Police warn public to be aware of Microsoft fraudsters

Cumbria police are warning the public to be aware of bogus telephone calls from people claiming they are from Microsoft or Windows, in order to gain access to computers.

Police have received complaints from members of the public, particularly from the Kendal area, who have received a telephone call from people claiming to be from Microsoft. They are being advised during the call that there is a virus or programme problem on their personal computer and are then talked through how to allow the caller to have remote access to their computer.

Sometimes money is asked for, but not always. Either way once people have access to your computer they can find passwords and bank details.

Microsoft has a built in system which will report any fault automatically and they will only contact you on request.

Community Safety Officer for south Cumbria Terry Belshaw, said:

“It is important to make people aware of this type of bogus call. These fraudsters can be very convincing to people who may not know a lot about computers. Don’t allow anyone you don’t trust access, remotely or otherwise, to your computer.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people that they should be cautious of anyone who makes contact with them – whether it is in relation to computers, financial accounts, charities, or offers to buy/sell. No reputable company, including Microsoft, will contact you asking for your personal, financial, or technical details.

“Bogus callers can have details which may make people think that they are genuine. The only way to remain completely safe is to not engage at all. My advice is to shut down, hang up, or close the door, to anyone you do not know. It isn’t rude – it is a sensible way to keep safe.

“Anyone with any concerns should contact Cumbria Police, Trading Standards, or Action Fraud, as appropriate. If you are unsure who to contact call Cumbria Police on 101 and we can give you advice.”

If you have not reported any fault to Microsoft, then do not allow anyone to have remote access to your computer. If you are suspicious, then hang up.

Anyone who has any concerns or would like further advice can contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team or visit www.actionfraud.org.uk

Cumbria Police issue advice to eBay and PayPal users

Cumbria Police are advising caution when responding to emails received as a result of transactions on eBay or PayPal.

There have been reports of emails circulating to genuine eBay sellers that are from scammers trying to get items posted that they have not purchased.  Some also falsely state that additional funds have been deposited, above the value of the item and request that the seller transfer the extra money into another account.

When purchasing items on eBay and paying via PayPal, any subsequent contact or emails should be checked via your personal account on the website direct. Do not click onto any links on emails received but log into your account on the genuine website, with a secure password and check the inbox.

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam involving these websites, please visit www.actionfraud.police.uk  for more advice on reporting.

For more information about staying safe, you can visit:

eBay: http://pages.ebay.co.uk/safetycentre/help.html

PayPal: www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/phishing

Advice is also available on the Cumbria Police website at: http://www.cumbria.police.uk/admin/uploads/attachment/files/Advice_and_Info/Fraud/eBay_PayPal_safe_guide.doc

Police issue advice for local businesses on cybercrime

Cumbria Police are advising small to medium businesses to take simple steps to protect themselves against online crime, as part of a week-long cybercrime campaign.

Detective Superintendent Andy Slattery explains:

“The key message we want to get across to local businesses is that they cannot afford to be complacent. Theft of data or identity details can lead to loss for clients and damage to their reputation.

“It is important for small to medium businesses in particular to be careful, as they are often unable to recover from a significant loss as a result of cybercrime. Large multi-national corporations are able to dedicate resources to preventing cybercrime but there are practical steps that smaller businesses can take to keep their security and their reputation intact.

“I would ask them to consider the implications of what it would mean if any of their passwords were compromised for example – money can be stolen, sensitive emails can be read, and their business can be seriously damaged.

“The same consequences are true of data loss, spam, phishing, spyware, viruses, and Trojans which no respectable business would want to be associated with. It is vitally important that local businesses are aware of these issues and take action to protect themselves against online crime.”

Information about the above e-crime methods, and how to protect against them, can be found on Cumbria Police’s website here:

http://www.cumbria.police.uk/Admin/uploads/attachment/files/Advice_and_Info/Cyber_Security_/Full_E_Crime_Guide_2.pdf

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said:

“I would urge all businesses, large and small, to take these very important steps to protect themselves from the threat of cybercrime.  I am aware this is emerging as a significant hazard to the business community and the consequences of businesses leaving themselves vulnerable to such crime should not be underestimated.”

