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We know you flagged that fraud is a concern for you, so this is a quick update to tell you how we’re addressing concerns and supporting residents. Crime prevention advice! Fraud edition
Longlands take fraud very seriously and have an ongoing case that is being investigated.
The ward is often targeted by cold callers and door step sales people, who often target the vulnerable and elderly.
Our best advice is to reach out to workers and book appointments on your terms.
Use check a trade (https://www.checkatrade.com) to make sure you are getting a reputable builder etc.
You are more than within your right to ask questions and check ID at the door and send them away to do your own checks.
If something does not seem right turn them away and don't be bullied into making any card or cash payments.
If you have a latch keep them on the latch and speak to them through the door.
Please call 101 or 999 if the person refuses to leave.
The council will never come to your door and offer you refunds for winter fuel payment refunds etc.
When dealing with Police ask to see there warrant cards and shoulder numbers and if you are unsure don't hesitate to call 101 and ask for CAD (computer aided dispatch) references if applicable. Our control rooms can verify who the officer is.
Computers and online scams
If something online seems to good to be true, it probably is.
When using websites to pay for goods and services, make sure HTTP is before www. on the website address. This means it is a secure connection and no body else can see what is on the page like card details.
Close pop ups on websites or come off the page immediately if something does not feel right. Scan your computer regularly for viruses and phishing software.
Keep your computer and devices up to date.
Delete junk emails without opening them if you do not recognise the sender.
Microsoft will never ring you about computer issues.
Phones
Sometimes you can tell if your phone is hacked by it heating up or the battery draining way to quick when it is doing very little.
It is a good Idea to regularly restart your phone as this can wipe certain malware off it.
If you get phone calls and you don't recognise the company or caller hang up and do not engage. Scammers have lists with your details and they mark up if you are someone who will be easy to target. You may discover lots more phone calls from random companies and phone calls if you engage with them.
Text messages with links should be ignored unless you are expecting the text from say online banking as a means to log in. Something like delivery links maybe scam for instance if you are not expecting parcels.
Social media scams are also on the rise. A big one at the moment is people pretending to be family or friends asking for money.
Ring the original number and see if they pick up and ask them if what you have been sent is true. Report the message right away.
If you know of someone who is vulnerable and being scammed/ defrauded please let us know on the below options
101
999
online report https://www.met.police.uk/ report button
https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ (Replaced action fraud)
 We consider fraud to be a serious crime and will put the time in to tackle it however we can. In the meantime, there are ways to keep yourself safe. Fraud comes in many forms and across various different channels, whether that's through emails, phone calls or in person encounters. Please see a few resources below to protect you and others from potential fraudsters: For more information and help and to report fraud, go to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. Lastly, if you think you’ve uncovered a scam, been targeted by a scam or fallen victim to fraudsters, please contact 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at Action Fraud. | 
