Delivery Scams By Ferenc Zsinko
Quick reminder to take care if you receive a text message stating that you have missed a delivery and that you need to click on a link to organise a new delivery date and pay a fee, normally £1.10 etc. Any unsolicited messages like this are likely to be a scam.
By clicking the link, you will normally be re-directed to a very convincing website, which will ask for your personal details and card details to pay the above fee. Recently “Which” reported on a bogus text message being sent that impersonates the Post Office and the web sites that people were redirected to, were very convincing.
Quick tip – One way to spot messages like these are scams, is that the message will often state the Post Office tried to deliver a parcel or letter etc. Please remember, the Post Office does not deliver post or parcels these are delivered by the Royal Mail.
Additionally, if you get a message claiming to be “Royal Mail,” remember they do not send texts and they will leave a card through your letterbox asking you to go to your local sorting office with ID to collect your package. Generally, treat any text or email messages asking you to click on a link, with suspicion as it is likely to be a scam. If unsure you should confirm by calling via a trusted number to ensure any request is genuine.
Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and suspicious texts to 7726. Try to avoid clicking on links out of curiosity, as there is always a danger you may download malware. If you think that you may have been a victim of this type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or calling 0300 123 2040.
Police, PCSO, Folkestone and Hythe Community Safety Unit Romney Marsh
Omicron scam By Ferenc Zsinko
The below message was received by a Kent resident, which is a smishing text impersonating the NHS and stating that you have been exposed to Omicron and need to click on a link in the text to obtain a test kit.
“NHS : Someone who came into contact with you has tested positive for omicron, please order your test kit here visit: https://nhs.omicron-order-test-2344.com“
Remember the NHS etc will never send a message like the below asking you to click on a link and disclose personal and financial details to receive a Covid Test. The message is designed to promote panic and get people to respond quickly.
Remember to apply “Take Five” and take a step back and have a think before rushing to respond. If in doubt always try to confirm that a text or email is genuine by calling or using a trusted number.
If you receive a suspicious text message, then forward to 7726
If you think that you may have been a victim of this type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or calling 0300 123 2040.
Police, PCSO, Folkestone and Hythe Community Safety Unit Romney Marsh
Keep a record of valuable items By Ferenc Zsinko
Make a note of expensive items including the make, model, serial numbers and any details that may help identify items if lost or stolen.
Keep receipts somewhere safe in case you need them.
Photograph your valuables including any items that you do not want to security-mark, paying special attention to any distinguishing marks such as initials or crests. Photographs should be taken against a plain background and include a ruler to give an idea of size/scale.
Register your property – consider registering items on a property database such as immobilise.com, which can work with the police to trace owners of lost/recovered stolen property. Accurate and detailed information about stolen items can help the police to identify your property and return it to you.
Police, PCSO, Folkestone and Hythe Community Safety Unit Romney Marsh
Theft of Motor Vehicle – Queens Road, Lydd By Ferenc Zsinko
A white transit van with a blue cab – registration number AS13 BLU was stolen overnight (24/1/2022 – 25/1/2022) from Queens Road, Lydd.
A victim’s credit card that was in the vehicle has since been used around Ashford, Kent- at a petrol station in Ashford and at a Kebab Shop in Ashford. There were also around £3,500 worth of tools in the vehicle.
Did you see anything suspicious during these times in and around LYDD or in ASHFORD ?
If you have any further information or CCTV that my assist us, please either live chat with us or call 101 quoting reference 46/15804/22.
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Police, PCSO, Folkestone and Hythe Community Safety Unit Romney Marsh