Some important questions Cumbria Police are asking businesses to consider are:

• Do you have an ICT security policy?
• Do you have anti-virus software?
• Does the anti-virus software receive regular updates?
• Do you regularly scan your computer systems?
• Do you have a Firewall?
• Do you have a hardware Firewall separate from your router?
• Does your Firewall receive regular updates?
• Do you have anti-spam, anti-spyware/adware software?
• Do you use the latest version of your internet browser?
• If you have one, is the wireless network encrypted to Wi-Fi Protected Access standard (WPA2)?
• Is your wireless network protected by Media Access Control address filtering (MAC)?
• Do you restrict access to sensitive data amongst staff?
• Do you encrypt sensitive data?
• Do you take your backups offsite?
• Do you ever try to recover data from your backup?
• Do you train staff on how to deal with suspicious emails?
• Do you have a password policy and do you enforce it?

For advice about fraud, or to report a fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 3040.

For more information about staying safe online please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/onlinesafety

More internet safety advice can be found on the Government’s ‘Cyberstreet’ website: www.cyberstreetwise.com

Police issue advice against online fraud

Cumbria Police are advising people to take simple steps to help prevent online fraud, as part of a week-long cybercrime campaign.

There are a number of ways that criminals can access your personal details to commit identity fraud or steal money. One type of fraud that Cumbria Police have recently seen increasing is ‘romance fraud’.

Detective Superintendent Andy Slattery explains:

“The internet is a definitely a key target for fraudsters due to the sheer amount of personal and financial information people now provide online. The internet has made shopping, banking and communicating easier than ever – but there is a dark side to the internet that people need to protect themselves against.

“One area of online fraud we have seen an increase in is romance fraud – where offenders target vulnerable, often elderly, people through dating websites. One typical scam involves women being contacted by people pretending to be from the armed forces abroad, who ask for money. We have seen people lose hundreds of thousands of pounds through scams like these.

“I would urge anyone who uses the internet to take precautions when giving out any information online.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said:

“I fully support this initiative. At a time when the internet is playing a central role in people’s personal and business lives, I believe it is essential that everyone takes the necessary precautions to help keep themselves safe from this type of crime.”

Below are some simple steps to help keep you safe online:

• Do not give out any personal information (e.g. name, address, bank details etc.) before verifying the credentials of who is asking.

• Beware of phishing emails. Remember that banks and financial institutions will not ask you to click on a link in an email and confirm your bank details. If in doubt call your bank from their number – which can be found on official correspondence, their official website (typed directly into the address bar) or the phone book.

• Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring, to prevent malware issues and computer crimes.

• Sign-up to ‘Verified by Visa’ or ‘MasterCard Secure Code’ whenever you are given the option online. This means registering a password with your card company, which means an additional layer of security to online purchases (with signed-up retailers).

• Be very wary of emails offering you business deals out of the blue – if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

For advice about fraud, or to report a fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 3040.

For more information about staying safe online please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/onlinesafety

More internet safety advice can be found on the Government’s ‘Cyberstreet’ website: www.cyberstreetwise.com

Police urge children to stay safe online

Cumbria Police are urging young people to stay safe online, and encouraging parents to take an active interest in their children’s technology.

As more and more technologies are developed to be able to access the internet, an increasing number of children and young people are being exposed to dangers online.

These can range from cyberbullying, to distribution of sensitive information, to child sexual exploitation.

Police officers across the county regularly visit schools to teach children and young people about the risks of sending or receiving indecent images, and other dangers.

Click here for a short film of PC Keith Hunton giving a talk on online safety to pupils at Whitehaven School: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfmSPb3yyXU&feature=youtu.be

Detective Superintendent Andy Slattery said:

“It is vital that young people understand the dangers involved in going online, so we work with local schools to directly warn these children.

“Some of the key issues we address cover things like the importance of privacy settings, the serious impact cyberbullying can have, and how once something is uploaded, or sent via the internet, you have lost control of it forever.

“As well as young people understanding the risks, it is equally important that parents are aware of who their child is communicating with online, and keep up-to-date with the latest technologies.

“It is just as important to protect your child in the ‘online’ world as it is in the ‘real’ world. Most parents wouldn’t let their child physically spend the night talking to a complete stranger, but that is exactly what is happening online.”

Mr Peter Davison, Headteacher from Victoria Junior School, Barrow, said:

“Children are using a growing variety of social media. While the majority of these are innocent, we must be vigilant in keeping children safe by educating them as to the procedures to follow whilst interacting online.”

