Criminals are targeting WhatsApp users by posing as a friend and asking for a security code. Action Fraud has received over 60 reports relating to this scam.
The scam begins when a criminal gets access to another WhatsApp account which has you listed as a contact.
The criminal, posing as your friend or someone that’s a member of a WhatsApp group you’re in, will then send you seemingly normal messages to try and start a conversation with you. However, around the same time you will receive a text message from WhatsApp with a six-digit code. This is because the criminal has been trying to login to WhatsApp using your mobile number. The criminal will claim that they sent you their code by accident and ask you to help them by sending it to them. Once the criminal has this code, they can login to your WhatsApp account and lock you out.
The criminal will then use the same tactic with your WhatsApp contacts in an effort to steal more accounts and use them to perpetrate fraud.

What you need to do:

• Set up two-step verification to give an extra layer of protection to your account: Tap Settings > Account >Two-step verification > Enable.

• THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity.

• Never share your account’s activation code (that’s the 6 digit code you receive via SMS)

• You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.

If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud or 0300 123 2040.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary - in conjunction with City University London and a host of other UK forces – are conducting a Victim Survivors Police Experience Survey for rape and other sexual offences. 
It is with the aim to improve the ways in which we engage with victims of rape and other sexual offences, and thereby improve the victim-survivor experience of the police investigation and criminal justice process.
Did you know that offences such as rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, domestic violence, stalking, and harassment - amongst others – have accounted for more than a quarter (27%) of all crime committed in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight during 2021?
The survey – which is completely anonymous – will further our understanding of people’s experiences of reporting sexual violence across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Detective Superintendent Ellie Hurd, said: “Rape and other sexual offences are some of the most complex and challenging crimes that we deal with within the criminal justice system. Our officers and staff are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for victims.
“In participating in the survey, it is an opportunity to achieve real, sustainable change by taking an open and honest look at the way we work within our own organisation, alongside the wider criminal justice system and victim support services.
“We want to listen to all victim-survivors. We want to understand where and how we can improve our approach to engaging with victim-survivors and ensure we are doing our utmost by them, in achieving tangible outcomes as part of our investigations. This could be a huge stepping-stone in achieving just that.
“Rape and other sexual offences are really, really traumatic and impactive crimes, and this survey will inform improvements to our approach to policing these offences now, and in the future.”
All victims of rape and other sexual offences aged 18 and over are invited to take part, whose case has been reported to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. Your case may have just started, been ongoing for some time, or be closed.
To find out more, or to take part in the anonymous survey, please visit http://www.tinyurl.com/1experiencesurvey
For more details about how to report rape, sexual assault or other sexual offences, please visit our dedicated website page: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/how-to-report-rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/​

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we are here for you. To find out more about what support we, and other support organisations, can provide you, please visit: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/

The agenda for the Council Meeting on Monday 13th March has been published here. 

The meeting is at Abbey Hall starting at 7pm, however we will be live streaming the meeting via our YouTube channel - here. ​