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Crime Alerts
Be aware! Information about scams and alerts…
Reporting Scam Calls
Criminals often impersonate legitimate organisations in an attempt to dupe their victims and leave them out of pocket. So it’s important to be extra cautious if you receive a text message or a call from a number you don’t know.
Scam calls often involve criminals purporting to be from HMRC, your bank or from a legitimate business such as well-known energy providers or phone network providers offering better deals or ‘upgrades’ to your account. Texts often involve parcel delivery scams from various couriers or Royal Mail, or even scammers pretending to be your friends and family!
How to report and where to report
Most major communication networks have signed up to the 7726 service, making it very easy to report scams texts/whatsapps or calls to your mobile.
7726 is a number that most mobile customers using UK networks can text to report unwanted SMS messages or phone calls on a mobile. The number ‘7726’ was chosen because it spells ‘SPAM’ on an alphanumeric phone keypad!
The following Ofcom web page has some useful information on scam calls and messages:
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/scams
The link below takes you to a ‘How to report’ page and takes you through a very quick guide on reporting numbers to 7726 on iPhone or Android. The videos are very short and easy to understand.
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/scams/7726-reporting-scam-texts-and-calls#:~:text=If%20you%20think%20you’ve%20been%20the%20victim%20of%20a,visiting%20the%20Action%20Fraud%20website
To report a scam text you copy the content of the text and start a new message to 7726, paste in the content and send the message. The service will then reply to you asking for the number the message was sent from. You copy and paste the number or manually type it in and send it as a message.
To report a scam call number you just need to copy the number, put it into a text writing ‘Call’ before you put the number in and send it to 7726.
When you’ve done this, it alerts your mobile provider to investigate the number and potentially block it from the network, if it’s found to be a nuisance.
Please also remember to block the number on your handset!
See below an example of what it looks like on your phone when you report these texts or calls.
If you have actually engaged with a scammer over the phone and been defrauded or given out personal information as a result, please report this to the police on 101 or Action Fraud: Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 or visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
If you have been scammed or duped into contracting with a business or a trader, please report to Citizens Advice Consumer Advice Line on 0808 223 1133 or go to the following website to report online:
A female has been targeting vulnerable and elderly residents in the area. If you are aware of any residents please let them know and please contact police on 101 if you feel any offences have been committed
— Shirley North Police (@MPSShirleyNorth) August 22, 2019
Further information about female targeting vulnerable and elderly residents in the area from Shirley North Police: Suspect is black, slim build and in mid-thirties.
Please be wary, there are reports all across Croydon of people purporting to be from the Water Board attempting to & gaining entry to homes. Please check credentials & visit vulnerable relatives & neighbours to help prevent these distraction burglaries #BeSafe #seeitreportit
— Purley and Woodcote Police (@MPSPurley_Wood) 3 July 2019
Look out for these fake @virginmedia emails threatening “automatic disconnection” 😮 The link leads to a site designed to steal your login details! #PhishyFridays 🎣 pic.twitter.com/eY2cN2kZQL
— Action Fraud (@actionfrauduk) March 29, 2019
A young female is knocking on doors in the Shirley area asking to use the phone saying that they have had an accident down the road. Please be aware
— Shirley North Police (@MPSShirleyNorth) March 18, 2019
If you notice anything suspicious
please call 101, report at https://t.co/pyr8QPQyrL or call crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.— Shirley North Police (@MPSShirleyNorth) March 8, 2019
A male is knocking on doors asking to borrow £20 saying his grandmother is ill he states he has phoned for an ambulance, but says he has parked his car down the road and has lost his keys aged in his 40s. Please be aware.
— Shirley North Police (@MPSShirleyNorth) March 15, 2019
There has been a rise in thefts of number plates from vehicles on the ward. Be aware and please report anything suspicious if seen.
— Shirley North Police (@MPSShirleyNorth) March 7, 2019
Scam alert: Older lady knocks on door of home and says she needs help picking up an item and equally elderly resident goes to help, leaving front door open on this occasion, her husband was inside and noticed a chap on a bike, who appeared ready to come in through the open door.
— Shirley North Police (@MPSShirleyNorth) November 9, 2018
Please SHARE: If you know about a violent crime that has been committed, or may be committed in the future, contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers are independent from police, always 100% anonymous and cannot trace your call or I.P address https://t.co/xUp9Jz0Fa5 pic.twitter.com/rpZFYWwDBU
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) March 4, 2019