Articles & Presentations

WhatsApp Scam Warning - Police Scotland

Police Scotland has produced a guidance note regarding the increasing number of scams where criminals steal access to a victim's WhatsApp account to help perpetrate fraud against family, friends or work colleagues.

The document can be downloaded here.

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Update

The NCSC has published an article aimed at companies to take the appropriate steps to help avoid being a victim of cybercrime. The link to their article is - https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/actions-to-take-when-the-cyber-threat-is-heightened

We would suggest that the reader of this article inform other interested parties within their organisation of its content.

The following articles and PowerPoint presentations may gave you some insight into the problems faced by plant-hire companies, and methods to consider in tackling those threats.

Metropolitan Police Fraud Animations Campaign

In September 2018, the Metropolitan Police Service FALCON (Fraud and Linked Crime ONline) launched new Little Guide animations that aim to raise awareness and promote behaviour change around some common fraud types. 

The animations relate to:

• Payment fraud
• Computer software service fraud
• Romance/dating fraud
• Online shopping fraud

Payment Fraud (sometimes known as Mandate Fraud or CEO Fraud) occurs when criminals contact a victim, either via email, phone call or letter.  They pretend to be an existing client, business, or even an employee of the company.  They then ask for a new payment to be made, or an existing direct debit mandate to be changed, with the new details going to them. See the video clip below and visit www.met.police.uk/fraud for more information and resources created by FALCON.

In 2017, over 1,500 instances of Payment Fraud occurred, totalling £51m (an average of £33k per offence).

Launch of MicroCESAR

STIHL, one of the leading manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, became the first company to adopt MicroCESAR, an equipment security marking system. Developed by the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) using Datatag security marking technologies and back-up, MicroCESAR is the latest addition to the hugely successful CESAR Scheme which protects larger plant and equipment.

MicroCESAR uses Datatag security marking technologies to give each piece of equipment a unique and permanent ‘fingerprint’ that thieves cannot remove. Using a combination of a unique Datatag RFID transponder and a tamper proof warning/registration label with an integrated QR code MicroCESAR provides the Police with quick and easy verification of ownership without the need for special equipment or lengthy laboratory testing.

As an added bonus the Datatag technology used in the MicroCESAR system can also be used to assist in stock management helping companies track tools in and out of jobs and allowing users to easily access on-line health and safety advice and user manuals through the unique QR code and mobile enabled MicroCESAR website.

Many other leading manufacturers are set to follow protecting a range of construction and landscaping equipment such as power tools, cut-off saws, hand-held hydraulic breakers and compaction plates.