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.
We also host regular awareness campaigns in our centres - look out for the next workshop dates.
Covid-19 vaccination scam message
The forwarded message comes from Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association.
We’ve been asked by the Met Police Cyber Crime Unit to warn you people are receiving fraudulent calls and text messages offering a COVID-19 vaccination. In some cases, people are asked to press a number on their keypad or send a text message to confirm they wish to receive the vaccine. Doing so is likely to result in a charge being applied to your phone bill.
In other cases, callers are offering the vaccine for a fee or asking for bank details. THESE ARE SCAMS!
The vaccine is only available from the NHS and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn. At present, actual appointments are only being offered to members of the public over 80 years old.
Like all scams, the same rules apply;
- Don’t click on links or attachments in unexpected texts, emails or messages.
- Challenge every request for your personal details.
- It doesn’t matter what they say or what they know about you, don’t respond to
unexpected phone calls, hang up, take five then verify the claim via a trusted method. (such as the usual website or official phone number).
The NHS will:
- NEVER ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text asking you to confirm you want the vaccine.
- NEVER ask for payment for the vaccine or for your bank details.
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.
Further details of this scam can be found on the Which? Website via this link:
https://conversation.which.co.uk/scams/scam-nhs-covid-vaccine-text-message/
Vaccination Scam Awareness - Easy Read format
Avoiding Scams ER
Royal Mail scam: Fake text led to drama student being defrauded - 23rd March 2021
A woman who has been "scammed out of every penny I had" has shared her story on Twitter to try to stop others falling victim to bank criminals. more
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.
COVID-19: Warning over texts offering fake 'third lockdown' HMRC grant
The scam has been quickly designed to take advantage of confusion following last week's announcement of another national lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic
HMRC warning: Self Assessment scam circulates as vital deadline falls this month
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an important warning to Britons as a new and potentially dangerous scam has circulated, as the Self Assessment deadline draws closer this month.
Metropolitan Police Cyber Crime Unit
UPDATE FROM MET POLICE CYBER CRIME UNIT NOV 2020
National Trading Standards
The links below are collated by the National Trading Standards Scam Team - you can subscribe to their email alerts here
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