Scam alert

🔔 Community Safety Message: New Year Scam Awareness

As we step into the New Year, please stay alert. This time of year, often sees a rise in scam attempts, with criminals using more sophisticated methods to target residents. Recent police bulletins emphasise that scammers are increasingly using convincing messages, AI‑generated content, and impersonation tactics to trick victims.

Common New Year Scams to Watch Out For

📱 HMRC “Tax Refund” Scam
Scammers are sending texts and emails claiming you’re owed an “outstanding tax refund,” urging you to click a link. These messages can look genuine, but HMRC will never send refund links by text. Clicking these links can lead to identity theft or your bank account being emptied.

🗣️ Voice‑Cloning & AI‑Driven Scams
Fraudsters can now clone voices from a short audio clip, making it sound like a relative or colleague is asking for urgent help. Always verify unexpected requests using a trusted phone number.

👮 Impersonation Scams
Criminals may pose as banks, the police, the FCA, or government agencies. They often pressure victims to transfer money or share sensitive information. Legitimate organisations will never ask you to move money or share PINs/passwords. 

📦 Parcel Delivery Scams
Fake “missed delivery” texts remain one of the most common scams. They prompt you to click a link to pay small redelivery fees—leading to stolen details or bank access. Always check deliveries through official courier websites.

How to Protect Yourself This New Year

Local police remind residents of three key steps to stay safe:
1️⃣ Use strong, unique passwords for each account
2️⃣ Turn on 2‑Factor Authentication (2FA)
3️⃣ Stop and think—never feel pressured into quick decisions 

Also consider:

· Keep your devices updated

· Be cautious on public Wi‑Fi

· Limit personal details shared on social media (fraudsters use these to build profiles) 

·  

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

· Do not click any links or reply

· Report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726

· Contact the organisation directly using official website details

·  Report fraud to Action Fraud