SCAM Alert

Quite a variety for this month – both local and national.

1. Latest scam highlighted by Which? Scammers are impersonating the Financial Conduct Authority. The regulator has warned that it will never ask for money or sensitive banking information such as PINS and passwords.
2. Again from Which? Here are the five international area codes from the Caribbean and West African areas which you should never answer; 876(Jamaica), 473(Grenada), 284(BVI), 268(Antigua), and 649 (Turks and Caicos). The general rule is to avoid unfamiliar international numbers that use the +1 country code as these are often associated with scams.
3. Latest UK scams in 2026 feature AI powered deepfake voice calls, fake courier/bank impersonations, and screen sharing app fraud. Other common threats include bogus job offers on social media, parking machine card skimmers and phishing emails regarding Netflix, British Gas, or tax refunds.

Before I have to go and lie down, there are just a couple more local incidents to report:

1. We have recently had visits from collectors on behalf of the Great Ormond Street Childrens Hospital. (GOSH). Whilst this is not the first time door-door-fundraising, we have checked with the charity concerned who have confirmed that the collectors are legitimate, but it’s wise to always check their id, or refer to their website www.gosh.org/about-us/our-fundraising
2. Finally, information from one of our colleagues concerning Microsoft. They have been sent numerous messages all with different fake email addresses purporting to come from Microsoft, concerning improved security and the retiring of older versions. Do not click onto the site address given for an update – it’s all a scam.
3. Between the rain, potholes and English rugby, life is not good. We will survive!

Peter Hine, Watch co-ord, Gower and Burdrop. Tel : 788 830