Helpful Notices

March 2026

Community Cars
Community cars journeys are provided for those who unable to use public transfer due to mobility issues or ill health. The scheme is run by Watford and Three Rivers Support services which runs from Monday to Friday; with occasional transport on request, in the evening and weekends. They accept booking requests from individuals as well as referrals from family members, carers and professionals. There is information to be given before booking: Tel 01923 216950.
There is a charge of 65p Per mile, regardless of the purpose of your journey, from the start to the end of the driver's journey, usually their home address. A minim um charge of £5 will be applied for journeys.
You can also contact Community Transport Hertfordshire on 01462 689402 for more information.
Local Transport
The 757 bus which runs from Bricket Wood to Luton Airport or into London, is free to use with your English National Bus Pass Scheme as Hertfordshire County Council subsidise it.

Peter Taylor Newsletter from 6th March
March 21st, 6:00 PM, Watford Phoenix Choir Spring Concert at Saint Mary's Church.
March 25th, 7:45pm, Clocks to Green Community Choir and orchestra present a Mass in Troubled Times at Holy Rood Church.
Contact 078582101 between 6-8pm or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thursday 17th March from 6.30-8.30pm at the Pump House Theatre a River Colne Art Exhibition. Discover artwork inspired by the river, cold, wildlife, history, memories and environmental importance created by talented local artists of all ages and abilities. From painting and photography to sculpture and mixed media, the exhibition offers a diverse range of pieces with something for everyone to enjoy. Come along, be inspired, and celebrate the river through art.

February 2026

Articles from Mayor Peter Taylor newsletter.

Love to dance free trial sessions. Holywell Community Centre, Fridays, 12:30 to 2:30 PM.
The Saracen Foundation House Weekly Friday Dance class is designed to help older adults get active and socialise. Join a fun, relaxed and welcoming session where you can move to music, enjoy yourself and to meet new people.
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Rennie Grove Leavesden Green Community Hub 16th February 2-4pm contact to book a place.

Rennie Grove and Bridgewater surgeries have organised a free community event where you can explore care options in the open and supportive space. You can learn about advanced care planning and support is available from your local Hospice Rennie Grove Peace. Ask a question or chat with professionals in a relaxed setting. The event will include input from Doctor Hannah Cowling, (Bridgewater Surgeries) and Dr. Sarah Klinger. Rennie Grove. Peace.) Attendance is free but prior booking is recommended.
E-mail. Fund This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel 01442809222

Portraits of Herbert von Herkimer exhibition. Bushey Museum and Art Gallery. Until the 26th of July. 2026.
Bushey Museum and Art Gallery is delighted to announce an exciting new exhibition. The portraits of Herbert von Herkimer, which promises to be one of its most compelling shows to date. The exhibition brings together Herkimer's large scale public portraits of the great and the good of Victorian England. Alongside more intimate works depicting his family and local characters offering a fascinating contrast between public grandeur and private life. The exhibition is free to attend, with complementary parking available at the rear of the building.

The museum of Watford has a tour within our community. Visit North Watford Library between 1-3.30pm to make sock teddy, create Valentine’s card and discover quirky love traditions from Watford past.

Healthy Hub Three Rivers, free help and advice. Pop into your local Healthy Hub. Rickmansworth Three Rivers District Council. Oxhey Libray South Oxhey. To find out times and dates of specific services are available, visit www.threerivers.gov.uk/healthyhub

for a wide range of support and services from Mill End Methodist Church, Abbots Langley Citizens Advice.
To contact the Healthy Hub, call 01923727239. Or e-mail. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How to add emergency contact
This article is now on the u3a web site in Community.
If you have any other local community events you think members would be interested, please let me know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Regards
Linda Wood
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Watford Pancake Race, 17th February 2026
Watford will be flipping pancakes for a great cause at the Watford Pancake Race. The highlights include a special appearance from Harry the Hornet, after-race refreshments at the Library café, and pancakes provided by the West Herts College. All funds raised will support Watford Mencap’s work with children and adults with learning disabilities as well as Watford Community Trust.

Hertfordshire Museum Object of the Year contest.
Voting is now open in Hertfordshire Association of Museums’ “Objects of the Year” contest. The Museum of Watford has entered a watercolour by JMW Turner, (1775 - 1851) depicting the south-west angle of Cassiobury House. Have a look at the shortlisted objects and show your support by voting for our entry. Voting closes on 22nd February.

