Business and Cyber Crime
- Trading Standards - Make a scam/rogue trader complaint to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 . You can also follow the team on twitter @WarksTSS or online.
- Scams - Keep up to date with the latest Warwickshire coronavirus scams, or sign up to scam alerts.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant rise in phishing emails being sent in the hope of playing on people's concerns in an attempt to encourage them to share information such as their email login details, bank details or other personal information. These spoof emails include communications from the likes of the World Health Organization and HM Revenue and Customs.
Below is guidance on how to protect yourself from falling victim from such scams. Tips for identifying and avoiding phishing emails:
- Beware of online requests for personal information. Legitimate government agencies will not ask for that type of information. Never respond to the email with your personal data.
- Check the email address or link. You can inspect a link by hovering your mouse button over the URL to see where it leads. Sometimes, it is obvious the web address is not legitimate. But keep in mind phishers can create links that closely resemble legitimate addresses. Delete the email.
- Watch for spelling and grammatical mistakes. If an email includes spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, it is likely a sign you have received a phishing email. Delete it.
- Look for generic greetings. Phishing emails are unlikely to use your name. Greetings like “Dear sir or madam" signal an email is not legitimate.
- Avoid emails that insist you act now. Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency or demand immediate action. The goal is to get you to click on a link and provide personal information — right now. Instead, delete the message.
Business Crime: Warwickshire Business Watch is a team which provides information and advice to businesses, helping them to protect themselves from becoming victims of crime. The team provide a Business Watch alert scheme, to receive alerts on all information of relevance on the topics of business and cyber crime, as well as information on latest incidents click here. Twitter: @WarksBusiness
Cyber Crime: For all the latest cyber crime information, news and safety advice, www.cybersafewarwickshire.com or follow the Cyber Safe Team on facebook.com/cybersafewarwickshire; Twitter @CyberSafeWarks; and Instagram cyber_safe_warks.
Cyber Bullying
Cyber bullying and online harassment can be extremely distressing and can be classed as a criminal offence, but there is lots of help available to support you.
Tips to Stay Safe Online
Think before you post - when posting or commenting on the internet, consider what you say and what effect this may have. Never post comments that are abusive or may cause offence to others.
Keep personal information personal - do not say anything or publish pictures that might later cause you or someone else embarrassment. Be aware of what friends post about you, or reply to your posts, particularly about your personal details and activities.
Make the most of privacy settings - keep your profiles closed, allowing access only to your chosen friends and family.
Report cyber bullying to internet service providers - lots of content on social media that is offensive or upsetting, is not necessarily a criminal offence. Cyber bullying often violates the terms and conditions established by social media sites and internet service providers. Report cyber bullying to the social media site so they can take action against users abusing the terms of service.
Social Media Help
Social media help sections can show you how to block users and change settings to control who can contact you. You can get advice and support on using the following social media sites, including the ability to report content to them:
If you believe that you are the victim of an offence, always keep a record of the content - by taking a screenshot, for example. If you are worried that your child or a loved one might be the victim of cyber bullying, here are some signs to look out for:
- Low self-esteem
- Withdrawal from family and spending a lot of time alone
- Reluctance to let parents or other family members anywhere near their mobiles, laptops etc.
- Finding excuses to stay away from school or work including school refusal
For further signs and advice, visit bullying.co.uk.
Advice Sheets
