Check Events on the national u3a website - there is a regular Zoom talk by Barry Linton of Thorpe Bay u3a - very much worth booking. Barry works with Essex Police on their Cyber Crime unit and has lots of excellent advice to offer on how to keep safe - whether online, or with the bank cards in our wallets.

He also posts weekly updates on the latest scams on the Thorpe Bay u3a website. Here is the link Thorpe Bay Fraud Alerts page.

The key messages from his talks are:

• Never "CLICK HERE" on an unsolicited email, text or WhatsApp message
• Never eg Press 1 to find our more from a text or call received from an unknown source
• Make sure your Email password is unique and secure, and must not used be for any other purpose
• Never allow an unsolicited caller to have access to your device, even if they have given you a fictitious story that you have a fault
• Be wary of any unsolicited email or phone call that plays on your emotions, especially fear and panic; curiosity or invitations to get something for nothing.....Don't fall for it!
• QR code scams - see the post on Barry's page for details

The websites below will also make you more aware of current scams - both online and offline.

• Age Concern
• Citizens Advice
• Money Saving Expert
  
• All banks now give scams information. Here is an example from HSBC
  
• Stay absolutely up to date with the Latest scams warnings from the Metropolitan Police Force.
  
• Here you can read the latest edition of The Little Book of Big Scams from the Metropolitan Police Force, with an introduction by Gloria Hunniford.
  
• Here is some useful Government advice on action to take if you have received a text that appears to be a scam, or a phishing email, or if you think you have been a victim of a scam etc.
  
• This police website, Action Fraud, is where you can report any scam you have become aware of.
  
  Scam text messages can be forwarded to this number 7726. This will report the message to your mobile phone provider.
  
  Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will investigate it.

Free Tech Support for the over 55s from AbilityNet (information courtesy Of West Midlands regional u3a)

AbilityNet is a UK charity which aims to improve the confidence of older people in the digital world. If you're disabled, they can offer 121 IT support and guidance in your own home. They run a FREE device-independent IT Helpline, Mon-Fri, 9-5pm, 0300 180 0028.

They can offer u3a groups FREE in-person training: you could invite over-55s in your area to an AbilityNet session and at the same time, interest them in joining u3a! And if you're interested in helping others to be more computer and /or phone-savvy, you could become one of their volunteers: full training given.

Contact them via their website for more information: .Free Tech Support & Information | AbilityNet