The ECRC works closely with local policing to ensure that our members benefit from the free tools and services that local policing offers.
One valuable tool is the Kent Fraud Email Alert System (K'FAs), created by Stephen Kelly, the Fraud Prevent and Protect Officer for Kent Police. This system provides weekly alerts to inform the public and businesses about current scams and how to best protect themselves.
The K'FAs reach hundreds and thousands, not in just in Kent but in other areas up and down the country as we are all affected by similar offences. The ECRC publishes Stephen Kelly's weekly K'FAs for our members so you can stay informed and learn about the latest threats targeting businesses and the general public. For further information about fraud, visit Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.
Number 1o of the 12 Frauds of Christmas - QR Codes
Over November / December 2023, three quarters of a million pounds was lost to QR fraud.
What is a QR code scam?
A QR Code Scam is a deceptive practice where fraudsters exploit QR codes to perpetuate fraud and steal personal information. Typically, these scams involve the creation of counterfeit QR codes that, when scanned, redirect users to fraudulent websites.
Remember, never Assume or Believe something is genuine and always Confirm before clicking a link or scanning a QR code.
Pause before you scan or click.
Find out more at https://actionfraud.police.uk/news/12frauds
If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
For further information about Fraud, visit our website at Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.
You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.
Number 11 of the 12 Frauds of Christmas - Holiday Scams
Booking a holiday for 2025?
Do not let fraudsters spoil your fun and spoil your holiday.
Always -
Do your research.
Pay securely.
Protect your personal information.
For more information go to - Make sure you have a #FraudFreeXmas: Action Fraud reveal 12 fraud types to look out for this Christmas | Action Fraud
If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
For further information about Fraud, visit our website at Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.
You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.
Number 12 of the 12 Frauds of Christmas - Ticket Fraud
Thinking of going to an event over the coming months?
To stay safe, buy only from trusted sources: the venue's box office, official promoters, or reputable ticket sites.
For more information go to - Make sure you have a #FraudFreeXmas: Action Fraud reveal 12 fraud types to look out for this Christmas | Action Fraud
If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
For further information about Fraud, visit our website at Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.
You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.
Fake Compensation Email
Over 4,800 people have reported receiving FAKE emails claiming that diesel car users are eligible for thousands of pounds in compensation and asking them to click on a link.
However, by clicking a link the victims were taken to a realistic looking website under the control of the criminals, where they stole their personal and financial data.
If you get an email like this or any other suspicious looking emails, you can report these by forwarding to report@phishing.gov.uk.
If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
For further information about Fraud, visit our website at Advice About Fraud | Kent Police.
You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.
A Reminder to Book Your Fraud Protect Presentation for 2025
All presentations are FREE!
Our Fraud Prevent and Protect Officer is keen to give presentations to community groups, Businesses, Schools and the public on how to protect yourselves from the threat of Scams and avoid criminals stealing your money.
If you are part of or in charge of any groups that would benefit from this input in 2025, then please contact me by email at stephen.kelly@kent.police.uk.
How can the ECRC support?
By joining the ECRC as a free member, your organisation will be supported in making the small changes that make the biggest difference when it comes to cyber resilience. Becoming a free member means you will receive the latest cyber resilience guidance via email, which will drip feed you ways in which you can improve your cyber resilience without costing any money.
The ECRC website also contains several links to helpful National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) resources, which are all free, up-to-date, and easy to use. Tools such as Exercise in a Box and the NCSC Cyber Action Plan are particularly useful in terms of identifying areas where you could improve your cybersecurity. They also have many informative guides that are sector specific, which will give you useful and detailed information.
If you would like more information about how the ECRC can help your organisation specifically, please book a chat with us today!
Reporting a live cyber-attack 24/7:
If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber-attack (in progress) please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Reporting a cyber-attack which is not ongoing:
Please report online to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report cybercrime online at any time using the online reporting tool, which will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened. Action Fraud advisors can also provide the help, support, and advice you need.
Alternatively, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050)
Comments