How to set up emergency contacts on Android?
Easy guide.
Did you know that you can create emergency contacts in your Android even if your phone is locked? You can quickly dial the number to contact a person set up as an in case of emergency ICE. Or an emergency number. You can either download an app offered by Google to create this system, or you can use built-in tools to designate emergency contacts. Read on to learn more.
Easily add emergency contacts on Android. Emergency contents can be quickly dialled from your lock screen without having to unlock your phone.
You can add or manage your emergency contacts in the Contact app.
Using settings or Pixels, Personal Safety app also allows you to enter medical information such as your organ donation status, blood type and. Allergens.
Using the Contact app.
1.Open the Contacts app. The Contact app generally has an icon that resembles People or address Book. If you have the Google Contact app, you'll need to add Emergency Contact in the setting menu.
2.Tap groups. It's below favourites and before the alphabetical list starts.
3. Tap Emergency Contact. It's the first option on the list, next to icon of a phone and the letters SOS. A list of current emergency contacts will appear.
4. TaP emergency contact, it's near the bottom of the screen, your local emergency number. Like 911 or 112 Can't be changed or removed.
5. Tap contact you want to add. The contact picture will show a check mark to indicate that it is selected. Tap the contact again to remove it.
6. Tap Done. This saves the contact to your list of emergency contacts.
If you want more than the local emergency number to appear on your locked screen, tap the toggle next to Show Lock Screen to turn it on. Tap the toggle Next to Share during emergency calls and texts. If you want to share your emergency contacts and medical information with emergency services, you can call or text.
Remember that your emergency contacts can be dialled from your lock screen without having to unlock your phone. If you're looking at a locked Android, you'll see an option to make an emergency call and tapping that will show you.

Settings.
1. Open the Settings app. Generally the settings are has an icon that resembles a gear. Tap the icon in your app drawer to open it.
2 Navigate to the Safety and Emergency menu option. This might be in a different place based on the manufacturer, but you could also find it by searching Safety and Emergency in the menu. To Search Tap the magnifying glass icon and enter Safety and Emergency, then tap the first search result.
3. Medical info. This is where you can find information like what you're allergic to and your blood type.
4. Tap and enter any permanent information for emergency workers to know. You want to include stuff like your name, medical condition, allergies, and current meds. The pencil icon will allow you to edit the current information.
5. Tap Save. When someone looks at your phone, they can tap the emergency call button and tap your profile icon to see that medical information.
Tips. When you place an emergency call on your phone, all numbers are unblocked temporarily. You'll see an icon in the notification bar that signifies this. Swipe down to open that notification if you want to allow blocking again. Calls are unblocked, just in case you blocked an emergency number from calling you.
References.
1.https:// support. google. com/ android/ answer/ 9319337?sjid=24486850681143074-NC
2.https:// support.google.com. / Pixel Phone/ Answer. / 7055029?sjid= 244864685068. 1143074.NC zippy=, use-the-personal- Safety- App, add- Emergency. - Info.- To the personal safety app.
3. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-add-emergency-info-to-your-phones-lock-screen

 

Peter Taylor's weekly newsletter 9/01/26
Watford Commuters are being unfairly penalised by an outdated and expensive Fair system. Journeys from Watford station to London are among the most expensive in the region. This simply isn't fair. He's asking. People from Watford. to Sign a petition. To make Watford. A Zone 6 this fairer and simpler solution that would cut travel costs and put money back into local people's pockets. He's asking you to back his campaign to put pressure on TF L to rezone Watford Junction and other stations in our town.
Free community fun day at Woodside Leisure Centre on the 17th of January. Free Activity Day at Woodside Leisure Centre Enjoy a fun packed day of free activities for all ages and interests. Activities on the day include a gym challenge, everyone active, brand new group exercise classes, family swim, bouncy castle, Active Ants session, face painting, and much more. Don't miss out and try something new in 2026. You do need to book to get your free spot.
Women Well in this morning. Holywell Centre, 18th of January at 10:30. The Effect is packed with healthy welcome drink on arrival and an uplifting Afrobeat dance class. A short talk on the simple workout Life's balances. A deeply relaxing guided meditation and an immersive live sound bath. Focusing on Wellness, self-care and positive energy offers a great opportunity to connect with other women, gaining practical well-being tips and enjoy a relaxing and uplifting shared experience. Don't miss out by booking your spot today.
Support W Herts Hospital. Charity and win big. West Herts Hospital Charity are celebrating 3 decades of caring for our community. They're inviting our local community to join the celebration by entering their biggest raffle yet, with 30 incredible prizes up for grabs including holidays, luxury experiences, vouchers and exclusive days out. There's never been a better time to give back and win something amazing.
Top prizes include a Haven Park holiday for up to six people, a £500 at Laser Skin Group voucher, Harry Potter Studio Tour to get for a family of four and Aspire Experience and restaurant vouchers, events, tickets and more. Tickets are just 2 lbs in every ticket will buy. Help space vital funds for West Herts Hospital Charity directing, supporting patients, staff and services at your local hospitals.
Weekly coffee morning, Saint Mary's Church every Thursday, 9:30 to 11:30. Saint Mary's Church is restarting its weekly Thursday coffee morning for 2026 During the term time. Pop in and enjoy a warm cup of biscuits or coffee to start your day. This is a great opportunity to connect with friends and meet new people in the local community. Everyone is welcome at their friendly church.
Tina Lakes Coffee and Cakes opens at Watford Pump House. Tina Lakes Coffee and Cakes is a new cafe and art exhibition space now open at Watford Pump House. The venue has been created as a vibrant and inclusive creative space where people can relax and enjoy coffee and cake while experience art. Alongside refreshments, the space hosts a programme of regular rotating art, an exhibition with opportunities to meet artists and take part in workshops. They've also started the year with updating opening times, making the space more accessible to the whole community.

