159
Contact your bank
If you believe you have shared banking information or been tricked into making a payment, contact your bank through a trusted route. The supplied advice recommends calling 159.
Call 159Home / Safety Advice / Scams & Fraud
Furzedown Safer Neighbourhood Panel
Scams & Fraud
Recognise common scams, protect your information and know what to do quickly if you think you have been targeted.
If something feels wrong
Act quickly, but do not panic.
If you have given away bank details, passwords or access to a device, take action straight away and use a trusted route to contact the organisation concerned.
Never rely on the number, link or contact details provided by a suspicious caller, text or email.
End the contact, take a moment, then verify independently using a number or website you know is genuine.
7726
Suspicious text
Forward suspicious text messages to 7726. On a phone keypad, 7726 spells “SPAM”.
Forward to 7726Email
Phishing email
Forward suspicious emails to the phishing-report address provided in the advice, then delete the message.
report@phishing.gov.ukReport
Fraud, calls, websites & adverts
The August 2026 advice directs residents to Report Fraud online or by phone for scam calls, suspicious websites/adverts and online fraud losses.
reportfraud.police.ukMost advice on this page is based on the Panel's August 2026 scam and personal-safety briefing. The fact-checking guidance is an additional resident-information resource. Contact details can change, so use official websites to verify information where appropriate.
Recognise the warning signs
Common scams residents should watch for.
Scammers often create urgency, fear or excitement so that you act before checking. A convincing name, logo, caller ID or knowledge of personal information is not proof that the contact is genuine.
🏦
Bank impersonation
Do not disclose your PIN or passwords to an unsolicited caller. If you think you have done so, stop the conversation and contact your bank independently.
👮
Police impersonation
Be suspicious of callers claiming to be undercover police and asking you to move money, withdraw cash or take unusual financial action.
💻
Tech-support scams
Do not let an unsolicited caller install software or take control of your computer, tablet or phone because they claim it has a virus or security problem.
🧾
HMRC / tax refund
Treat unexpected messages about refunds, underpayments or urgent tax action with caution. Verify through an official route rather than the contact details in the message.
🔗
Fake links & websites
Do not click unexpected links. Check the actual web address carefully and independently navigate to the organisation's official website.
🎁
Prizes, compensation & “free gifts”
Unexpected winnings, compensation offers and unusually generous gifts can be used to obtain card details, passwords or personal information.
💷
Council Tax refund
Be cautious if someone says your band is wrong or that you are owed a refund and then asks for banking information. End the contact and verify separately.
👴
Pension & investment offers
Unexpected pension, investment or crypto approaches should be checked carefully. Do not make decisions under pressure.
🤖
AI-powered scams
AI can make messages, voices and phishing attempts more convincing. Slow down and verify, especially when someone asks for money, passcodes or private information.
🔎
Viral posts & false warnings
Before forwarding a viral warning, dramatic claim or image, pause and check whether it is genuine. Old, misleading or completely false posts are often reshared without a reliable date or source. Be especially cautious of messages telling you to “share this with everyone”. If you cannot verify it, do not forward it.
Examples highlighted in the August 2026 briefing
The source notes scam messages impersonating organisations or brands such as ParkingEye, B&Q, Nationwide, TV Licensing, Currys and Amazon. These are examples rather than a complete or permanent list.
Remote-access warning
Do not give a stranger control of your device.
Tech-support scammers may ask you to install legitimate remote-access software so they can see or control your screen.
Software named in the August 2026 briefing
The source specifically warns residents to be cautious if a scammer asks them to install software such as:
- ConnectWise ScreenConnect
- AnyDesk
- TeamViewer
- Atera Agent
- Splashtop
- NetSupport Manager
- MeshAgent
- RustDesk
- Quick Assist
- FleetDeck
If you installed remote-access software during a suspected scam, the briefing advises removing it, running a full anti-virus/malware check and changing passwords.
Cold calls, texts & messages
Stop. Think. Verify.
1 — StopDo not provide passwords, PINs, passcodes or bank details to an unsolicited contact.
2 — ThinkUrgency is a common tactic. Give yourself time before taking action.
3 — VerifyUse a trusted number, app or official website that you find independently.
Reduce unwanted calls
The briefing recommends the free Telephone Preference Service (TPS) for reducing unsolicited sales and marketing calls, plus blocking repeated nuisance numbers and using caller ID where available.
WhatsApp contacts
If an unsolicited WhatsApp contact appears suspicious, the briefing advises opening the contact details and using WhatsApp's report/block controls.
Do not use a private community group to report crime. Use 999 in an emergency or the appropriate police reporting route.
Useful organisations
Where to get advice and report concerns.
These organisations and routes were included in the August 2026 briefing. Use the official websites for current opening times and contact details.
Citizens Advice
Consumer and scam advice.
citizensadvice.org.uk0808 223 1133
Citizens Advice Merton & Lambeth
Local Citizens Advice service.
caml.org.uk0808 278 7831
Age UK
Scams and fraud information, including advice for older people.
Age UK scams & fraud0800 678 1602
ScamAdviser
A website-checking resource mentioned in the briefing for online shopping, investment, crypto, romance, employment and subscription concerns.
scamadviser.comWhich? scam alerts
The briefing recommends signing up for Which? scam alerts and checking its latest warnings.
act.which.co.ukStop! Think Fraud / NCSC
Government fraud-prevention information referenced by the briefing.
gov.uk/stopthinkfraudReport Fraud
Reporting route listed for scam calls, suspicious websites/adverts and online fraud losses.
reportfraud.police.uk0300 123 2040
Neighbourhood Watch cyber advice
Cybercrime information from OurWatch.
Cyberhood WatchFurzedown SNP
For community-safety concerns, local patterns and membership enquiries — not crime reporting.
furzedownsnt@yahoo.comRelated safety information
More help on this website.
The August 2026 source also contains home security, personal safety and domestic-abuse information. Those topics sit within the wider safety pages rather than duplicating them here.