FACT reported this week that their online scanning team removed more than double the volume of film links and illegal streams in April, compared to February. The number of downloads for some recently released films has trebled.
As well as damaging the creative industries, which provide 1.9 million jobs within the UK and contribute £84.1 billion to the UK economy, illegal streaming devices and platforms are one of the main sources of malicious software.
By downloading software which allows you to access content that would normally require a subscription, you risk:
- Allowing viruses or spyware on to your computer which can allow criminals to access personal and financial information
- Making it easy for hackers to access information stored on your device
- Allowing your computer to be used to mine cryptocurrency without your knowledge
- Funding organised crime
The actual devices used for illegal streaming can be dangerous as well - many do not conform to UK or EU safety standards. Electrical Safety First have guidance on buying electrical products safely online and avoiding counterfeits.
Use the Vistalworks checker to make sure that electrical products purchased online are genuine. Read more about the dangers of using illegal streaming services and devices in their blog.
Get advice on staying safe while gaming and streaming online from the National Cyber Security Centre and Get Safe Online.
Some women are being contacted by text message, with the sender claiming to be from the call and recall service to advise they are overdue for screening.
The message asks them to call a mobile number and provide personal details. These messages are not from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme. DO NOT RESPOND, OR CALL THE NUMBER.
You'll be sent an invitation letter in the post when it's time to book your cervical screening appointment. Your letter will tell you where you can go for cervical screening and how to book. Speak to your GP surgery if you have questions about cervical screening invitations, results or any symptoms you have.
Criminals are exploiting trusted global websites to post fake celebrity endorsements for cryptocurrency
In many cases, the fake advertorials are convincingly designed to look like pages from the BBC or Mirror websites.
Celebrities used in these fake advertorials include Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones from Dragon’s Den, Ant McPartlin of presenting duo Ant and Dec, billionaire businessmen Lord Sugar, Sir Philip Green and Sir James Dyson, presenters Simon Cowell and Holly Willoughby, and former Love Island contestant Charlie Brake.
To be clear, none of these celebrities are responsible for the fraud, but their images and reputations are being ruthlessly abused by organised scammers.
How to stay safe: This scam proceeds along classic psychological principles – appealing to authority (using celebrities and trusted sites), starting out with small demands (£250) before gradually escalating and releasing a nominal sum to trick you into thinking you can get the rest. All the traditional investment advice applies. Be extremely sceptical of grandiose claims and seek advice from a financial adviser registered by the Financial Conduct Authority if you’re not sure about something. Novice investors should consider traditional investments first and aim to build wealth gradually through a diversified portfolio.
If you spot a scam, report it to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time. Mental health is everyone’s business.
So, for one week each May, the Mental Health Foundation campaign around a specific theme for Mental Health Awareness Week. This year the theme is kindness.
Why Kindness?
One thing that has seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times.
Amid the fear, there is also community, support and hope.
The added benefit of helping others is that it is good for our own mental health and wellbeing. It can help reduce stress and improve your emotional wellbeing.
So how can you get involved?
- Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while
- Tell a family member how much you love and appreciate them
- Arrange to have a cup of tea and virtual catch up with someone you know
- Arrange to watch a film at the same time as a friend and video call
- Tell someone you know that you are proud of them
- Tell someone you know why you are thankful for them
- Send a motivational text to a friend who is struggling
- Send someone you know a joke to cheer them up
- Send someone you know a picture of a cute animal
- Send an inspirational quote to a friend
- Send an interesting article to a friend
- Contact someone you haven’t seen in a while and arrange a phone catch up
- Reach out to call a friend, family member or neighbour who is experiencing loneliness or self-isolation
- Offer to skill share with a friend via video call - you could teach guitar, dance etc.
- Offer support to vulnerable neighbours
- Offer to send someone a takeaway or a meal
All these things can help someone who is feeling isolated and let them know someone is thinking of them. It will help both your mental health and theirs.
Find out more from the Mental Health Foundation here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
The Food Standards Agency has produced guidance on hygiene and food safety requirements for food businesses to reopen and operate safely during COVID-19: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/reopening-and-adapting-your-food-business-during-covid-19
They have also published an easy to use checklist for restaurants looking to reopen as takeaways.
Download the list and make sure you’re restarting your business safely. https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/reopening-checklist-for-food-businesses-during-covid-19-form.pdf
If you need further advice please call us via 0808 223 1133.
Suffolk Resilience Forum is urging people to keep doing the right thing this bank holiday weekend, as the county’s #StickWithItSuffolk campaign continues.
Despite the relaxation of some of the Government restrictions, there is still a risk that the spread of coronavirus is likely to increase. This will happen if we are not responsible and fail to stay alert, especially with the temptation to take advantage of the predicted good weather.
Suffolk has been very successful in slowing the infection rate by the public staying at home, keeping two metres apart when out, not gathering in groups and washing hands regularly.
However the NHS, emergency services and public sector organisations which make up the Suffolk Resilience Forum are stressing people must stick with it and keep following these instructions if we are to continue slowing the spread of the virus and saving lives.
Dr Mark Shenton, a GP at StowHealth in Stowmarket, said: “Put simply, if more of us go outside, the greater the risk of the virus spreading. That means if people don’t follow the instructions, my colleagues and our hospitals will undoubtedly get busier, and sadly more people may die.
“But like most of us, I’m looking forward to getting some fresh air this weekend and appreciate that we don’t all want to be indoors the whole time. Being outside is good for our mental health and wellbeing.
“If you do go out, keep two metres apart and keep washing your hands. If you arrive somewhere and it looks busy, think about heading somewhere different where fewer people are.”
Cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Suffolk, although more slowly, which is why it is crucial that people keep following the instructions. These are:
- Keep staying at home
- Keep working from home where you can
- Keep 2 metres apart if you go out
- Keep exercising safely
- Keep washing your hands with soap and water
- Keep self-isolating if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
- Keep travelling by car, bike or walking
- Keep staying safe at work
- Keep shielding yourself if you’re vulnerable
- Keep supporting local businesses
- Keep looking out for each other
For the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) information from the government, including frequently asked questions about what we can and can’t do, go to www.gov.uk/coronavirus