 

Community Report November 2025

Community call by Watford Rotary Club at Saint Mary's Church. In Watford. Starts the 31st of October from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Watford Rotary Club have partnered up with Bradfield Community care to launch a brand-new community cafe in our town? Every fortnight, everyone is welcome to drop in for a friendly chat over a cup of coffee or tea. This relaxed and welcoming space offers you a great chance to catch up with friends, meet others, make new friends. For more information about the new initiative, please call 019236. 24674
Neighbourhood policing and crime prevention information store. In the Harlequin on the 11th of November from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Watford Neighbourhood Policing team will be holding a crime prevention event in the Harlequin to connect with residents and hear your concerns. Officers will be available to discuss neighbourhood policing and any issue affecting you or. Local communities, don't miss this opportunity to meet your local officers, share your views, and learn more about what your local police force is doing to keep our communities safe. Find them outside M&S on the upper floor.
These come from Peter Taylor, mayor of Watford. In his weekly. Newsletter. You can have it to delivered. To your e-mail box. By contacting him This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
These were in his newsletter last week if you hear of any other item, you would like us to report please let me know.
Linda
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Parking update 12th June 2025
Written by Alice Campion Senior Writer at Confused.com
Parking is changing in the UK. There's a new government app that aims, to make paying for parking simpler for people, also saves you downloading another one of the 30 existing apps zapping your phone storage.
But with the technology shifting towards more app-based payments, there's more opportunity for scammers to strike.
Parking scams almost double in a year.
Quashing, there's no doubt that apps are becoming the main way to pay for parking. This means there's more opportunity for scammers. Quashing is on the rise. This is where fraudsters place a fake QR code. That's why it's called quashing
When you scan the QR code, it takes you to a site where you enter your payment details. Some of these websites are sophisticated, so it's likely to be a convincing copy of a regular car parking site.
Once you enter your details, you're stuck. Not only have you paid the fraudster, but it is likely you'll get a parking fine too.
Fake phone calls and text messages.
Some scammers send fake penalty charges notice by text.
These claim that you owe money or penalties for parking. Usually, they have a link. Where you input your personal information.
How to avoid parking scams?
If you're at a car park, be suspicious of QR codes on payment machines or signposts. You should also check that it's not been stuck over a legitimate code.
If there's an app option, use the app if you have it already, or download it from your App Store.
If you can't do either of these, use cash or card to pay. You do not have to use a QR code, make sure you check the URL.(a shortening link) It should include HTTPS. Rather than HP. Also, look for spelling errors on the site itself. If it looks strange at all, leave the site.
It's always a good idea to report any suspicious payments to your bank, and if you've noticed a scam like this in your local car park, report it to the council or car park owner if it's private.
Usually, Penalty charges are sent on paper and include instructions on how to pay or appeal it, so be wary of any claiming you have a PCN.
Check the phone number. Avoid anything that has an unknown phone number. Also, look for unusual URL ‘S in the text message. If it's shortened or suspicious, don't click it. If you are at all suspicious, call the company that owns the car park. They can confirm if you have a parking fine or not. If you think you're receiving a scam text, forward the text to 7726.
A one size Fits All Parking app aims to make parking simpler for drivers.
We've all pulled up at a car park and either fumbled about to find the right change or try to work out which of the 30 yes really parking apps we need to download to pay. Frustrating, isn't it? Well, the government is collaborating with the British Parking Association and popular parking app manufacturers like Just Park, Pay by Phone and Ringo to develop the national parking platform NPP.
This is one size fits all up that should work at participating car parks. The announcement mentions that it comes at no cost to the taxpayer, so that's nice too. The government isn't launching another app that you need to Download You can use your preferred app to park if it's approved. According to Auto express, the top parking apps are:
Apply Parking.
Ring Go.
Just Park.
The parking sector is working with councils to run the platform on a not-for-profit basis and there are clear terms it needs to follow. According to the government, the NPP should be Transparent, sustainable and have value for the public. The government will keep a close eye on this and make sure the sector follows these terms.
So far, the app has been rolled out in 10 local authorities. These include Manchester. Liverpool, Peterborough, Coventry City councils. Oxfordshire county councils.
Around 476 locations in these 10 councils' areas are using the app. It handles over half a million transactions a month.
The next step for the initiative is get more local authorities, private car parks on board .But this could take some time as connecting up thousands of councils and privately owned parking sites into the system is a big task.
These a few places you can’t park from the highway code 239-247
The Highway Code laid it 18 places where you can't park.
There is school entrance.
Yellow lines in some circumstances.
Where the curb is lowered to help people with disabilities.
On the cycle track. Anywhere that might prevent access for emergency services.
At or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank.
On a bend. On the approach to a level crossing.
Opposite or within 10 meters, 32 feet of a junction, except in an authorized parking space.
Where you might force other traffic to enter a tram lane.
In front of an entrance to a property.
Where you might obstruct cyclists or cycle facilities.
On the carriageway, an emergency area or a hard shoulder of a motorway, except in an emergency.
On a pedestrian crossing, this includes the area marked by zigzag lines.
On a clear way.
On an urban clearway within its hours of operation, except to pick up and drop off passengers.
There is more to this article but thought this would be enough to start with.
Thank to Marion Thorpe for forwarding this article to me.
Linda Wood1

 Updated 28 August 2025

May 2025

Beware. Bank scam!

