Message from Devon and Cornwall Police 28.07.17

Police are warning the public to be aware of online scams and false online links.

This follows an incident recently whereby a 14 year old had an alert pop up on their mobile phone informing them that the phone had been hacked and they needed to phone the “Apple Support” number. The number provided was 0800 680 0156 - this is NOT APPLE SUPPORT so please do not contact this number.

Following this, a number of links to pornographic websites were sent out, which is obviously distressing for such a young individual. Therefore, please do not click on any links that you have not requested or are sure are safe and do not call any numbers as directed. Instead phone Apple support directly on their official number which can be found on their website.

If you have fallen foul of this, then ensure that you clear your browser history, log out of any active sessions on any social media sites and change all passwords for sites and email addresses.

Further help and advice can be found online on the Devon and Cornwall Police website and the Action Fraud website.

Missing Person Gavin Heywood

This is a message sent via Devon and Cornwall Alert. This information has been sent on behalf of Devon and Cornwall Police

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Message sent by

Natasha Radford (Police, Community Messaging Officer, Devon and Cornwall)

There are increasing concerns for a local Exeter man who has not been seen for a number of weeks.

Gavin is described as a white man in his late 30s, 5ft 6ins tall, of average build, shaved head, short grey beard, possibly walking with a limp.

His current whereabouts are not known and was last seen on 26th May.

Gavin is known to frequent the mid and south Devon areas as well as Exeter.

There are increasing concerns for his safety and that he may be in need medical attention.

Anyone who has information or knowledge of the whereabouts of Gavin, is asked to please contact the police on 999 quoting log number 1065 for 26 May 2017.

                                                                                

This is a message sent via Devon and Cornwall Alert. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)


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Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and Action Fraud have recently noticed a rise in the reporting of pets, and in particular puppies and kittens, being advertised for sale via popular online auction websites. The fraudsters will place an advert of the pet for sale, often claiming that the pet is currently held somewhere less accessible or overseas. Upon agreement of a sale, the suspect will usually request an advance payment by money transfer or bank transfer. However, the pet does not materialise and the fraudster will subsequently ask for further advanced payments for courier charges, shipping fees and additional transportation costs. Even if further payments are made, the pet will still not materialise as it is likely to not exist.

Tips to staying safe when purchasing pets:

• Stay within auction guidelines.
• Be cautious if the seller initially requests payment via one method, but later claims that due to ‘issues with their account’ they will need to take the payment via an alternative method such as a bank transfer.
• Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with the number/email address online.
• Request details of the courier company being used and consider researching it.
• Agree a suitable time to meet face-to-face to agree the purchase and to collect the pet. If the seller is reluctant to meet then it could be an indication that the pet does not exist.
• A genuine seller should be keen to ensure that the pet is going to a caring and loving new home. If the seller does not express any interest in you and the pet’s new home, be wary.
• If you think the purchase price is too good to be true then it probably is, especially if the pet is advertised as a pure-breed.
• Do not be afraid to request copies of the pet’s inoculation history, breed paperwork and certification prior to agreeing a sale. If the seller is reluctant or unable to provide this information it could be an indication that either the pet does not exist or the pet has been illegally bred e.g. it originates from a ‘puppy farm’. A ‘puppy farm’ is a commercial dog breeding enterprise where the sole aim is to maximise profit for the least investment. Commercial dog breeders must be registered with their local authority and undergo regular inspections to ensure that the puppies are bred responsibly and are in turn fit and healthy. Illegally farmed puppies will often be kept in inadequate conditions and are more likely to suffer from ailments and illnesses associated with irresponsible breeding.
• When thinking of buying a pet, consider buying them in person from rescue centres or from reputable breeders.
• If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

CR-54641-17 Theft of Pedal Cycle with full Pannier

This is a message sent via Devon and Cornwall Alert. This information has been sent on behalf of Devon and Cornwall Police (Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message) Message sent by Shirley Craft (Police, Community Messaging Officer, Devon & Cornwall) This message relates to CR/54641/17. Police received a report of the theft of a Women’s Hybrid Mountain pedal cycle with pannier containing computer equipment and a purse/wallet. This occurred between the swing bridge and doublelock gates on Canal Bank in Exeter 2015-2115hrs yesterday Wednesday 5thJuly. Anyone with information regarding the theft or whereabouts of this cycle and pannier contents  is asked to email101@dc.police.uk, call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting CR/54641/17. Thank you Please use the buttons below or click these links to Reply to,Rate or Forward this message. Do not reply or forward using your standard email functions.

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