General Meeting Talk on Fraud and Scams

Ian Davidson drew on many years of Bank of England work to tell a packed General Meeting on 18 August about Fraud, Scams and Home Security. With more people on the Internet than ever, we need to know how to protect ourselves. Ian also answered questions post event.
His key messages were:

Fraud and scams

• many older people get scammed by phone (perhaps we are too trusting when people claim to be our bank though it is unlikely that banks would call out of the blue and seek our account and other log in details
• it is very costly to solve these crimes and 97% of them are not solved
• with some 80,000 bank transfers made every year, scammers are becoming more adept at encouraging people to make payments to bogus organisations
• call 159 to report a scam - this takes you through to a dedicated line to your bank. Memorise this number!
• be aware of couriers who leave a card claiming they tried to deliver a parcel but found homeowners out and who seek our bank details etc. Do not respond. Cards might quote a premium line, which if called will charge £300 for the first minute and then thereafter.....Best to check any card left online instead
• Beware of people conducting surveys at railway stations who routinely ask for name, company worked for and log in details. Understandably few of us respond but by adding a freebie gift like a mars bar far more people reply. Never give out personal information like this!
• Note HMRC are unlikely to call you or email you, they write via brown envelopes in the post. Microsoft or your internet provider don't generally call either
• Beware of people using radio frequency systems in e.g. pubs who can gather Bank details at a short distance. A good counter is a RFID (RadioFrequency Identification) card to block security for bank cards though it is worth checking what security your bank cards carry
• cars are regularly being stolen off drive - put keys in a faraday box or purse and consider ring doorbell footage to deter burglars and car thieves
• consider protecting your identity docs like Driving Licence and Passport - check if have e-passport symbol or other appropriate technology or perhaps an RFID wallet
• check security on your email accounts - if an account has been compromised, change all passwords. Create strong passwords and keep them in Password Manager
• Only buy goods online if there is a secure padlock in the provider address
• beware of romance scams online, these are becoming very common
• Report all scams by text to 7726. Another important number
• Also check if your home insurance provider covers cyber fraud

Home Security good practice

• install secure locks on doors and windows, get community advice like Fire Brigade, Police, Neighbourhood Watch to understand the risks in your area and to fit what you need
• use a safebox and put it somewhere inaccessible to thieves
• use house alarms and door bell footage, CCTV footage and security cameras in ceilings
• use fake TV to suggest a presence when away and/or a dummy in a chair!
• timed lighting
• be careful with traders, use notices like no cold callers, don't respond to cards put through the door, use the Trusted Traders brand to broker workmen

All great advice, thank you Ian.