I’ve received this information from a neighbour who had a call on her landline from a man who said he was from the police, investigating fraud on her current account. He asked her to check she had all her bank cards and gave his name and badge number, he then told her to call on her landline 999 to check he was legitimate. She did this and allegedly got through to 999 who then put her through to the police who confirmed he worked for the police fraud squad. They then transferred me back to him. He then said to call the number on the back of her card on my landline. She did this and spoke to someone who said he was from NatWest fraud who confirmed her card had been used that morning. He asked for her PIN number so they could close the account. Luckily, she rang her daughter on her mobile while all this was going on who told her to end the call and ring the bank from her mobile phone, who confirmed there had been no fraudulent activity on her account. Clearly the fraudster had never disconnected the landline call, so although she thought she was ringing new numbers she was only ever speaking to a team of fraudsters. 

I’ve also heard about calls to your mobile where they are claiming to be from fraud departments trying to get you to divulge information about your accounts.

Please remember the bank will never ask you for any specific details about your accounts or passwords/pin numbers for cards.

DO NOT CLICK ON LINKS

It has been reported that Herts residents have received messages claiming to be from Hertfordshire Constabulary, warning people about a scam at petrol stations involving contactless payment panels on pumps being ‘drilled’. 

 

This message is not from Hertfordshire Constabulary, please do not click on any links as this may make you or your device vulnerable to being compromised and/or defrauded.

 

Apple users beware fake iCloud storage emails

iCloud is Apple’s storage service, which allows customers to store photos, files, passwords and other data online. But scammers are impersonating Apple, sending fake emails claiming your storage is full, your payment method is outdated or that there's suspicious activity on your account. Their aim is to rush you into clicking on dodgy links in the email, where they'll try to steal your personal and financial details. I have actually had an email and it looked genuine, but it wasn’t!

OPALS Event at the Meriden Community Centre on Tuesday 17th June 2025. An OPALS (Older Persons Activity Learning and Safety) event is taking place on Tuesday 17th June at 10.00am at the Meriden Community Centre, Garsmouth Way, Watford, WD25 9ET. The aim of the OPALS event is to provide quality information, advice and help available within the local community on a wide range of services available to reduce vulnerability of our senior citizens, to provide reassurance, safe and wellbeing support and reduce loneliness. If you feel that you know someone who would benefit from the event, then please pass this message on to them. All event guests will be seated and served refreshments and a FREE hot meal, representatives from a variety of agencies will give advice and the services they offer. It is a sociable event, and a great opportunity to meet other residents in the local area. Agencies not giving talks will have stalls that you can visit, to get advice, collect some safety related information and freebies. The event lasts around 4 hours, please arrive on time to ensure you do not miss out on the speakers or freebies on offer. “Act of Kindness” bags will be handed out at the end of the event. The event is targeted to our elderly citizens, if you would like to attend, please contact Terry Morris, on 07740 670 642 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with names and contact information, spaces are limited so if you don’t want to miss out then please reserve a space quickly. All are welcome to attend.

April 2025

We need to watch out for chancers, there are a few men in a van who are approaching people as they leave their properties and saying they are working in the area and have noticed there is an issue with their roof or another part of their property. They offer to quote for the work, please do not allow them into your property. The chances are there is nothing wrong but if you do need a tradesperson then use a reputable company not someone who approaches you or knocks at your door.

There is a way to put a contact on your phone that can be accessed even when your phone is locked. This could be very useful. 

You can buy a case for your phone that you can hang around your neck, a number of members have said they found this very useful and asked that I mentioned this to other members.

I have collected a number of posters and information about the local area (Thank you Marion) and I will continue to ask members for anything they wish to be mentioned. These will be placed on the community notice board.

We will continue until the June meeting to display the old photographs that have been uploaded to the website. After the June meeting any left photographs will be disposed of.

February 2025

United Airlines

 A scam email impersonating United Airlines

A dodgy email impersonating United Airlines tells you that you can receive an 'exclusive offer' in exchange for completing a quick survey.

The email leads to a malicious link which will try to steal your personal and financial information.

DVLA

 A scam email impersonating the DVLA

A scam email, impersonating the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), claims that you're 'overdue on your vehicle tax'.

It includes a malicious link to 'ensure your vehicle is compliant with the DVLA.'

DWP SCAM

A scam text claiming to be from 'The Department of Pension Protection' falsely tells you that you have the opportunity to apply for £300 to help towards bills during the colder weather.

The text includes a malicious link leading to a convincing copycat government website where your personal and financial information is asked for.

The government offers a Winter Fuel Payment of £200 or £300 to some people born before 23 September 1958. If you’re eligible, you would've received a letter in October or November saying how much your payment will be.

If you think you are genuinely eligible, you can check on the gov.uk website.

SUPERDRUG SCAM

A scam email which claims to be from Superdrug tells you that you can receive an Oral B electric toothbrush in exchange for answering a few questions.

The email invites you to click on a malicious link which leads to a dodgy website asking for your personal and payment information.

