Stay Safe Online
New free app protects your phone from scam calls
Call Protect is a free spam and robo call blocker with automatic Caller ID tool that safeguards you against known telemarketers, robo-callers, scammers, surveys, spammers, and other unwanted callers. With Call Protect, you can have peace of mind while it silently works for you to reduce the number of unsolicited phone calls you receive.
Call Protect maintains the latest list of active spam and robo callers which is monitored and updated in real-time. Each time you activate Call Protect this list is updated onto your device. High risk numbers identified as harmful are automatically blocked; whilst other, potentially harmful numbers, are added onto your phone with their caller ID information containing a warning message. This alerts you when you receive a phone call from suspicious callers. Call Protect is free but also offers additional features for a small monthly fee.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/call-protect-robo-blocker/id1357820531
Which? Warn of loan fee fraud
Which? report that cases of loan fee fraud are up by a fifth compared to last year. It’s a scam where a fraudster asks you for an upfront fee, usually between £25 and £450, in order to take out a non-existent loan. They usually target people who have been searching for loans online.
If you are looking for a loan – always check the legitimacy of the lender by using the FCA’s website to ensure they are registered www.fca.org.uk
Email scam
If you receive an email like this, just ignore it. You don’t have suspended emails and if you click on the attachment it is likely to get you to reveal your password or instal a virus – or both.
If you have been affected by a scam – help is out there – Victim Support has a free confidential helpline 0808 168 9111 and so does Mind 0300 123 3393.
Sign up for Which? Scam alerts: https://campaigns.which.co.uk/scam-alert-service/
Find details of recent scams here: www.actionfraud.police.uk
Published in the January edition of the Whitchurch Gossip