'the imjin' magazine Autumn 2019 | Page 23

Fakes news Protect yourself from scams or fraud with this 10-point plan Get Fresh Find out what your local community has to offer at the Imjin Station Freshers’ Fair – and discover the societies, clubs and sports available to you here in the Gloucester area. The event will be held in the Station Officers’ Mess on Wednesday 4 September, from 10am - 2pm. It’s an opportunity to meet representatives from local councils, schools, community police, colleges, and vets, as well as clubs and societies, including the ARRC International Club. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you’ve just arrived at Gloucester or you’ve been posted here for a while. For more details check the Welfare Office Facebook group Innsworth Station Community There are many words used to describe fraud: Scam, con, swindle, extortion, sham, double-cross, hoax, cheat, ploy, ruse, hoodwink, confidence trick. And although fraud and cybercrime comes in many forms, there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself. 5. Take Credit – You should regularly get a copy of your credit file and check it for entries you don’t recognise. Callcredit, Equifax and Experian can all provide your credit file. 6. Let Rip – Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your card details on and post with your name and address on. Identity fraudsters don’t need much information in order to be able to clone your identity. 7. It’s a steal – If you receive bills, invoices or receipts for things that you haven’t bought, or financial institutions you don’t normally deal with or contact you about outstanding debts, take action. Your identity may have been stolen. 1. Name Game – Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, e-mail or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials. 8. Big Deal – Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or emails offering you business deals out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always question it. 2. Easy PC – Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security and monitoring to prevent malware issues and computer crimes. 9. False Friends - If you have been a victim of fraud, be aware of fraud recovery fraud. This is when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a law enforcement officer and tell you they can help you recover the money you’ve already lost. 3. Phish Farm – Many frauds start with a phishing e-mail. Remember that banks and financial institutions will not send you an e-mail asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details. Do not trust such messages, even if they look genuine. 10. Take Advice – If you need advice about fraud or cyber crime visit the Gloucestershire Constabulary website www.gloucestershirepolice.uk or contact ‘Action Fraud’ on www.actionfraud.police. uk Telephone 0300 123 2040. 4. Card Trick – Sign-up to ‘Verified by Visa’ or ‘MasterCard Secure Code’ whenever you are given the option while shopping online. This adds an additional layer of security to online transactions with signed-up retailers. Discounted tickets for local attractions available from the Welfare Office REALLY WILD The Welfare Office is pleased to announce a new attraction has been added to their discounted tickets scheme – The All Things Wild Nature Centre, near Evesham in Worcestershire. All Things Wild opened in March 2012 with the aim of providing an all-weather, year-round family attraction and allow people of all ages to enjoy the amazing things that nature can bring. From running bug hunting and pond dipping sessions in a wild meadow, to getting up close to some of our amazing animals, the centre offers a diverse range of activities. With animals, dinosaurs, a fantastic soft play barn and indoor and outdoor play areas throughout, there’s fun for all the family, all year round, whatever the weather. Discounted tickets for All Things Wild are available for £12 for a family of four. NEW All Things Wild near Evesham, WR11 7QZ www.allthingswild.co.uk Bristol Aquarium Bristol, BT1 5TT www.bristolaquarium.co.uk Bristol Zoo Clifton, BS8 3HA www.bristolzoo.org.uk Cattle Country Adventure Park Berkeley, GL13 9EW www.cattlecountry.co.uk Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk WWT Slimbridge Slimbridge, GL2 7BT wwt.wwt.org.uk/wetlands- centres/slimbridge Innsworth Station Welfare Office has discounted tickets for the above local attractions, at £10 family ticket (£12 for All Things Wild) and £2.50 individual. Tickets are booked and paid for in advance, through the Welfare Office. TICKETS CANNOT BE RESERVED OR BOOKED OVER THE TELEPHONE. Booked tickets are collected from the Welfare Office (Monday - Friday), or Station Guardroom (weekends and Stand Downs), on the morning of your visit, and returned to the Guardroom that evening. Check the attraction website for their latest events, as well as for any additional event costs and other information. For further information contact Welfare Office 01452 362550 (extension 4550) or [email protected] the imjin AUTUMN 2019 23