Mrs Julie Evan, Assistant Principle at Whitehaven Academy, said:

“The safety and wellbeing of our students is a priority at all times. It is important to ensure that students have a knowledge and awareness of the dangers that inappropriate use of the internet can lead to and that they can be victims of cybercrime.
“The internet offers wonderful opportunities to communicate with others but children can be lulled into a false sense of security and can be vulnerable to those who prey on them; with education they have a greater chance to protect themselves and know what to do if they feel unsafe. Students have also learnt that they have a responsibility to use their smart phones and the internet responsibly so they do not find themselves in trouble with the police.
“Often they think this can only happen to someone else and PC Hunton's message was that this can happen to anyone, is happening in West Cumbria and that by being aware they will be safe. It was well received by all students.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said:

“I fully support the Constabulary’s initiative, and urge all youngsters and their parents to understand the potential risks of using the internet. There are so many ways to interact with the internet nowadays that being aware of the pitfalls should help youngsters stay safe online, and give their parents peace of mind.”

Top tips for parents include:

-       Stay up-to-date. Ask about your child’s new gadgets, apps and websites – it is important to be aware of new technologies and developments that your child may be using

-       Set boundaries. Treat the online world as you would the ‘real’ world – consider what or who they may see, share and communicate with, as well as how long they spend online

-       Know what connects to the internet and how. Today many technologies connect to the internet – including TVs and games consoles. Check how they are accessing the internet – if it is through a neighbour’s Wifi, your security settings may not be applied

-       Cyber-bullying can be very distressing and upsetting – talk to your child regularly about their experiences, both online and offline

Useful advice for parents can be found here: www.vodafone.com/parents

Useful advice for young people can be found here: www.thinkuknow.co.uk

For more information about staying safe online please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/onlinesafety

More internet safety advice can be found on the Government’s ‘Cyberstreet’ website: www.cyberstreetwise.com

Police urge Cumbrians to use social media responsibly

Cumbria Police are advising people to think before they post, as part of a week-long cybercrime campaign.

Since 2011 there have been 152 reports of crime to Cumbria Police which in some way relate to Facebook or Twitter. One of the most common crimes is ‘offences against the person’ – with 41 of these crimes in 2013 relating to Facebook in some way.

Social media is a positive part of everyday life for millions of people today but unfortunately people can use social media to harass, threaten and victimise other users.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Slattery explains:

“Social networking is a great resource, and now a common way to keep in touch with a large group of people. However it is sadly also rapidly becoming a target for would-be criminals.

“Due to the nature of the sites it is often easy to gather personal data from a profile and use this to commit fraud, identity theft, or harassment.

“Another key issue is people making themselves vulnerable to crime through posting personal information such as dates of holidays when they will be away from home or details of high value purchases.

“Some applications have unforeseen risks such as cyclists using GPS tracking to log and share their training rides, which inadvertently discloses the whereabouts of high value bicycles unless privacy settings are applied prudently.

“There are some simple steps people can take to protect themselves, including checking security settings, and being careful with what you post.

“Whilst social media allows us to share our views and opinions there are limits to what is acceptable and what could be construed as unlawful. Users should think before posting and ask themselves whether their post could be construed as bullying, racist, homophobic or offensive in any other way. Even if a post is meant to be humorous or light hearted it may be viewed by others who are offended or intimidated by it. If in doubt – don’t post it.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said:

“I welcome the Constabulary’s campaign aimed at raising awareness about the potential dangers in social networking.  It is really important that people take these simple steps to protect themselves. The young in particular should understand that an entry on Facebook now can stay there forever.”

Some important questions that people can ask to keep themselves safe while social networking are:

• Who is your audience going to be?
• Do you really know all your “friends”? - If not then consider your posts as being public.
• Are your privacy settings locked down enough?
• Do you understand who will be able to view your posts and profile?
• Will strangers be learning more about your personal life that you would want them to?
• Are you creating a security risk by tagging yourself in a location or posting pictures of your home or property?
• Are you putting your security or career at risk by posting details of your workplace or employer? – Check to see if your employer has a policy on the use of social media.
• Is my post acceptable or could it be interpreted as harassment, bullying or discriminatory in any way by another person?
• Am I happy for this post to be recorded permanently? – Even when a post is removed from a site, copies of it may have been recorded and may be re-posted at any time.

