This week’s update highlights National Hate Crime Awareness Week, e-scooter laws ahead of Christmas, new online safety tools, property fraud warnings and a fake WhatsApp update.

Scam Alert: WhatsApp Gold 2025

Beware of messages offering “WhatsApp Gold 2025” — this is a hoax and not a real app or premium update. Clicking the link can install malware on your device, putting your personal information and accounts at risk.

To stay safe:

• Only install official WhatsApp updates through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• If you receive a message about WhatsApp Gold, delete it and, if possible, report it as spam.
• If you’ve already downloaded it, uninstall the app immediately, run an antivirus scan, change your passwords, and monitor your accounts for any unusual activity.

E-Scooters – Think Before You Buy

With Christmas approaching, e-scooters may be on children’s wish lists. However, privately owned e-scooters are illegal to ride in public.

Classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, they require a licence and insurance — which isn’t available for private models. Using them on roads, pavements, parks or shopping areas is illegal and vehicles can be seized. Accidents won’t be covered.

They can only be used legally on private land (with permission) or approved rental schemes.

New Scam Detection Tool – Ask Silver

Get Safe Online has launched Ask Silver, a free and easy-to-use tool to help you check whether a text, email, or message is genuine or potentially a scam.

Simply upload the message to Ask Silver, and the tool will analyse it, providing an instant indication of whether it’s safe or shows a “red flag” for fraud. This is a great way to avoid falling victim to phishing, malware, or other online scams before you respond or click any links.

Try it for yourself here.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week (11th – 18th October)

This week marks National Hate Crime Awareness Week, encouraging communities and authorities to work together to tackle crimes motivated by disability, faith, race, sexual orientation or gender identity.

It’s a chance to raise awareness, support victims and challenge harmful behaviours in our neighbourhoods. Everyone can play a part in creating safe, inclusive communities.

Find out more and get involved.

Property Fraud Warning – Payment Diversion

City of London Police and Action Fraud warn about payment diversion (conveyancing) fraud, where criminals impersonate solicitors to intercept property payments.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, victims lost £11.7 million across 143 cases.

To protect yourself:

• Confirm solicitor bank details in person or by phone.
• Be cautious of last-minute payment changes.
• Use strong email passwords and two-step verification.

If affected, contact your bank immediately and report to Action Fraud.

Doorbell Detectives Need You!

BBC One’s hit show Doorbell Detectives is back and looking for real-life stories from across the UK. They want to hear from residents whose smart doorbells have captured footage of suspicious activity, doorstep scams or parcel thefts, or even alerted you to criminals outside your home.

If your doorbell has helped solve a crime or could provide valuable evidence, the show’s producers would love to hear from you:

📧 Email: doorbelldetectives@purpleproductions.co.uk

📱 Text/WhatsApp: 07386 695 758

Send in your clips and stories — you might help make your community safer and even feature on national TV!

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