ANTIVIRUS SCAM

An email that claims to be from antivirus company TotalAV says that your membership has expired and provides a link to 'renew' it.

This link will most likely lead to a malicious website, designed to steal your personal and financial information or download malware to your device.

You can report scam emails to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Scam websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.

Keeping your smart phone safe

For many of us, our smartphone is an essential part of daily life – it helps us communicate, make payments on the move and store sensitive data. As a result, learning how to secure your device against threats is crucial.

1. Check for security updates

Before we start our list of actions, it's worth ensuring that your phone is running the latest security update. This protects you against vulnerabilities in the operating system (OS) that hackers could take advantage of to steal your data (including passwords).

To check if your smartphone is up to date, run through these steps:

• On iPhone– Load up Settings and choose General. Tap About to see your iOS version. You can also choose Software update to check for updates. The iPhone XR and newer models receive security updates, while earlier models do not.
• On Android – Open the Settings app and look for an option that says About phoneor similar. Tap it and look for Android version – remember that Android 10 and earlier are no longer supported. From the main Settings screen, you can also find an Update  On a Google Pixel, for example, the steps would be Settings > System > Software updates.

2. Set up Face Unlock / Fingerprint Unlock

You can technically set up a new smartphone without implementing any security measures to unlock it. That's a very risky decision, though, as anybody with access to your phone could load up apps, make calls and transfer files to other devices.

If your phone doesn't have any additional unlock protection at the moment, get it added right away. Here's how to do it:

• On iPhone– To use Face ID (available on iPhone models without a Home button), you must set a password – so let's start there. Go to Settings, then Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode.
• On Android – Go to Settings > Security and privacy> Device unlock. Tap Face and Fingerprint Unlock.

If you own an Android phone, be wary of using face unlock. A Which? investigation found how some phones can be easily fooled with a photo – and that includes recent flagships like the Samsung S24 and S24+. If in doubt, stick with a fingerprint and consult our mobile phone reviews, where we clearly point out if this is an issue.

3. Lock your online accounts with two-factor authentication

Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) only takes a few minutes, but it's a brilliant and simple way to make your online accounts extra secure.

When you attempt to access an account from a new device - for example, a Gmail or Outlook inbox - the associated website or app will send a code to your smartphone. You then have to enter the time-sensitive code before you can continue using the service.

We strongly suggest activating 2FA for every service you log in to. Doing so can stop hackers who might have obtained your password via a data breach or phishing scam from logging in.

To enable 2FA, open the app you're looking to secure and search through the account security settings. Typically, you’ll be asked to enter your mobile number, and then the service will send you a code, which you type in to confirm you want to go ahead and set it up.

For more details on online security, check in with our guide: 7 ways to secure your social media and email accounts.

4. Enable the 'Find my' service

Both iOS and Android come with free 'Find my' services pre-installed – when enabled, you can virtually locate and control your phone to stop data from falling into the wrong hands. Setting it up now will give you some peace of mind moving forward.

To set up 'Find my' on your mobile, follow these steps:

• On iPhone– Go to Settings > [your name] > Find My > Find My iPhone. Activate Find My iPhone to locate, lock or erase the gadget remotely. To use Find My iPhone from your computer, head to com/find.
• On Android – Navigate to Settings > Security or Security & location or Google > Security. You can also try typing'Find my' in the Settings search bar. Select Find My Device and activate it. Go to Settings > Location and enable it. You can use this service from com/find.

Samsung handsets use SmartThings Find, which can be accessed through Settings > Samsung account > Find my Mobile. The web app is found at smartthingsfind.samsung.com.

5. Manage your notifications (and keep some private)

iPhone and Android mobiles will let you stop text from appearing within a lockscreen notification. You'll still know that you've received a text, but you won't be able to read the contents until you unlock your phone. In other words, people looking over at your screen won't be able to read incoming messages.

Before you enable this feature, think of the pros and cons. It's a plus in terms of security, but you won't be able to see certain information at a glance.

To adjust notification settings for your default messaging app, follow these steps:

• On iPhone – Go to Settings > Notifications > Messages. Select Show Previewsand pick between When Unlocked or Never.
• On Android– Open your Settings page, then select Display > Lock screen > Privacy. Enabling Show sensitive content only when unlocked will display an app icon instead of the full message.

Both iOS and Android also offer support for Focus mode, which silences distracting apps so you can stay productive. On iPhone, try Settings > Focus. On Android, manually search for Focus in your Settings menu or try Settings > Digital wellbeing and parental controls > Focus mode.

If you want to upgrade your smartphone to a more secure alternative, consult our expert mobile phone reviews.

6. Back up your important data

If your smartphone is crammed with treasured pictures and videos or important documents, it makes sense to back them up to the cloud in case you lose or break your smartphone.

There are a variety of cloud storage services to choose from, and the best option will vary depending on how much space you need. Once set up, you can access your most-used files from a computer or transfer pictures from one gadget to another.

Some popular storage service providers include:

• Apple iCloud– 5GB for free. Upgrade to iCloud+ for 99p per month (50GB), £2.99 per month (200GB) or £8.99 per month (2TB).
• Microsoft OneDrive– 5GB for free via the Microsoft 356 plan. Upgrade for £19.99 per month (100GB), £59.99 per month (1TB) or £79.99 per month (6TB).
• Google Drive– 15GB free. Upgrade for £1.99 per month (100GB).
• Choose how long it takes for your phone to lock

By default, your phone display will eventually turn off when you stop using the device.