For more information about staying safe online please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/onlinesafety

More internet safety advice can be found on the Government’s ‘Cyberstreet’ website: www.cyberstreetwise.com

Cumbria Police launch cybercrime campaign

CUMBRIA POLICE LAUNCH CYBERCRIME CAMPAIGN

Cumbria Police launch a week-long campaign today (10^th February) to highlight the issue of cybercrime.

Tomorrow is Safer Internet Day and Cumbria Police are using the opportunity to encourage people to take simple steps to stay safe online.

Cybercrime is not necessarily a new type of crime, it is often simply traditional crimes such as harassment, sexual exploitation or fraud committed using a different method via the internet. Since 2011 there have been 152 reports of crime to Cumbria Police which in some way relate to Facebook or Twitter, as an example.

However, there are some new emerging threats in the form of denial of service attacks and hacking, which particularly impact on small to medium sized businesses in our communities, and it is accepted nationally that cybercrime is under-reported.

Detective Superintendent Andy Slattery explains:

“In this digital age we live in it is becoming increasingly important that people understand how to keep themselves safe on the internet. This week we aim to give people straightforward advice and guidance to protect themselves, their families and their businesses from internet crime.”

“Without taking simple precautions people can put themselves at risk of fraud, exploitation and other serious crimes. The internet and social media are a key part of everyday life – however it is important to remember that safety in the ‘online world’ is now just as important as safety in the ‘real world’.

“Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to some of the dangers of the internet. Sexual exploitation and cyberbullying are increasing concerns and I hope this campaign will encourage both parents and young people to make sure they are internet-savvy.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes, in welcoming the initiative said:

“At a time when the internet is playing a central role in peoples’ day-to-day lives, it is essential that we all take the necessary precautions to help keep ourselves safe from this type of crime.  I would urge people to take heed of the Constabulary’s safety messages and advice.”

The campaign will focus on three key areas:

Tuesday – Social media

Wednesday – Risks for children and young people online

Thursday – Online fraud

Safety messages and advice will be sent out via the Cumbria Police Twitter and Facebook channels.

For more information about staying safe online please visit www.cumbria.police.uk/onlinesafety

More internet safety advice can be found on the Government’s ‘Cyberstreet’ website: www.cyberstreetwise.com

Police and Crime Commissioner Supports Government's Cyberstreet Campaign

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, Richard Rhodes, fully supports today’s launch of the Government’s ‘Cyberstreet’ campaign.

The main thrust of the campaign is to make people more ‘e-savvy’, through the launch of the website Cyberstreetwise.com.  The website provides some essential tips to improve people’s online behaviour and help keep important information safe for themselves, their families, and their businesses.

Police and Crime  Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said: “I welcome the launch of the new website at a time when the internet is playing a central role in peoples day-to-day lives.  It is essential that we all take the necessary precautions to help keep ourselves safe from this type of crime.

“As a result of listening to feedback from the public, I have included tackling cybercrime within my revised Police and Crime Plan”. 

“I will be working with the Chief Constable to address this growing area effecting  both individuals and the business community, and which currently costs the UK approximately £52m a year through fraudulent online activity.”

The campaign urges people to take some simple steps to change their online behaviours, so that they and their family remain safe.  These are:

1.    Using strong, memorable passwords

2.    Installing anti-virus software on new devices

3.    Checking privacy settings on social media

4.    Shopping safely online – always ensuring to check online retail sites are secure

5.    Downloading software and the application of patches when prompted

Cumbria Constabulary’s Cyber Crime lead Detective Superintendent Slattery fully supports the Government’s Cyber Street campaign aimed at individuals and small to medium sized businesses.

“Whilst the threats posed by Cyber Crime continue to develop, multi-national companies and large public bodies have become very effective at preventing large scale Cyber-attacks. Increasingly , we see individuals and small businesses are becoming vulnerable with their greater use of the internet for everyday business and they don’t have the access to the same preventative resources.

“The impact is really felt in our communities when a vulnerable victim is groomed via internet chat-rooms, a family is defrauded or a small business put out of action for a period of time. The Constabulary is working to develop a comprehensive Cyber Crime Strategy which will ensure that the staff with appropriate skills and equipment are able to tackle local issues affecting the people of Cumbria, whilst maintaining strong links to Regional and National agencies including the National Crime Agency and Action Fraud.

“The Constabulary is already seeing considerable success in dealing with Cyber Crime and the community can be confident that we can and will meet the challenges of this ever-changing area of business.”

