Archive for category: News

IS IT TIME TO REVIEW YOUR PASSWORD SECURITY ?

Passwords are now part of everyday life whether at home or at work. They are the key factor in letting us do everything online whether it is online shopping or social media, online banking, dating, gaming and so many other areas we now take for granted.

World Password Day on 4th May reminded us about how we can improve our password habits, and our online security, by following the tips below and thus keeping your information, identity and finances protected.

• Devise passwords that are long (at least 12 characters) and complex, with a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numerals and symbols.
• Don’t use family members’, pets’ or sports club names in your password as someone could guess these from your social media or other online activity.
• You could use three completely random words interspersed with numerals and symbols.
• Never use the same password for more than one account or website. If you do – and a cybercriminal finds out your login details – they can access your other accounts.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA/MFA) for your important accounts.
• Don’t store passwords on your computer or phone. Use a reputable online password manager that features two-factor authentication.

For further information, visit www.getsafeonline.org

SOURCE: Get Safe Online.

 TV LICENCE FRAUD

 TV Licence Scams are on the rise again with Action Fraud receiving over 3,400 reports of these scams in the 2 weeks up to early May.

The fake emails use authentic TV Licensing logos but the URL promoted is clearly fake. In addition they will contains spelling and grammatical errors.

There are currently 2 common styles of fake emails in circulation. The first one will tell you that TV licensing could not take your latest monthly payment and you need to set up a new Direct Debit.

The second fake email will say you are due a refund on your licence but due to invalid records you need to submit a request via the website link provided, which begins with the genuine tvlicensing.co.uk but is followed by cs.update.your.licence’ followed by a series of random letters.

 Genuine emails and letters from TV Licensing are personalised to include information such as your name, part of your postcode or your licence number.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours.

Take Five To Stop Fraud

• Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
• Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

For further information visit:

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

 

Please see attached report.

Broadway Museum and Art Gallery will be the exciting new home of the Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire Dementia Café for Broadway and surrounding areas.

The café will provide engaging and meaningful activities for people with mild to moderate dementia, their families and carers.

Opening Friday, 10^th February, from 2pm – 4pm, this FREE service will run on every 2^nd Friday of the month. Come along and have a cup of tea with someone who understands.

For more information please call: 0800 008 6077 or email: 

BANK ACCOUNT FRAUD

 Regular reports of bank account fraud are being received both locally and nationally.

The first sign that Bank Account Fraud has occurred is usually when transactions you have not made, show up on your bank statements.

Do not let criminals steal your identity, this may be done by taking personal documents thrown out with your rubbish, or contacting you by phone or email and posing as a legitimate organisation.

How do you protect yourself?

·         Always shred any paperwork with your name, address , personal or financial details before throwing it out

·         Beware of unsolicited emails or phone calls form callers claiming to be your bank or building society; most banks will not           contact you this way

·         Always hang up, wait 5 minutes and then ring back on a designated number on your bank statement or bank card to check;         always check you have a dialling tone and where possible phone back on a different phone

·         Check your bank statements regularly for unrecognised transactions

·         If you move house make sure your post is redirected by Royal Mail

·         Notify your bank immediately if you see any unusual activity on your bank account – you can call straight through to most major banks by dialling 159 as the fastest route

HMRC

A further short reminder as we approach the deadline for self-assessment returns. This is the key time to be aware of messages, or even phone calls, claiming to be from HMRC.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR 

·         Scammers may text or email people to tell them they are due a Tax Rebate from HMRC; this may also include a link that asks for personal details which can be used for further scams

·         Scammers are also using phone calls to gain people’s details

·         Automated phone calls may be used to say people owe tax, and arrest warrants may be issued by HMRC unless they pay the       outstanding tax

·         Fake web pages have also been used which can copy the genuine HMRC website

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Before you give out any personal details first consider:

·         Were you expecting to be contacted? Check it is HMRC really contacting you

·         Are you being pressured?  If the request is for an urgent money transfer or for personal details be very wary

·         Are you being threatened with arrest? HMRC will never call you and threaten arrest

·         Is it sounding too good to be true?  Are you really expecting a Tax rebate?

·         Is the website or email address genuine? Always double check these details if you are unsure. Some more refined scams may use official details and logos so be aware

·         Check your personal tax account online to see if there are any genuine messages

·         If you think it is a scam, report it to HMRC as soon as possible for further investigations

Please feel free to share this information with any relatives, friends or neighbours you think may be vulnerable.

Take Five To Stop Fraud

      .  Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

• Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

For further information visit:

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

 

Wychavon is working with Create Streets to come up with a design code for the district. This is a chance for you to influence how your town, village or street is developed.

Design codes will become an important part of the planning system in the future. They will set out to developers, housebuilders and architects what is required, in detail, from their proposed plans before they are even submitted, guaranteeing standards are upheld and removing the uncertainty which can lead to delays in the planning process.

The codes can include everything from the type of material that can be used to whether buildings should avoid being north-facing so it’s easier to install solar panels on them.

Having a design code will not replace the need for planning permission or remove the rights of residents to object or comment on individual planning applications. But by requiring developers to build to the design code, it means planners can ensure new development is better suited to towns and villages and is good quality, sustainable and helps communities flourish.

Input from residents is critical to the process of producing the code and consultations for the Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich Spa areas are now live. The Evesham South consultation took place in the autumn of 2022.

Using the links below, you can visit the Create Streets interactive map where you can comment on different buildings and aspects of current design in your area, as well as make your own suggestions about good design you would like to see more of in the future.

The deadline to have your say is 1 February 2023. If you are unsure which area you fit in then click on the links and the areas covered by that consultation will be shaded in red on the map.

Take the Wychavon Central (Evesham, Pershore and surrounding areas) design code consultation.

Take the Wychavon North (Droitwich Spa and surrounding areas) design code consultation.

 

Wychavon District Council
good services, good value
Visit our website www.wychavon.gov.uk