If you want to reduce the time it takes for this to happen, you can make adjustments in your settings menu. Just follow these steps:

• On iPhone– Head to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock. Choose a length of time.
• On Android – Choose Settings> Display > Screen timeout.

8. Check permissions (and learn how to spot potentially dangerous apps)

When you download a new app, you give it access to certain parts of your mobile. For example, if you install a third-party map app, it needs permission to track your location.

However, you might find that some apps ask for a few too many privileges. For example, if you download a calculator app and it requests access to your photos or microphone, that's obviously a red flag.

Thankfully, you can manually control which apps access your data. To review your apps, follow these steps:

• On iPhone– From the Settings menu, select Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report. Here, you'll see how apps use the permissions you granted them. You can also go back a step and select Location Services to see which apps are keeping an eye on you.
• On Android– Go to Settings > Security and privacy > Privacy > Permission manager. You can see, at a glance, which apps are using your camera, location, microphone and more.

Be aware that malicious apps do occasionally make their way to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. To keep yourself safe, stick to apps from reputable developers that have lots of positive reviews.

9. Use strong passwords to protect your data

Ensure you use unique passwords for every account that manages your data. Don't use a base password and then tweak it for particular sites or apps that you use – attackers have a better chance of accessing your details if they find out your base password.

When coming up with a secure password, remember that a passphrase is better than a single password. Don't use any personal information as a password, either.

If you struggle to remember your login details, you might benefit from installing a trusted password manager – they can create an encrypted vault that stores all your passwords. Popular options include Bitwarden, Dashlane and 1Password.

You can check if one of your passwords has been compromised by putting your email address into the web form at haveibeenpwned.com.

10. Invest in some security accessories

Software tweaks aside, there are other ways to keep your smartphone safe. For example, a phone lanyard can deter thieves if you're walking through a crowded area – you won't have trouble finding one for less than £10.

Fitting a privacy screen to your iPhone or Android mobile can help, too, as it limits the viewing angle of your display. Again, you can buy these for less than £10, and you usually get a couple in a pack.

 

January 2025

 It's been a year of major wins in the fight against scams, including new rules forcing banks and payment firms to reimburse many fraud victims.

Yet there are always loopholes to be exploited in fraudsters' bid to steal victims' cash, which is why the criminals aren't going quietly. 

While many scams are sophisticated and convincing, we continue to see a sprinkling of more far-fetched attempts throughout the year which I thought I’d share with you!

Royal Membership

Facebook users have reported seeing a bewildering social media from King Charles. It advertises a 'Royal membership card' granting the bearer three annual visits with the monarch himself.

And the perks don't end there. Those splashing out are also promised free flight tickets, two iPhones, a cap and a T-shirt.

For those wanting a truly luxurious experience, upgrading to the 'VIP' version of the card secures you an outlandish array of benefits including a 'minimum wage from the royal house of England', 'health insurance' and being 'recognised as a fan' of the royal family.

Those expressing interest in the 'offer' reportedly receive bogus application forms requesting copious personal data and are quoted 'fees' in the thousands.

Deceased Loan application

In a jaw-dropping fraud attempt that made headlines across the world, a woman in Brazil was arrested in April after reportedly wheeling a recently deceased uncle into a bank branch to sign off a loan.

The suspect was observed repeatedly trying to place a pen in the hand of her uncle, who is estimated to have been dead for at least two hours. She was later charged with a fraud offence, which she denies.

The appalling incident in Rio de Janeiro came to light after concerned bank staff called for medical help

End of range Laptops

Dell and HP laptops offered for £3 by Argos were nothing more than a scam designed to entice unwary Facebook users, with Argos confirming the deal was fake.

In January, posts began to appear on the social media site claiming that Argos was clearing its stock of older models, or that it had 'terminated its contract' with laptop manufacturers. 

Some posts bizarrely claimed that the offer was only available to those over 35. In reality, it wasn't available to anyone, and those falling for it probably had their personal and payment details stolen.

 Device Control

Terrified victims have been menaced by highly targeted emails from scammers, which contain Google Maps screenshots of their house plus their names, address and phone number.

The email falsely claims the scammer has taken control of their device and obtained compromising images of the victim, in a bid to extort them into paying a sum of bitcoins.

It's an example of 'spear phishing,' where cybercriminals scour data breaches and social media profiles to build up a picture of you, before targeting you with what they've learned.

If you receive one of these, do not respond. Instead, take steps to secure your digital identity.

No annual roundup of strange scams is complete without a fake email from a famous billionaire, offering riches to a random stranger.

This year the offer claimed to come from US billionaire and Facebook founding engineer Jeff Rothschild, who urges the recipient to look at his Forbes profile in case they're unsure who he is.

'I’m offering you a gift,' he explains, 'not just in material form, but as a gesture of appreciation for who you are' – despite not knowing you we are.