Police warn teenagers about dangers of 'sexting'

POLICE WARN TEENAGERS ABOUT DANGERS OF SEXTING

For the next two weeks Cumbria Police will be warning teenagers in Cumbria of the dangers of ‘sexting’.

The information will be sent out via Cumbria Police’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

This is part of Cumbria Constabulary’s internet safety campaign, which aims to raise awareness of how young people can stay safe online. It was launched on Monday 22^nd July and runs until the end of the school summer holidays (5^th September).

The previous fortnight focused on social media – advising parents how to protect children online. Advice was issued by police through Facebook and Twitter which generated a good response from parents in Cumbria.

‘Sexting’ is when someone takes an indecent photo of themselves and sends it to a partner or friend – via mobile phone or some other form of technology.

Detective Inspector Stephanie Brown, Public Protection Unit at Cumbria Constabulary, said:

“Many young people see sexting as a bit of fun, that’s just between themselves and their partner. But the truth is once you have sent an image to others you have lost control of it and it can end up anywhere.

“These images could be then used to bully, harass or even locate the person who sent the image. My advice is if you wouldn’t like your parents or teachers to see an image – don’t send it.

“If anyone receives an indecent image or text do not send it on and report it to a responsible adult. Technically possessing an indecent image of another minor is a criminal offence and you could be breaking the law.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said:

“I welcome the Constabulary’s campaign especially aimed at keeping young people safe online.  Sexting is not fun and can have significant consequences.  It is really important that people use modern technology responsibly.”

Jonathan Baggaley, Head of Education at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, said:

“In 2012, CEOP received 8,000 reports of indecent image of children transactions, which consisted of 70,000 still and moving images - a fifth of which were self-generated.

“To help educate people about the risks to engaging in this behaviour, CEOP have created a variety of resources including a film, Exposed, to warn young people of the dangers they may face when sending indecent/explicit images of themselves to each other. Within our education programme, Thinkuknow, there is also specific advice and guidance for parents on how to talk to their child about protecting themselves when using technology and the internet to interact with others. More information can be found at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_16.

“We will continue to work with the police and other organisations around the UK to ensure that young people understand the consequences of their actions. As well as reporting any concerns to the local police, reports can also be made directly to CEOP using the ClickCEOP button which can be found at www.ceop.police.uk”.

Helen Smith, from Children’s Services at Cumbria County Council, said:

“I would encourage all teenagers in Cumbria to follow Cumbria Police on Facebook and Twitter for the next two weeks for advice on the dangers of sexting.

“The risk of exposing intimate images of yourself for the world to see is too great a price to pay for a moment’s lapse in judgement. If you are concerned about an image you may have sent always tell an adult you trust – which could be your mum, dad, teacher, or a family friend.”

For more information or advice please visit: http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/online-safety
If you are upset or worried by an image you have sent or received, you can call ChildLine and talk to someone in confidence on 0800 1111.

If you know of an image of you or a friend is on a social networking site you will need to contact the service provider (e.g. Facebook) to get it removed.

More advice can be found at www.thinkyouknow.co.uk.

POLICE LAUNCH SUMMER INTERNET SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Yesterday saw the launch of Cumbria Constabulary’s internet safety campaign which aims to raise awareness of how young people can stay safe online.

The campaign will run during the summer holidays (Friday 19^th July – Thursday 5^th September), and will focus on different aspects of internet safety.

For the next two weeks police will be giving advice about sites like Twitter and Facebook offering tips on how parents can ensure their children are using social media safely and securely.

Top tips include:

-       Stay up-to-date. Ask about your child’s new gadgets, apps and websites – it is important to be aware of new technologies and developments that your child may be using

-       Set boundaries. Treat the online world as you would the ‘real’ world – consider what or who they may see, share and communicate with, as well as how long they spend online

-       Know what connects to the internet and how. Today many technologies connect to the internet – including TVs and games consoles. Check how they are accessing the internet – if it is through a neighbour’s Wifi, your security settings may not be applied

-       Cyber-bullying can be very distressing and upsetting – talk to your child regularly about their experiences, both online and offline

For more information or advice please visit: http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/online-safety

Detective Inspector Stephanie Brown, Public Protection Unit at Cumbria Constabulary, said “More and more children are now on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, often unsupervised. While these sites can provide entertainment and a way for young people to chat to their friends, they can also cause problems.

“I would encourage all parents to become familiar with these sites and be aware of the potential risks associated with them. Follow our Facebook or Twitter pages, or #SafeOnline, for more advice.”

