Bottesford NHW Alert: Drones / Damage To and Theft From Unattended Vehicles / Extortion Scam / Protect Yourself From Cyber Criminals / General Scam Advice

Drones

We have had a couple of reports of drones appearing over residents back gardens causing a nuisance and loss of privacy. In addition, residents should be aware that burglars and thieves are known to use drones to help identify security weaknesses in target properties. Nottinghamshire Police have issued guidance about the law on the use of drones which can be found at https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/advice/drone-law-uk (NB the link doesn’t appear to work but the address can be copied and pasted into your browser). NHW suggests that use of drones over residents property which doesn’t comply with the law should be reported to the police on the non-emergency 101 number. If you are someone who enjoys flying a drone for pleasure please be aware of, and respect  others’ privacy.

 

Damage To and Theft From Unattended Vehicles

There have been several reported incidents of parked vehicles being damaged or having contents stolen. It’s extremely difficult for the police to identify offenders after the event and the best way of apprehending them is if residents are vigilant and report suspicious behaviour to the police without delay. As the nights draw in this becomes increasingly important.

 

Extortion Scam

Cyber criminals send victims their own passwords in extortion scam

Cyber criminals are attempting to blackmail unsuspecting victims by claiming to have used the victims' password to install spying malware on the victims' computer. The criminals claim they’ve recorded videos of the victim watching adult material by activating their webcam when they visit these websites. What makes this scam so convincing is that the email usually includes a genuine password the victim has used for one of their online accounts. We believe criminals obtain the passwords from data breaches.

What to do if you get one of these emails?

Don’t reply to the email, or be pressured into paying. The police advise that you do not pay criminals. Try flagging the email as spam/junk if you receive it multiple times. Perform a password reset as soon as possible on any accounts where you’ve used the password mentioned in the email. Always use a strong, separate password for important accounts, such as your email. Where available, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Always install the latest software and app updates. Install, or enable, anti-virus software on your laptops and computers and keep it updated.

If you receive one of these emails, report it to Action Fraud’s phishing reporting tool. If you have received one of these emails and paid the ransom, report it to your local police force.

Protect Yourself From Cyber Criminals

Cyber-criminals use weaknesses in software and apps to attack your devices and steal your identity. Software updates are designed to fix these weaknesses and installing them as soon as possible will keep your devices & data secure. 

Software updates don’t have to get in the way of what you’re doing. You can choose to install them at night, when your device is plugged in and connected to wi-fi. You can also configure most devices to automatically install software and app updates.

For more information on how to stay secure online, visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk or follow @Cyberprotectuk on Twitter.

General Scam Advice (With Thanks to Lincs Police)

There are many different scam scenarios reported to the police, including:

Police Officers making enquiries about fraudulent activity on bank accounts or bank cards being misused.
BT making checks on your internet connection.
PPI being owed and payment in return for sending money.
Winning a lottery, often overseas.
Microsoft trying to fix a computer fault.
Gas, Electric or Mobile phone company checking details of your account.

Scams are not limited to the above and new stories to extract money from you are always being developed. A large number of scams reported start with an unexpected phone call, and trying to begin a conversation. If you don't know the caller hang up, there's no need to discuss anything, better to be thought of as rude by a stranger than lose your hard earned, well deserved savings. If you have any concerns contact your bank, call police on 101 or Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.
Sometimes a phone line can remain connected after a scam call, to ensure you have cleared the line call a number of someone you know well (family member or close friend). When you are sure it is the person you expect, it confirms the line has cleared. Use the opportunity to explain why you have called and discuss the scam call / concerns.

Scams rely on isolating the possible victim and stopping them having time to think, there is often mention of don't tell anyone else it could disrupt the investigation. If you do receive a call thought to be a scam discuss it with friends and family, we are all potential victims and being aware of the various scams helps reduce the risk of becoming one.

 

John Shilton

Principal Co-ordinator

Bottesford Parish NHW

Email: JohnS@bottesfordparishNHW.org.uk

Mobile: 07725636626