Trading Standards – Ofgem Fake Phishing Emails

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Action Fraud has received over 1500 reports in recent weeks relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem.

The emails state that the recipient is eligible for a rebate as a result of the government scheme and that you should “claim your rebate now”. The emails are using the Ofgem logo and colours, and the links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information for use in fraud.

  • Remember, your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text. If you need to check that it’s a genuine message, contact the company or your bank directly using details from their official website or app.
  • Spotted a suspicious email? Forward it (without clicking any links) to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) – report@phishing.gov.uk
  • For advice on how to stay secure online, please visit: www.cyberaware.gov.uk

Please remember to report any scam to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.

If you have actually been the victim of a trader or scam such as the above, or require consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133

HM The Queen Condolence and Tributes

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Books of Condolence

You can leave a message of condolence and sign the official Royal eBook of Condolence.

Croydon’s Book of Condolence is open at Braithwaite Hall, Croydon Town Hall, Katharine Street for residents to leave messages:

Monday to Friday – 8am to 8pm
Saturday 10 September – 9am to 6pm
Sunday 11 September – 9am to 6pm
Saturdays and Sundays – 9am to 6pm

Katharine Street is closed to motor traffic so that people can lay floral tributes and sign the Book of Condolence safely.

Residents can also visit libraries to leave messages to be added to the book. You can find your local library and its opening times on the Croydon Council libraries pages.

Floral tributes

You can lay floral tributes at:

  • The flagpole outside the Town Hall, Katharine Street, CR0 1NX
  • Coulsdon Memorial Ground in Marlpit Lane, CR5 2HA
  • Norwood Grove Recreation Ground, Crescent Way, SW16 3AL
  • St Edward King & Confessor C of E Church, New Addington
  • Wandle Park, Cornwall Road, CR0 3RD.

These areas will be signposted and volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors.

Power for People – Q&A Session

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Half of all UK households could face fuel poverty this winter due to the rapidly rising costs of energy bills.

The community energy sector has such potential to make a big contribution to relieve this mounting pressure. But regulatory barriers stand in the way. Now more than ever, we need to enable community energy groups to sell their clean power to local households so that money we pay for our energy is redirected into local communities.

Last week we organised the introduction of a legislative amendment that would do this to the Government’s Energy Bill, currently proceeding through Parliament. The amendment is soon to be debated and voted on in the House of Lords.

Whether or not we win this vote, we will need to encourage MPs and the Government to back what we are calling for when the Energy Bill comes to the House of Commons. Are you wondering how you can help?

On Thursday 15th September, we will be hosting our first ‘drop in’ Q&A session with our team of expert campaigners.

Drop in anytime between 5:30pm and 6:30pm to have your questions about the campaign answered.

Whether you want an update on campaign progress, or you are not sure what to ask of your MP – no question is too small.

To join us, click this link on 15th September at 5.30pm (no registration required).

These informal Q&As will take place every other month.

Remember: we are still here to answer your questions in-between Q&As, just email us at info@powerforpeople.org.uk.

Bromley Open House Festival

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Heritage and architecture are being celebrated in Bromley this week as a record number of Bromley buildings open their doors to visitors looking to explore the borough’s fascinating history.

Over 20 attractions will open in Bromley for the Open House Festival between Thursday 8 September and Wednesday 21 September.

Attractions in Bromley include Camden Place, an 18th Century mansion that once housed Napoleon lll; The Old Palace at the Civic Centre, formerly the official residence of the Bishops of Rochester; Scadbury Moated Manor, the Tudor structure allowing special public access for the first-time following specialist repair works earlier this year; and the world-famous, Grade I listed Crystal Palace dinosaurs, where guided tours around the Park and a number of family activities will be held.

Bromley are a borough partner for Open House festival, which is now in its 30th year. Other Bromley venues participating in the Open House Festival include Bromley Little Theatre, which originally housed a Victorian bakery and stable; Bethlem Royal Hospital, to include a visit to the onsite Museum of the Mind and art gallery; and St Mary’s Church Bromley, which will host a number of events during the period, including from the Rock Choir.

To find out more about these events, including how to book some of the exciting tours and activities involved, visit the Open House website