of any requests for your details or money. Loan sharks may ask for copies of your passport or pictures of your house, the street and your house number. Never send money or give card details, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust
Alternatively, you can email the team reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or access support via live chat on the website Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
The Stop Loan Sharks App is free to download on both iOS and Android devices from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
ALARM SYSTEM OFFER
ERA are generously offering our members an amazing 50% limited offer on one of their simple home alarm systems.
ERA tells us “this alarm system is great for homes that don’t want SMART necessarily and just want an alarm to go off if someone opens the door or window and works with a remote control. It includes a siren, a door/window sensor and a remote control…. All of which is upgradeable to larger systems if the customer would like to.”
The discount will reduce the ERA-VALIANT-R kit to £64.99 (including VAT) on the Response site (RRP £129.99).
The voucher code for offer is NHWVALIANT (expires 1st November 2020)
You can find the product here: https://www.responseelectronics.com/shop/home-alarm-systems/wireless-alarms/easyhome-alarm-range/era-valiant-wireless-solar-siren-starter-alarm-kit/?v=ERA-VALIANT-R_RE
T&Cs:
The exclusive Valiant NHW offer runs from 06th October 2020 and ends 1st November 2020 at 23:59pm. Please place your order on the website www.responseelectronics.com. The saving is 50% off the retail price for the ERA Valiant Solar Siren kit (ERA-VALIANT-R). The correct voucher code must be entered at the checkout (NHWVALIANT) and checked before payment. The saving applies to the specified product on the above website, where stock is available. The 50% saving does not apply to any delivery charge. Orders can also be placed by phone by calling: 0345 257 1000 and quoting the reference code (NHWVALIANT). If you have any questions please contact us.
Central Support Team
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK
ERA tells us “this alarm system is great for homes that don’t want SMART necessarily and just want an alarm to go off if someone opens the door or window and works with a remote control. It includes a siren, a door/window sensor and a remote control…. All of which is upgradeable to larger systems if the customer would like to.”
The discount will reduce the ERA-VALIANT-R kit to £64.99 (including VAT) on the Response site (RRP £129.99).
The voucher code for offer is NHWVALIANT (expires 1st November 2020)
You can find the product here: https://www.responseelectronics.com/shop/home-alarm-systems/wireless-alarms/easyhome-alarm-range/era-valiant-wireless-solar-siren-starter-alarm-kit/?v=ERA-VALIANT-R_RE
T&Cs:
The exclusive Valiant NHW offer runs from 06th October 2020 and ends 1st November 2020 at 23:59pm. Please place your order on the website www.responseelectronics.com. The saving is 50% off the retail price for the ERA Valiant Solar Siren kit (ERA-VALIANT-R). The correct voucher code must be entered at the checkout (NHWVALIANT) and checked before payment. The saving applies to the specified product on the above website, where stock is available. The 50% saving does not apply to any delivery charge. Orders can also be placed by phone by calling: 0345 257 1000 and quoting the reference code (NHWVALIANT). If you have any questions please contact us.
Central Support Team
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK
CORONAVIRUS SCAM. In recent days, an elderly person living in the north of the county was telephoned by somebody claiming to be from a company called Southern Electric - promising to help them with their electricity bill.
The person was told by the caller that they would visit their home and in exchange for £520 cash, £5,000 would be put onto their electricity bill “as part of helping people through the coronavirus outbreak”.
But for the person’s bank refusing to allow the victim to withdraw that amount of cash the scam may have succeeded.
Chief inspector Craig Miller, of Norfolk Constabulary, said: “It’s great that communities across Norfolk are coming together to help one another during these unprecedented times. However, we sadly know from previous experience that criminals will take advantage of any opportunity for their own means and this situation is no different.
The person was told by the caller that they would visit their home and in exchange for £520 cash, £5,000 would be put onto their electricity bill “as part of helping people through the coronavirus outbreak”.
But for the person’s bank refusing to allow the victim to withdraw that amount of cash the scam may have succeeded.
Chief inspector Craig Miller, of Norfolk Constabulary, said: “It’s great that communities across Norfolk are coming together to help one another during these unprecedented times. However, we sadly know from previous experience that criminals will take advantage of any opportunity for their own means and this situation is no different.
Contact Norfolk Constabulary.
You can contact Norfolk Constabulary in several ways depending on the urgency and type of request.
To find out when officers will be in your local area, visit www.norfolk.police.uk
By phone, dial 101 to speak to Norfolk Constabulary.
Switchboard: 01953 424242 (Number for international callers
and those in the UK residing outside of England & Wales)
Minicom: 0845 345 3458 (Service for hard of hearing).
Textphone 18001 101
Send a text message 07786 200777
Fax 0845 345 4567
Always dial or text 999 in an emergency.
Website: Click here.
You can contact Norfolk Constabulary in several ways depending on the urgency and type of request.
To find out when officers will be in your local area, visit www.norfolk.police.uk
By phone, dial 101 to speak to Norfolk Constabulary.
Switchboard: 01953 424242 (Number for international callers
and those in the UK residing outside of England & Wales)
Minicom: 0845 345 3458 (Service for hard of hearing).
Textphone 18001 101
Send a text message 07786 200777
Fax 0845 345 4567
Always dial or text 999 in an emergency.
Website: Click here.
Incidents on the estate
Could we ask that any suspicious activity, particularly anyone walking around the estate looking into properties or driving slowly around is reported to the police. (Police 101 number). A note of the type of vehicle, colour and registration number always helps. Also let me know via email lesrowlands@virginmedia.com as I can back it up with our Beat Officer.
A reminder, just dial 999 if a crime is in progress, or alternatively, if non urgent, phone 101 or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 which is always 100% anonymous .
Remember you do not have to answer the door to anyone who you do not know, listen to anyone on the telephone who is trying to sell you anything or click on any link from an email that looks suspicious in any way.
Could we ask that any suspicious activity, particularly anyone walking around the estate looking into properties or driving slowly around is reported to the police. (Police 101 number). A note of the type of vehicle, colour and registration number always helps. Also let me know via email lesrowlands@virginmedia.com as I can back it up with our Beat Officer.
A reminder, just dial 999 if a crime is in progress, or alternatively, if non urgent, phone 101 or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 which is always 100% anonymous .
Remember you do not have to answer the door to anyone who you do not know, listen to anyone on the telephone who is trying to sell you anything or click on any link from an email that looks suspicious in any way.
Scams and Online Frauds
You can report scams to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline using their online report form or by calling
03454 04 05 06, or you can report a scam to Action Fraud, the UK national fraud office using their online fraud reporting tool or by calling 0300 123 2040.
For information on the latest frauds and scams, go to the Consumer Scam Alerts website below:
https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/scams/consumer-alerts
You can report scams to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline using their online report form or by calling
03454 04 05 06, or you can report a scam to Action Fraud, the UK national fraud office using their online fraud reporting tool or by calling 0300 123 2040.
For information on the latest frauds and scams, go to the Consumer Scam Alerts website below:
https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/scams/consumer-alerts
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