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Slough u3a have published a Guide to online safety you cand find it HERE
This page last updated:-
April/May 25
MARTIN LEWIS /CRYPTO /BBC NEWS
It would seem this is a scam....... Seen on Facebook and other platforms.
AprilMay 2025.
Watch out for FAKE text messages from an 07373 Phone number claiming to be from D.W.P.
The easy way to spot this is a FAKE is the link you are asked to click - it is NOT a real ".gov" address, but an address shortened using a company called "bit.ly"
These messages can be dangerous - please take GREAT CARE
Check out all our other articles.... Articles/Notes/Stories
June/july 2025
Best not to answer calls from any UNKOWN number!
Ever wondered why Unknown numbers call you and just hang up when you answer?
Scammers are calling people whose number appears in stolen data, not to scam them directly, but to "add value" to the data for resale.
If you simply ANSWER your phone you are proving to these people that the number is real and connected. They may just hang up. but thier job is done, they can now sell your number as "verified" this adds value to the stolen listing and saves scammers time by reducing the number of deal lines or lines that do not answer they have to call..
PHONE FRAUD
November 25.
A NEW alternative to the above. If you get a call and an unknown caller ask you, "Is this John" or "Is this the homeowner" ----- DO NOT SAY "YES" Reply with "What is the reason for your call" or "May I ask who is calling" If you are even slightly concerned disconnect the call
The reason.... By recording YOUR VOICE saying YES scammers are able to trick some voice recognition systems to think that they are actually you.
These Voice recognition systems are increasingly being used in automated systems from Help Systems, local government to Health Services.
Klarna Frauds ( there are others like this! )
| Protect Yourself: Recognising and Avoiding Scams Fraudsters are making fake calls pretending to be Klarna’s security team and sending emails asking you to “update your contact details” immediately. |
Romance / Befriending Fraud.
This is a particularly cruel method of tricking people.
Red Flags: Watch out for these simple signs.
- You're contacted out of the blue by someone who claims to know you / wants to get to know you.
- Usually, they say there's a problem that needs your help.
- They need you to buy gift cards and give them the codes / or money transfers usually via PayPal or similar.
- They use the cards/money - and you lose!
NEVER SEND MONEY OR CARDS TO ANYONE YOU ARE NOT 100% SURE YOU KNOW
Watch out for Phone Calls from the Police!
Recent attempts to get details from you include phone calls from people posing as police officers. DO NOT CONTACT YOUR BANK DURING OR IMEDIATLY AFTER ANY CALL, IF in doubt call 101 and explain the nature of the call. DO NOT CALL ANY NUMBERS SUGGESTED BY THE CALLER.
There have been multiple reports of scams related to Yodel tracking services, including phishing emails and fake delivery
notifications.
Common Scam Types
- Phishing Emails and Texts: Scammers often send emails or texts that appear to be from Yodel,
asking recipients to click on links or provide personal information.
These messages may look convincing, containing tracking numbers and personal details,
but they are designed to steal sensitive information. 1 - Fake Delivery Notifications: Users have reported receiving notifications about deliveries
they were not expecting, often linked to unknown companies. For example, one user received a
notification about an order from "CJandFE," which is associated with scams.
The tracking number provided did not match any records on the official Yodel website. 1 - Impersonation Websites: Some scammers create fake websites that mimic Yodel's official
site. For instance, the website yodelcourierexpress.com has been identified as a scam,
where users are led to believe they are tracking a legitimate shipment.
These sites may ask for payment or personal details under false pretences.
Police in South Bucks are alerting shoppers over the potential scam at Tesco, Bishop Centre in Taplow.
The force has received reports of a woman dressed to look like a Tesco worker who has been seen approaching people in the car park.
It was reported that she has then been asking for payment to allow people to park.
March 2026......Click to see how scammers tried to trick Slough U3A recently....
| Charity fraud investigation We have been contacted by Surrey and Sussex police about a serious fraud they're investigating which is targeting people associated with charities for older people. It seems fraudsters are using information available on the Charity Commission website to contact people. They have then been persuading them there is an issue with their bank account. One couple has already been defrauded out of a significant amount of money. Banks and the police will never ask you to move money. Read about spotting fraud on the government Stop Think Fraud website. |
Unexpected Paypal Deposit.
IF YOU GET A SMALL UNEXPECTED AMOUNT OF MONEY PAID INTO YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT - DO NOT CALL THE NUMBER IN THE EMAIL MESSAGE/REFERENCE TEXT..
It IS a SCAM!
Any doubt? . Forward any email to phishing@Paypal.com /contact " Report Fraud."( Formally Action Fraud)