Anyone interested in receiving the gift is urged to respond with their full name and address so he can 'guide you through the next steps'. 

In reality, this is a form of advanced fee fraud in which you'll be tricked into making a payment yourself to 'release' your windfall.

2024 was a busy year for scams, so what will 2025 have in store for us? These are 5 that we expect to continue.

AI-generated images

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), some images starting to appear in scams are entirely unreal.

Whether it's social media profiles peddling dodgy schemes, product listings on fake websites or scammers lurking on dating apps, fake images created from AI will be more widely used to make scams impersonating people or products harder to spot.

Tips to avoid these scams:

• Look for unnatural details – scan images for small details such as lighting, hair and hands that look strange, and look out for any blurry parts of the image.
• If the image looks too perfect, it might be created by AI.
• Use a reverse image search tool, such as Google or Tineye, to check if the image has been posted anywhere else on the internet. If it hasn’t, this could be a sign that it’s created using AI, especially if it’s of a well-known person. You can reverse image search on Google by selecting the image icon on the right of the search bar.

2. Voice cloning

This is when scammers use AI tools to clone your voice. They will then use your voice to call people you know impersonating you and asking for money. Fraudsters can get hold of your voice through calls and clips on social media.

Ofcom has new rules coming into force on 29 January 2025 prohibiting overseas callers from spoofing UK mobile numbers. This means fraudsters won’t be able to change the display number their call is coming from to look like it’s coming from a UK number on a mobile phone.

This could prompt scammers to hone in on voice cloning to make their scam calls more persuasive, and we’ve already started to see some instances of it.

Tips to avoid these scams:

• If you receive an unexpected distressed call from a friend or relative that sounds suspicious, verify that it’s actually them by contacting them using another trusted contact method.
• Make sure your social media profiles are private as fraudsters can record your voice from your video or audio content.
• Consider setting up a safe phrase with your family or close friends that you can say to verify if you’re speaking to them.

3. Hacking

Hacking is a method for scammers to steal your personal data while spreading their scams further through hacked accounts.

Fraudsters set traps to access your email and social media accounts through data breaches, details gleaned from phishing websites or malware downloaded to your devices.

In 2025, we predict that personal data will continue to be a big commodity for scammers buying and selling details on the dark web. AI tools appear to be enabling scammers to find new ways of exploiting weaknesses in systems and launching cyberattacks at scale.

Tips to avoid your accounts being hacked:

• Don't use the same password across different accounts, create strong passwordsand use a reputable password manager.
• Download antivirus softwareon your devices.
• Set up two-factor authentication (2FA)or two-step verification (2SV). This is when you provide a separate form of identification, such as a code being sent via text, when you log into an account.

 

4. Well-crafted communications

The rise of large language models such as ChatGPT were potentially being used by scammers to write phishing messages.

The launch of more free tools such as these allows fraudsters to eliminate the classic scam sign of poor spelling and grammar, making dodgy emails, texts and websites much harder to detect.

Tips to avoid these scams:

• Look at the email addresses and phone numbers dodgy messages come from. If you don’t recognise them, they could be sent from scammers.
• Be wary of unexpected links in messages.
• Be suspicious of any message or website that asks for your personal or financial information.

5. Spear-phishing

There was an increase of spear-phishing in 2024, a tactic where scammers create personalised scam messages after gathering enough information on you.

Data breaches and information you’ve published on public social media accounts can provide a goldmine of information for scammers to dig into and build a picture about you.

Then, they will send you a message containing your personal data – such as your name, address, date of birth or even where you work – making it seem much more convincing.

Tips to avoid these scams:

• Keep your social media profiles private.
• Don’t enter your personal details into websites you don’t recognise.
• Check to see if your data has been leaked at com.

Remember if something seems too good to be true it could be a scam!

Yvonne MacLeod

Vice Chair

Community Involvement Report January 2025

It's been a year of major wins in the fight against scams, including new rules forcing banks and payment firms to reimburse many fraud victims.

Yet there are always loopholes to be exploited in fraudsters' bid to steal victims' cash, which is why the criminals aren't going quietly. 

While many scams are sophisticated and convincing, we continue to see a sprinkling of more far-fetched attempts throughout the year which I thought I’d share with you!

Royal Membership

Facebook users have reported seeing a bewildering social media from King Charles. It advertises a 'Royal membership card' granting the bearer three annual visits with the monarch himself.

And the perks don't end there. Those splashing out are also promised free flight tickets, two iPhones, a cap and a T-shirt.

For those wanting a truly luxurious experience, upgrading to the 'VIP' version of the card secures you an outlandish array of benefits including a 'minimum wage from the royal house of England', 'health insurance' and being 'recognised as a fan' of the royal family.

Those expressing interest in the 'offer' reportedly receive bogus application forms requesting copious personal data and are quoted 'fees' in the thousands.

Deceased Loan application

In a jaw-dropping fraud attempt that made headlines across the world, a woman in Brazil was arrested in April after reportedly wheeling a recently deceased uncle into a bank branch to sign off a loan.

The suspect was observed repeatedly trying to place a pen in the hand of her uncle, who is estimated to have been dead for at least two hours. She was later charged with a fraud offence, which she denies.

