Aberlemno

New Way To Avoid Financial Fraud - Stop - Hang Up - Call 159

Just launched this week there is a new way to avoid financial fraud.  A secure and easy-to-remember phone number to contact your bank on in order to avoid painful scams. This could prove to be the safest way for many to contact with your provider if you have suspicions and concerns about your accounts, or even if you are struggling to find a customer services number. Stop Scams UK and Global Cyber Alliance have launched the UK-wide 159 call service, which is designed to guarantee consumers a safe route to contacting their banks. The scheme is urging people to "stop, hang up and call 159" to check calls are for real. The idea is to help those who believe they have been contacted by scammers claiming to be their bank, or by fraudsters who encourage them to transfer money. Currently, banks that cover over 70% of UK current account customers are signed up to the scheme at launch, although more are expected to follow. Here's a table detailing the firms currently taking part :- Bank of Scotland Barclays Halifax Lloyds Bank NatWest Royal Bank of Scotland Santander Starling Bank Ulster Bank You can call 159 if you're a customer of most major telecoms firms The majority of telecoms firms are participating in the scheme, which enables you to call 159 from handsets and landlines if you're a customer. Here are the firms taking part :- BT (including EE and Plusnet) Gamma O2 (including Giffgaff) Sky TalkTalk Three Virgin Media When calling 159, you'll be taken through an option menu in which each bank that has signed up to the service is read aloud. Customers are then able to use their telephone keypad to be put through to their bank. You'll then be directed through to your bank's customer service department. Note that calling the service will cost the same as making a national rate call. For those who bank with firms not yet involved in the 159 pilot – you should continue to contact your bank by using the number on the back of your debit or credit card. When to call 159 Call 159 if they encounter the following: Someone contacts you claiming to be from your bank – even if they do not seem suspicious. You are contacted by someone claiming to be an authority figure (such as the police) and told to transfer money – even if the request seems genuine. You receive a call about a financial matter and it appears suspicious.

Guide To New Fire Alarm Standards - Scotland

The law on fire alarms is changing. By February 2022, all homes in Scotland will be required to have interlinked fire alarms, meaning if one alarm goes off, they all go off. This will alert you to danger more quickly, no matter where you are in your home. The new legislation requires all homes to have: One smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings One heat alarm installed in the kitchen All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked Where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, fire (including open fires) and heater, a carbon monoxide detector is also required. This does not need to be linked to the fire alarms. If you live in a one bedroom flat, you will need two smoke alarms and one heat alarm. If you have a carbon fuelled appliance like a boiler, you will also need a carbon monoxide detector. A 3 bedroom, 2 storey house will need 3 smoke alarms and one heat alarm. If you have a carbon fuelled appliance like a boiler, you will also need a carbon monoxide detector. There are two types of alarms available: Tamper proof long-life battery-operated alarms, which can last for up to 10 years, and can be fitted by the homeowner or a handyperson. Mains wired alarms, which should be installed by a qualified electrician. The homeowner is responsible for making sure their home meets the the new fire alarms standard, and for finding a contractor to carry out the work. When purchasing an alarm, choose a reputable brand and make sure the packaging clearly displays compliance with BS EN14604:2005 for smoke alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms should have the British Kitemark (EN 50291-1). Heat alarms should comply with BS 5446-2:2003. To find out more about the new legislation and the support available, visit: mygov.scot/firealarms

Telecoms Provider Scams - What Should I Do

Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Would Like to Thank Trading Standards Scotland for the Following Information and Advice

Cyber Alert - Business Email Compromise

Cyber Alert – Business Email Compromise (BEC) The following information has been circulated on behalf of Police Scotland Cybercrime Harm Prevention Unit and will also be relevant to all those working or part working from home, business users etc. Businesses are encouraged to remain vigilant of Phishing emails. Criminals are turning to more sophisticated ways to target you or your business making it harder to detect system intrusion and compromise. BEC can be difficult to spot, especially when the compromised email appears to come from a company or person you have previously dealt with and trust. Make sure you are aware how organisations/people that you normally work with operate. Noted below are some signs to look out for: Be wary of last minute changes to bank account details and payment dates for invoices. Unusual files being sent and requests to download same. Requests to share your login credentials or log into a new software. For all your IT equipment make sure the software and firmware is kept up to date with the latest version from software developers. The National Cyber Security Centre and its counterparts revealed the 30 most routinely exploited vulnerabilities since the start of 2020 https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/global-cyber-vulnerabilities-advice STOP If you receive a request to make an urgent payment, download a file or log into a system or account, take a moment to stop and think. CHALLENGE Could it be fake? Verify all details directly with the company or organisation on a known phone number or in person first. PROTECT If you believe you’ve been targeted by BEC follow your organisations procedures for reporting phishing emails. If necessary contact your bank immediately on a number you know to be correct. If you’ve been a victim of Cyber Crime please report to the Police Scotland by calling 101. For more information on what phishing is and what you can do about it please visit the Police Scotland website https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/internet-safety/ or other trusted partners such as Get Safe Online, Take Five or NCSC.