October News Round-Up

Review consultation findings and recommendations are being presented to Worcestershire County Council Cabinet on Thursday 27 October 2022.

In summary, the paper recommends that Cabinet agrees on a commitment to support a collective change of age range to align schools in the Pershore Education Planning Area (EPA) to a single, two-tier (primary and secondary) system of education.

This decision is subject to a number of conditions including confirmation of a successful business case to HM Treasury by the Department of Education, which proposes funding an expansion at Pershore High School to accommodate all Year 7 Pershore pupils being included in the Schools Rebuilding Programme.

The papers for Cabinet are now live and can be viewed online on the Worcestershire County Council website – Item 7 on the Agenda.

Link: Pershore Education Area Review

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Wychavon Newsletter

Including news on:

Work finishes on £2 million cycle hub, Wychavon Residents Survey, Major discovery unearthed near Evesham and more.

Link: Wychavon Newsletter

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West Mercia Police – Newsletter

The Commissioner’s newsletter is published monthly and provides a round-up of the latest stories, events and issues in West Mercia.

Link : Police Newsletter

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Fraud Update – The Rising Cost of Living

We are all very aware of the current rising cost of living and no more so than the Scammers and Fraudsters who prey on the public’s emotions with tempting offers of rebates, discounts and prize awards. It is quite likely that these will be on the increase in the coming months.

At over one-third of the reported crime, Fraud is extremely high in the number of reported crimes in the region. Even more worryingly, the number of Frauds and Scams may be much higher as many victims are too ashamed or embarrassed to report the crime.

Never be afraid to report any such Frauds immediately to Action Fraud at the contact details at the foot of this message.
Whilst everyone wants to make savings, our awareness must be raised to the many and various, very authentic looking e-mails and texts, as the Fraudsters up their game in light of the current crisis.
For example, Scammers are taking advantage of the cost of living crisis and impersonating energy providers in very authentic-looking emails to trick people into sharing their details.

A typical example of a current circulating scam comes from British Gas offering an energy bill rebate of £315.

• The email looks genuine as it uses the British Gas logo and brand and may even contain the account number
• However, it is not addressed to the account holder, only the email address of the customer
• British Gas will always address you by your full name or surname, and will never ask you to confirm or provide personal details via an email
• Always check such emails for spelling and grammar errors, and check out the sender’s email address to make sure it is, as listed, on the company website or on any invoices you have
• Finally, never click on any links within such emails. The email may not ask for cash, but sharing your details may open the door for scammers to access your bank accounts

Whilst this is just one example, the tricks and ploys used by Scammers are many and various, as highlighted in previous messages.
Examples of other fake messages circulation at the moment include the following:

• An email claiming to be from OFGEM claiming the recipient is due a refund; OFGEM would never make such an offer and the email address of the sender info@rebate-ogem.com is fake.
• Phone Calls claiming to be from your local authority asking for bank details to make payments for Energy Rebates or Household Support Funds. Local Authorities will never ask for such details over the phone.
• Fake parcel delivery messages claiming to be from genuine Parcel Delivery services, with clickable links to make a payment of a delivery charge or provide personal details – never be tempted to “Click”
• A plethora of fake money-saving schemes such as food giveaways and fuel gift cards

Finally, as people search for bargains through online second-hand sales sites they become easy targets by paying for items which never arrive or even exist.
Research the seller first, then try and pay by credit card where possible or select another secure method of payment that protects the payer.

IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED
OR DO NOT RECOGNISE THE CONTACT
Take Five To Stop Fraud

• STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

• CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

• PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam