Thames Valley Alerts: Current Scams and Other Information - January 2022

You can report spam texts directly to your mobile phone provider. All operators now use 7726 as the short code to report spam texts and these can be forwarded free of charge. All of the UK’s mobile operators worked together to deploy a tool which collates all the information from the 7726 short code in real time. This means they can take early action to block numbers that are generating spam on their networks and use this information to inform the regulators.

Fake delivery texts link to cloned Post Office website
Scammers are targeting the Post Office in a new fake text scam that’s one of the most convincing that has been seen.
The texts state a parcel delivery has failed and ask recipients to click the link to ‘book a new date’ or ‘reschedule a delivery’ via two sites that have nothing to do with the Post Office. More details in the below link.
Warning: fake texts link to a cloned Post Office website – Which? Conversation

There has been an increase in the theft of Catalytic Converters recently, please read the below article:
Catalytic converter theft: how to keep your car safe as thefts soar (lovemoney.com)

The below video covering many types of scams has been made by Friends Against Scams. The start has a female speaking with a male voice showing how criminals can change the tone of their voice. www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-DsFRKacRA

Criminals are targeting parents by pretending to be a child in need of financial help.
More details in the below link:
Warning over new WhatsApp 'hello mum' message scam which could cost you thousands - Liverpool Echo
Other variations of this WhatsApp scam are “Hi Dad (or Mum) new number changed from provider. Will you save this one? Let me know when you’ve saved it.”

HMRC Pending Tax-Refund

Please read the below article to find out more information:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phishing-and-bogus-emails-hm-revenueand-customs-examples/phishing-emails-and-bogus-contact-hm-revenue-and-customsexamples

Emails are being received purporting to be from the NHS asking you to apply for a Covid vaccination passport – example below:
While restrictions on travel could prevent coronavirus transmission in the short term, hard copy and digital passports showing COVID-negative and vaccination status may help reopen airports and other badly hit areas of the economy.
Use this service to confirm you are coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinated and receive your new Passport. You will need to:
Confirm your personal details
* Wait 5 to 10 working days until you receive your Passport at your home address
* Use your new passport for travel without restrictions
* This is a very important step to live safely and freely alongside the virus

National Insurance is regularly targeted by scammers and in recent months, a number of warnings have been issued on criminals attempting to get information through phone calls or emails. HMCTS has warned that criminals have found a new way to target Britons.
HM Courts and Tribunal Services explained criminals are using HMCTS telephone numbers as a way to target the public by convincing them to hand over money and personal information such as National Insurance numbers. The calls impersonate HMCTS and may ask the caller to "press one" in order to speak with an advisor about unpaid fines or police warrants.
To protect oneself from this scam, HMCTS issued the following guidance:
• Be aware that HMCTS will not contact you by using an automated message
• Always take a moment to stop and think before parting with money or your personal information, it could prevent you from falling victim to fraud
• Remember, it's okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests
• Only criminals will try to rush or panic you