ACTION FRAUD is the national centre for reporting fraud or internet crime - call 0300 123 2040; on the internet go to www.actionfraud.police.uk where reports can easily be made online.
It also worth knowing that the 'Action Fraud' title has also been used in a scam! Be careful!!!
Trading Standards advises consumers NOT to deal with cold callers and NEVER be pressurised into buying on the doorstep.
Click here to see information about the County Council Trusted Trader directory.
The Trading Standards Institute web site has useful advice - details of product recalls - and general support.
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See East Winch Neighbourhood Watch
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NOTE that due to the large number of scams being perpertrated it is difficult to keep this page up to date. However, the County Council maintains a website page with all the latest information. We shall not therefore try to replicate the County Council page - please follow this link consumer alerts
May 2021
How the ‘FluBot’ spyware is getting onto Android devices
see more about this here
Briefly.
If you receive an e-mail from DHL and you are not expecting to receive a parcel it might well be a scam - FluBot beware.
If you are expecting a parcel from DHL - then be aware that it too might be a scam - so treat with care.
We’ve heard from lots of affected people that it’s impossible to simply uninstall this spyware. A full system reset should work, but you might want to back up your data first so you don’t lose it. However, don’t restore the phone from the backup – do a completely fresh install with a factor reset, then download your apps and files again. It’s a nuisance, but it’s safer. You can also:
Contact your phone manufacturer’s customer support for help. We’ve heard mobile phone manufacturers have been very supportive. They will guide you through removing spyware from your phone completely free of charge.
Beware of opportunists who claim they can remove spyware for a price – there’s a chance they could also be scammers trying to access your phone.
Change your passwords for your online banking accounts, email and any other sensitive accounts or apps you might have on your phone.
If you’re targeted by nuisance messages and phone calls, consider changing your mobile number. It’s a bit of a hassle but an effective final resort.
Where to find more help
• Action Fraud: the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
• Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): the organisation responsible for data protection in the UK. Report spam texts to the ICO.
• Ofcom: the UK’s phone regulator. Visit Ofcom's site to complain about any silent calls you receive.
• Phone-paid Services Authority: contact them for problems involving premium rate numbers (such as those starting ‘09’ – see Understanding and avoiding scams).
• Telephone Preference Service (TPS): you can register your phone number to stop unsolicited marketing calls; you can also complain if a company calls you even though you’re registered.
Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team initiative, which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering communities to "Take a Stand Against Scams".
See the website here to learn more about this and how to get involved
A dictionary of Scams - to help keep you in the know.
See here some descriptions of common scams.
Best advice is to never click on links or download content that has been sent in an unsolicited text. Treat unsolicited email messages with the same caution. If in doubt, contact the company using the details on their official website. Look out for poor spelling, grammar and poor image quality. Always be very careful when sharing personal information.
Have you been caught by a scam of some sort?
Do you know someone who has been caught
Someone knocking on your front door offering to repair your roof - your drive - trim your trees... ?
Had a strange 'phone call, e-mail, or a letter ?
GOOD ADVICE is to never click on links or download content that has been sent in an unsolicited text. If in doubt, contact the company using the details on their official website. Look out for poor spelling, grammar and poor image quality. Always be careful when sharing personal information.
NOTE that due to the large number of scams being perpertrated it is difficult to keep this page up to date. However, the County Council maintains a website page with all the latest information. We shall not therefore try to replicate the County Council page - please follow this link consumer alerts
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REPORTING SCAMS ETC.
Reporting any scams you receive can help to build up intelligence on the scammers and how they target people.
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 consumer advice and updates, visit Norfolk County Council consumer alerts