Current scams

Some scams to be aware of

  • Lots of reports about a scam text purporting to be from the DVSA, stating that you have an unpaid parking fine and that you need to click the link to make the payment. Do not click on the link in these messages, the DVSA has no involvement in parking tickets, this is a SCAM. This may be followed up by other more urgent messages threatening penalties for non-payment – this are also SCAMS. You can forward these texts to 7726 where they will be used as intel

  • Be wary of any number calling that claims to be the bank, they may even be 01983 numbers that mean we are more likely to trust them. If you receive a call from your bank, hang up, wait 15 minutes or use a different phone and call 159 and select your bank – this will take you to their fraud department where you can clarify if the call was genuine.

  • The scammers still seem to be using the old and trusted Microsoft scam claiming that your device has been hacked and trying to con you into allowing them access to your computer. Microsoft will NEVER contact us

  • We have had a report of a scam text claiming to be from the bank stating that you have a suspended payment and asking if you made this – respond Y or N. This was followed up a couple of hours later by a phone call alledging to be the bank. If you have any doubts contact your bank to check if this contact was valid

  • Whilst we haven’t received any local reports, nationally there have been increased reports of fake emails claiming to be from McAfee and AVG claiming that your antivirus software has expired and you need to renew. They will include great discounts and QR codes for you to scan to sign up, they may also pressure you to download software which will then give them control of it. Do not engage with any of these emails. If you receive an email form a company you have an account with contact them directly or log into your online account to verify the information. You can forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk where they will be used as intel in the fight against scams

Be wary when receiving emails, texts and messages. Remember, genuine organisations will never ask you to click on links in messages or ask for your bank details.

How to report

  • Scam texts can be forwarded to 7726
  • Scam emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk
    When you report a suspicious email the automatic reply gives you some interesting statistics and shows how important it is to report scams. As of June 2024 - reports received – 32,897,230 with the removal of more than 184,500 scams across 337,672 URL’s

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