Hi everyone

Consumer scam alerts - Norfolk County Council   This website gives information on numerous scams that are currently circulating and on rogue traders.   

A text shown as being sent from TikTok claims to offer a 'part time online job.'

To find out more details about this 'job', you're asked to contact the sender of the text on WhatsApp.

This will most likely lead to what's known as a task scam. This is when you're asked to complete simple tasks for money but are eventually asked to invest money to 'upgrade your account.' As well as never being paid, you'll never see any invested money returned to you.

Do not reply to the message. Scam texts can be reported by forwarding them to 7726. 

Fake Starbucks email (attachment)

Over a two-week period, Action Fraud has received 916 reports of phishing emails impersonating Starbucks.

The emails claim to offer a 'free coffee bundle' by following a link to a malicious site that will steal your personal and financial information.

You can report scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

Phishing websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.

Scam warning over Barclays, HSBC, NatWest and 17 other banks as phone number issued (msn.com)

In a social media post, retweeted by the DVLA, Action Fraud shared: “Action Fraud has received 1,186 reports in two weeks relating to fake emails purporting to be from DVLA. The emails claim that the recipients 'vehicle tax payment has failed'.

“The payment links provided in the emails lead to genuine-looking DVLA websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.”

Its website detailed: “By reporting suspicious emails, drivers can help reduce the volume of scam communications they receive while making themselves harder targets for fraudsters.”

Motorists should be particularly wary of any unexpected emails claiming their vehicle tax payment has failed.

The NCSC stated that reporting these scams not only protects the individual but “helps safeguard others from falling victim to cybercrime”.

Data revealed that over 40 million adults across the UK have been targets of scammers over the last year. According to DVLA reports, the number of fraudulent DVLA messages rose by 603 per cent in a three-month period.

Drivers should note that the DVLA will never ask for bank details on emails, and does not send text messages about vehicle tax refunds.

DVLA urged customers to report any suspicious emails they receive to the National Cyber Security Centre through their suspicious email service.

As well as forwarding any suspicious emails and texts, DVLA warned drivers never to share driving licence images and vehicle documents online. The same goes for bank details or personal data online and avoid websites offering to connect to DVLA’s contact centre.

Scam calls purporting to be from NHS asking you to update your information. Please do not respond.

Angela Money BEM

Area Representative - West Berkshire Neighbourhood Watch