Helen Smith, from Children’s Services at Cumbria County Council, said “It is just as important to protect our children online, as it is offline. The internet is now a big part of most children’s daily lives, and as such I would encourage all parents to take an active interest in social media sites.

“These sites are wonderful communication tools, but parents need to be aware of all the risks in order to protect their children. I think this campaign is a great opportunity to remind people of some of the simple things they can do to keep children safe.”

More tips can be found at www.thinkyouknow.co.uk from the Child and Online Protection Centre (CEOP).

The NSPCC has recently launched a campaign to tackle the prevention of child sexual abuse – more information can be found here: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Protect your children when they are using the internet

Cumbria Constabulary are advising all parents and guardians to be aware of how to protect their children when online.

At this time of year, many children may have asked for electronic items for Christmas which have the capability of connecting to the internet. Police officers are advised parents and guardians to check that they have the appropriate settings to limit access to online content, Web sites and activities, so that their child is protected from viewing inappropriate sites.

Officers also highlight the importance of making sure that their children’s Facebook, twitter and any other social media accounts are checked regularly to see who they are friends with and their security settings are up to date.

DC David Slattery said “The festive period brings a number of presents for young children in particular lap tops, mobile, IPads and tablets. All of these items have the capability of accessing the internet. As such we are advising parents to be mindful of the security internet settings of these devices and that they monitor their children’s use of the internet.

“By understanding the risks yourself and planning ahead before allowed a child to use the internet, you can protect your child from the start.

“Cumbria Constabulary cannot stress enough the importance that parents discuss the safe use of the internet with their children”

For more advice and guidance visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/personal-safety/on-the-web or  Safeguarding Children | Get Safe Online

Police warn public to be aware of Microsoft fraudsters

Cumbria police are warning the public to be aware of bogus telephone calls from people claiming they are from Microsoft, in order to gain access to computers.

Police in Carlisle have received a number of complaints from members of the public regarding receiving a telephone call from people claiming to be from Microsoft. They are being advised during the call that there is a virus or programme problem on their personal computer and are then being talked through how to allow the caller to have remote access to their computer. Once access is gained, the caller is keeping the unsuspecting victim preoccupied whilst they have potential access to personal details held on the computer, including and bank or password details.

PC Mark Robson, said “It is important to make people aware of this type of bogus call. Microsoft has a built in system which will report any fault automatically and they will only contact you on request. These calls can be convincing and for someone who does not know a lot about computers, we can put our faith in people who sound as if they do and are trying to help you.

“Our advice is, if you have not reported any fault to Microsoft, then do not allow anyone to have remote access to your computer. If you are suspicious, then hang up.”

Anyone who has any concerns or would like further advice can contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team or visit http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/

Cumbria police pledge support to National Internet Safety Day - 7th Feb

How do you talk to your child about the difference between real and online friends, sexual experimentation and pornography on the internet, or what to do if something goes wrong?

Parents and across Cumbria can be given the answers to these and other difficult questions vital to bringing up children in the 21st Century during an online web chat being hosted by Cumbria Constabulary to mark Safer Internet Day tomorrow (7 February).

The dedicated day-long webchat window will be hosted on the Constabulary’s website, inviting local people to log on and ask any questions about how to stay safe online.

This chat will also be linked into the Constabulary’s Twitter account with officers inviting the tweeting community to direct questions about Internet safety to Cumbria police using #cumbriasafeonline. All questions and responses added on Twitter using this hashtag will automatically appear on the Constabulary’s webchat window.

Cumbria Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Stuart Hyde, is renowned as one of the UK’s leading lights in cybercrime within his role as President of the Society for the Policing of Cyberspace (POLCYB).

He said: “Your child being targeted by a criminal is every parent’s nightmare which is why it is so important to get up to speed with the risks that are out there and the simple steps that can be taken to protect children online.

“The internet opens up a world of opportunity along with a new world of risk. The online world is continually developing so it is important that parents feel comfortable enough to ask questions about technology so that they understand and are able to provide advice to help their children stay safe online.

“Cumbria Constabulary recognises the developing threats that the world of the Internet can pose to the people of Cumbria and we are dedicated to enhancing our own understanding so we can stay one step ahead of criminals.

“I hope that parents and youngsters use the opportunity to ask any questions they may have so that, together, we can try and prevent any young people falling foul of online criminals in Cumbria.”

