Safeguarding Menu
Protect yourselves from Scams
At BAEC, we take the safeguarding of our learners very seriously.
We aim to bring information about the latest scam to your attention.
On this page, we post the latest information from the Metropolitan Police, the London Borough of Bromley and other partners.
June newsletter from Bromley Trading Standards
New Scamming techniques - phone number 19th July 2021
HSBC has issued an alert with regards to a seemingly new technique being deployed by scammers to defraud individuals. While text scams which prompt people to click on a link are unfortunately common, scammers have seemingly modified their techniques to confuse more savers. Texts are sent stating that a transaction for a sizeable sum has gone through the person's bank account, but instead of clicking a link, the text prompts individuals to call a supposedly official telephone number.
The text reads: “Your One Time Pass code is 734243 for a payment of £355.53GBP to BOOTS - reference: RBSJ.
“If this was NOT you, please call our dedicated fraud team on 0330 175 5294.”
The number which the text cites has been identified as a non-geographical phone line, but present in the UK. Telephone numbers which begin with ’03’ are charged at standard rates, but Britons will incur a tariff for calling back. The scammer's ultimate aim is to collect personal information such as name, address and bank account information. They can then make off with large amounts of cash through transactions and identity fraud.
Scammers exploit Brexit confusion July 2021
Rip-off copycat adverts for travel documents are “running rife” on search engines such as Google as unscrupulous sellers look to capitalise on confusion over post-Brexit travel arrangements.
Pension Scams July 2021
It’s important to know how to spot a pension scam to ensure you keep your hard-earned retirement savings safe.
The Financial Conduct Authority have put together resources to help you spot a scam, and also what to do if you think you’ve been affected.
Mobile phone upgrade Scam 11th June 2021
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) are aware of an ongoing scam where consumers are being cold called by individuals impersonating employees of legitimate mobile network operators and suppliers.
WhatsApp scam 27 May 2021
Criminals are trying to get access to WhatsApp accounts after stealing the identities of their victims’ contacts.
Cryptocurrency Scam 26 May 2021
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies saw their prices jump as coronavirus hit the economy and investors looked for new opportunities.
According to Action Fraud, over £63 million has been lost nationally by victims of investment fraud they were referred to by a social media platform.
PayPal phishing texts state your account is 'limited'
A PayPal text message phishing campaign is underway that attempts to steal your account credentials and other sensitive information that can be used for identity theft.
When PayPal detects suspicious or fraudulent activity on an account, the account will have its status set to 'limited', which will put temporary restrictions on withdrawing, sending, or receiving money.
National Trading Standards
The National Trading Standards Scam Team collects the latest information - you can subscribe to their email alerts here
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft, you should report this directly to Action Fraud either online; https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or via phone 0300 123 2040.
Where the victim is vulnerable, report it to the MPS online or call 101.