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 free 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 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.

Cash Point/ATM Scams:

This week there have been reports of scams occurring at cash points in the Swanley area, however these can occur across the country.

Here is some advice when using you cards at an ATM:

• Cover your PIN as you type it.

• Stand close to the machine.

• Use your free hand and body to shield the keypad as you enter your PIN.

• This will prevent any prying eyes or hidden cameras from seeing your PIN.

Do not get distracted. Be particularly cautious if seemingly well-meaning strangers talk to you or offer to help while you're using the ATM.

If they are persistent, simply cancel the transaction and discreetly put your card away. Fraudsters sometimes fit devices to cash machines that trap your card, or 'eat' it, which they then retrieve as soon as you have left the area.

If an ATM retains your card for any reason, report it to your card company straight away, ideally using your mobile while you're still in front of the machine.

Make sure you store your card company's 24-hour contact number in your phone.

Once you have completed a transaction put your money and card away before leaving the cash machine.

Destroy or ideally shred your cash machine receipts, mini-statements, or balance enquiries when you've finished with them.

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

Online Shopping - Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are common times for people to be shopping and looking for bargains. However, criminals are also aware of this fact and will be looking to steal as much of your hard earnt money as possible, not just today but going forward in the build up to Christmas.

Shoppers lost over £11.5 million to cyber criminals during last year's festive season.

Follow these top tips to avoid scams:

• Research sellers, check they are legitimate.

• Use a credit card or secure payment platform.

• Only provide enough details to complete your purchase.

Here are some more top tips for how to shop online securely this Black Friday and during the festive season - Shopping and Paying Safely Online - NCSC.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

Rogue Traders

In the last few days, there have been more reports of Rogue Traders operating across the country. In particular, Folkestone, Rochester, Snodland, Tunbridge Wells, Westgate-on-Sea, and Faversham.

This is undoubtedly linked to the recent adverse weather, in particular high winds.

Criminals will continue to look to take advantage of this situation by knocking on doors and stating that there may be damage to your property, in particular roofs, that need immediate work.

However, STOP and be wary of cold callers offering to undertake work on your property as this work may not be necessary or may not be completed to a satisfactory standard or even completed at all. You may also be overcharged and out of pocket. If seeking a tradesperson to undertake some work on your property, please remember to always:

• Obtain at least three written quotes

• Ask friends and family for recommendations

• Agree payment arrangements and start and finish dates in writing beforehand

• Never pay in full until you are completely satisfied with the work

• Never accept a quote on the doorstep from an unsolicited caller

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

Courier Fraudsters are Active

In the last 7 days we have received reports of Courier Fraud in Gravesend, Tenterden, Canterbury, Minster-on-Sea, Sevenoaks and Ashford.

This scam works by residents receiving a phone call from criminals impersonating the Police or their bank. They will state that someone has used their card and they need to collect their bank cards via courier as evidence. They may also ask for your bank details to assist with an ongoing investigation or tell you that they have a family member in custody.

All these calls are scams by criminals trying to get your financial details. If you get a call like this and then a courier arrives at your property ring 999.

Additionally, the police will NEVER telephone and ask your bank card and pin number to be collected by a courier or withdraw cash or buy gold to assist in an investigation.

Always check the dialling tone after your call to ensure scammers are not still on the phone and use another telephone if possible or call a trusted friend first to ensure that the line has been disconnected.

Watch - Courier Fraud Warning: Stay Wise, Don't Compromise

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

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)