The appalling incident in Rio de Janeiro came to light after concerned bank staff called for medical help

End of range Laptops

Dell and HP laptops offered for £3 by Argos were nothing more than a scam designed to entice unwary Facebook users, with Argos confirming the deal was fake.

In January, posts began to appear on the social media site claiming that Argos was clearing its stock of older models, or that it had 'terminated its contract' with laptop manufacturers. 

Some posts bizarrely claimed that the offer was only available to those over 35. In reality, it wasn't available to anyone, and those falling for it probably had their personal and payment details stolen.

 Device Control

Terrified victims have been menaced by highly targeted emails from scammers, which contain Google Maps screenshots of their house plus their names, address and phone number.

The email falsely claims the scammer has taken control of their device and obtained compromising images of the victim, in a bid to extort them into paying a sum of bitcoins.

It's an example of 'spear phishing,' where cybercriminals scour data breaches and social media profiles to build up a picture of you, before targeting you with what they've learned.

If you receive one of these, do not respond. Instead, take steps to secure your digital identity.

No annual roundup of strange scams is complete without a fake email from a famous billionaire, offering riches to a random stranger.

This year the offer claimed to come from US billionaire and Facebook founding engineer Jeff Rothschild, who urges the recipient to look at his Forbes profile in case they're unsure who he is.

'I’m offering you a gift,' he explains, 'not just in material form, but as a gesture of appreciation for who you are' – despite not knowing you we are.

Anyone interested in receiving the gift is urged to respond with their full name and address so he can 'guide you through the next steps'. 

In reality, this is a form of advanced fee fraud in which you'll be tricked into making a payment yourself to 'release' your windfall.

2024 was a busy year for scams, so what will 2025 have in store for us? These are 5 that we expect to continue.

AI-generated images

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), some images starting to appear in scams are entirely unreal.

Whether it's social media profiles peddling dodgy schemes, product listings on fake websites or scammers lurking on dating apps, fake images created from AI will be more widely used to make scams impersonating people or products harder to spot.

Tips to avoid these scams:

• Look for unnatural details – scan images for small details such as lighting, hair and hands that look strange, and look out for any blurry parts of the image.
• If the image looks too perfect, it might be created by AI.
• Use a reverse image search tool, such as Google or Tineye, to check if the image has been posted anywhere else on the internet. If it hasn’t, this could be a sign that it’s created using AI, especially if it’s of a well-known person. You can reverse image search on Google by selecting the image icon on the right of the search bar.

2. Voice cloning

This is when scammers use AI tools to clone your voice. They will then use your voice to call people you know impersonating you and asking for money. Fraudsters can get hold of your voice through calls and clips on social media.

Ofcom has new rules coming into force on 29 January 2025 prohibiting overseas callers from spoofing UK mobile numbers. This means fraudsters won’t be able to change the display number their call is coming from to look like it’s coming from a UK number on a mobile phone.

This could prompt scammers to hone in on voice cloning to make their scam calls more persuasive, and we’ve already started to see some instances of it.

Tips to avoid these scams:

• If you receive an unexpected distressed call from a friend or relative that sounds suspicious, verify that it’s actually them by contacting them using another trusted contact method.
• Make sure your social media profiles are private as fraudsters can record your voice from your video or audio content.
• Consider setting up a safe phrase with your family or close friends that you can say to verify if you’re speaking to them.

3. Hacking

Hacking is a method for scammers to steal your personal data while spreading their scams further through hacked accounts.

Fraudsters set traps to access your email and social media accounts through data breaches, details gleaned from phishing websites or malware downloaded to your devices.

In 2025, we predict that personal data will continue to be a big commodity for scammers buying and selling details on the dark web. AI tools appear to be enabling scammers to find new ways of exploiting weaknesses in systems and launching cyberattacks at scale.

Tips to avoid your accounts being hacked:

• Don't use the same password across different accounts, create strong passwordsand use a reputable password manager.
• Download antivirus softwareon your devices.
• Set up two-factor authentication (2FA)or two-step verification (2SV). This is when you provide a separate form of identification, such as a code being sent via text, when you log into an account.

 

4. Well-crafted communications

The rise of large language models such as ChatGPT were potentially being used by scammers to write phishing messages.

The launch of more free tools such as these allows fraudsters to eliminate the classic scam sign of poor spelling and grammar, making dodgy emails, texts and websites much harder to detect.

Tips to avoid these scams:

• Look at the email addresses and phone numbers dodgy messages come from. If you don’t recognise them, they could be sent from scammers.
• Be wary of unexpected links in messages.
• Be suspicious of any message or website that asks for your personal or financial information.

5. Spear-phishing

There was an increase of spear-phishing in 2024, a tactic where scammers create personalised scam messages after gathering enough information on you.

Data breaches and information you’ve published on public social media accounts can provide a goldmine of information for scammers to dig into and build a picture about you.

Then, they will send you a message containing your personal data – such as your name, address, date of birth or even where you work – making it seem much more convincing.

Tips to avoid these scams:

• Keep your social media profiles private.
• Don’t enter your personal details into websites you don’t recognise.
• Check to see if your data has been leaked at com.

Remember if something seems too good to be true it could be a scam!