Cumbria Constabulary will also be using its social networking accounts to promote national Safer Internet Day competitions, inviting young people to log onto the Safer Internet Day website to enter their posters and videos for a chance to win a host of prizes - including a trip to Romania!

The Constabulary will be encouraging people to log on and view a new TV-style show created by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, ‘The Parents’ and Carers’ Guide to the Internet’. This short video takes parents on a journey to the 1950’s and back, exploring the challenges of parenting in an online age.

While the risks to children may be different to those of the 1950s, parenting skills are still as relevant as they ever were. Talking to children about their online lives is one of the best things parents can do to protect them so they can enjoy the opportunities offered by the internet. The show sets out simple practical ideas for parents to make sure their children are protected from risks – which range from cyberbullying to grooming by those who wish them harm – as well as a few surprises about what children get up to online.

With 70% of parents of 12-15 year olds saying they know less about the internet than their children, the CEOP Centre are encouraging parents and carers to not be intimidated by how their children are using technology and to talk about any internet related concerns they have, in conjunction with teachers and schools across the country.

On 7 February, CEOP launches a new suite of resources to make it easier than ever for parents Cumbria to be as good parents online as they are offline. These include:

• ‘The Parents’ and Carers’ Guide to the Internet’, made with the support of CEOP’s partner Visa Europe and which takes an entertaining and light hearted look at what it’s like to bring up children in the online age – featuring practical tips and insights into what your child is up to online. Visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents from 7 February to view the show.

• A restyled parents’ area at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents with updated advice and guidance for parents of children of any age. Thinkuknow is CEOP’s education and awareness raising programme. It’s a great place to start exploring online safety issues with your child.

Peter Davies, Chief Executive of the CEOP Centre, said: “Technology has transformed people’s lives, collectively and individually – in the way we work, communicate and socialise. It is an integral part of modern childhood.

“But the principles of good parenting, in terms of playing an active role in a child’s life and instilling good behaviour haven’t changed.  Children have always taken risks but their lives online offer new opportunities for this, and there are some people who will try to exploit the perceived anonymity offered by the internet.

“We appreciate that some parents may feel daunted by the pace at which technology is changing and how its use has become second nature to their children. Our new film guide and other resources will make it easier for parents to take that step towards discussing issues that are crucial to parenting today in a way that is age appropriate.”

CEOP works with a range of industry partners including Microsoft. A new, customised ‘ClickCEOP’ browser developed by Microsoft for Internet Explorer 9 will be available from 7 February. This provides users with the opportunity to customise their browser so they can get direct access to CEOP’s advice pages, as well as being able to report inappropriate contact with their child. There are also links organisations such as the Internet Watch Foundation, Get Safe Online and Beatbullying. The browser is available to download at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/browser-parents.

Police in Cumbria are urging web users to increase their security and stay safe online.

Officers have pledged their support to national ‘Get Safe Online Week’, which runs from Monday the 7th to Friday the 11th of November, and aims to encourage people to learn more about internet fraud and make sure their computer is properly protected.

Throughout the week, Cumbria Police will be posting online safety advice on their Twitter account, and publishing tips, videos and examples of online fraud on their website and Facebook pages to raise awareness of the issue.

As well as posting advice, officers will also take questions from their Twitter followers and provide safety advice on topics such as shopping online, identity theft, protecting your PC and how to help individuals and smaller businesses make responsible choices when using the Internet.

Cumbria Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable, Stuart Hyde, said: “It is important that people in Cumbria understand online risks and the simple steps that can be taken to protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime.

“People can be lulled into a false sense of security when making purchases online because it is so easy, but we need to be vigilant with our bank accounts and with any purchases we make online. Use a variety of passwords that would be difficult to guess, check your bank account regularly to spot unusual activity early, and remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.

“It is important to be aware of the risks now, before you starting to make all of your Christmas purchases, as online fraudsters hide behind their computer screens and can steal somebody’s life savings without ever coming into contact with them.

“Thankfully, identity fraud is not a major problem in Cumbria, so help us keep it that way by being security conscious online.”

Financial investigators have joined forces with Action Fraud who provide a dedicated service to detecting and preventing fraud in Cumbria and the UK.

For more information about Get Safe Online Week and how to ask your questions go to http://www.cumbria.police.uk/safeonline or follow Cumbria Police on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cumbriapolice