| Notice from the Police: Again this morning, a couple of our coordinators have directed me to another potentially hazardous scam claiming to originate from the NHS offering the vaccine for Covid-19. On first impressions it looks quite genuine, until the point at which it asks for payment details. As we all know the vaccine is completely free, the NHS will never ask for your bank account or card details, your pin or banking password and they will not ask for proof of identity such as passport, driving licence or pay slips. Please see the attached copy of the scam email. Here is a link to the NHS website to find more information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/how-you-will-be-contacted/ This attachment IS THE SCAM : vaccine-email-scam.pdf |
Reporting Scams
If you receive a scam email you should forward it immediately to report@phishing.gov.uk
This is a government run organisation with the power to shut down and investigate fraudulent emails. You should also block the email address on your computer and then delete the email.
Yet another scam has been reported by a villager. The email pretends to be from HSBC and says that you have authorised a payment of £240. If this is not you please contact us on the given link.
You should not click on the link but should check with your bank directly either via their website or by telephoning them.
Dog Thefts
There were two incidents where dogs were stolen during the night of Tuesday 26 January. On both occasions pure bred dogs or new-born puppies were taken from secure outside pens. One incident was in Alveston, South Gloucestershire and the other at Queen Charlton in Bath & North East Somerset. Whilst both of these were outside of our area, this does not mean it could not head our way and it is far better to be forewarned.
We want to remind all dog owners to review and increase the security of their pets wherever possible. Ensure that they are microchipped and registered, and make sure your garden is secure.
It is estimated that dog thefts have increased by 250% as the Covid restrictions have caused a huge demand for puppies across the country. Although these offences are classified as “Theft”, losing a pet in this way can cause enormous trauma and heartbreak to a family.
You can find advice on protecting your dog on many sites on the internet, one of them being:
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/protect-your-dog-against-theft
Timberscombe 