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 best to protect themselves.

The K'FAs reach hundreds and thousands of, 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.

Fake Text Message Currently Circulating

A Kent resident has reported receiving the below message along with a URL link.

'Your order has serious quality problems, so we will refund you. Please check it as soon as possible.'

This is a scam and by clicking on the link, you will be taken to a realistic looking website under the control of criminals, seeking to steal your financial and personal data.

If you receive this message, you can report it by forwarding to 7726.

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.

Winter Heating Subsidy Scams

Criminals are actively using both text messages and emails to try and steal bank details by playing on older people's concerns about the Winter Fuel Payment.

The emails and texts will ask you to click on a link, however, the link does not redirect you to the UK Government website or anything to do with Winter Fuel Payments, and instead takes you to a realistic looking website under the control of the criminals, where they will steal your personal and financial data.

Most eligible recipients will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. You should have received a letter in the post between October and November stating how much you will receive. If you think you are eligible but have not heard anything then check out this Government Web Page to find out more - Winter Fuel Payment: Eligibility - GOV.UK.

If you receive a text message like this, you can report it by forwarding to 7726 or if it is an email you can report it by forwarding it to report@phishing.gov.uk.

If you think that you may have been a victim of 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.

12 Frauds of Christmas

This week marks the start of Action Fraud's annual Christmas Campaign, where they highlight various fraud types to keep you safe from scams. Because of this, you will be receiving more alerts this month.

Find out more: Make sure you have a #FraudFreeXmas: Action Fraud reveal 12 fraud types to look out for this Christmas | Action Fraud

Below are the first 2 fraud types to be aware of.

If you think that you may have been a victim of 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 One of 12 Frauds of Christmas - Phishing

Received a message that seems suspicious?

Fraudsters put a lot of effort into making fake messages look real, report it by forwarding for FREE to 7726.

You can also report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

Find out more: 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

Pet Fraud

Thinking of adding a furry friend to the family for Christmas?

If you are buying online:

• Do your research.

• Trust your instincts.

• Choose secure payment options, like a credit card.

  
  

Find out more: 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

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)