Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

Fake banking apps are available to download from both the Apple Store and Google Play, apps that fraudsters could use to scam people.

The link below relates to a Wiltshire media article and provides more detail of the scam in action, but I will provide a summary.

Fraudsters download a fake banking app and search local online marketplaces.

If you are selling something locally and you invite the buyer to visit your home, or an agreed meeting place, be alert if you agree to the sale when the buyer produces their mobile phone and asks for your bank account and sort code. You will be able to watch them enter the details into their fake banking app and then they will show you the screen of their phone which will display a message that the agreed amount has successfully been paid into your bank.

Please do not hand over the goods until you have checked and confirmed that the payment has been received into your own bank account, but this is where the criminal may try and distract you.

This type of scam could impact on any one of us potentially, but I am concerned for those who are vulnerable and feel intimidated, so they don’t check their bank account before handing over the goods.

Please take the time to read the media article and mention to family and friends.

Watch out for fake bank app used by crooks in attempted £600 iPhone scam | This Is Wiltshire

Cambridgeshire Police Fraud Alert – Energy Company Scams

Energy companies are closing at unprecedented rates and with more than two million customers being affected, this is just another opportunity for fraudsters to exploit.

There is limited information that fraudsters are sending fake emails purporting to be from a solicitor on behalf of a recognisable energy supplier, these emails claim to be collecting outstanding payments and may make reference to your account being taken over and managed by another energy company. Like most phishing communications they not only intend to appear genuine, but they also install fear, anxiety, stress, a sense of urgency and a veiled threat such as legal action and disconnection of supply.

If you receive any such email or message:

STOP – Taking a moment to stop and think before replying, parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

CHALLENGE – Could it be fake? It is ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try and rush or panic you.

PROTECT – Contact your bank immediately if you think you have fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

Do not reply to the suspicious communication or use the contacts details provided.

Do not open any attachment or click on any link.

Contact your current and genuine energy supplier using your previously tried, tested, and trusted means, this is either an app, website or contact telephone number from a genuine previous bill.

They will soon confirm or deny whether the communication is a scam or not.

If you receive a suspicious email forward to report@phishing.gov.uk or text to 7726

Ensure any suspicious communication is deleted from your device.