Kent scam updates

Tax Fraud – Phone Scam

Kent Police had a report this week from a Kent resident stating that they had received an automated message from 0151 785 9431 which said that there was “a tax fraud in their name” and that they needed to press button 1 on their telephone, otherwise they will be arrested. This is one of many type messages/scams that people are receiving threatening arrest. Firstly, please do no press button 1 and disconnect the call. The HMRC would never contact you and threaten you in this fashion. Secondly, if you know the number, then please report this to Action Fraud. Kent Police will then be made aware and hopefully can get these numbers blocked and disconnected. Finally, if you have a call blocker, then please add this to your list of blocked numbers.

Covid-19 Related scams.

The below is an update from Action fraud in relation to Covid-19 scams. Nationally there have been 3,352 victims with losses of £15 million. If you want to know more

about this and see The top 10 Covid-19 Scams then please check their website for more inforamtion - https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/covid19

Netflix – Phishing emails.

Kent Police previously reported on this scam and wanted to give you an update and some more information on how to protect you. There have now been nationally 2000

reported victims of this scam. The phishing email directs you to a realistic website, where the fraudsters will try to get you to update your details including financial

information.

If you receive any emails impersonating Netflix, then please do not click any links directing you to a website. If concerned, then contact Netflix direct on a trusted number. Additionally, forward any emails to Report@phishing.gov.uk or phishing@netflix.com so that further action can be taken.

Netflix have further helpful information about this on their website, which you can review at - https://help.netflix.com/en/node/65674

NHS Charity Fraud.

Fraudsters are using people’s good nature in wanting to support the NHS by sending out fake emails impersonating them and getting people to believe that they are donating money when in fact they are lining the criminal’s pockets. The fraudsters have been asking people to send monies directly to bank accounts or using Bitcoin. The NHS would never ask people to send monies direct to a bank account by bank transfer or donate using Bitcoin. If you want to donate, then please do so via the official channels. Never click on any links on suspicious emails and forward them to Report@phishing.gov.uk