As we face the challenges of this unprecedented time, it is important we continue to support our education partners and service providers, working together to safeguard children whilst they are not in school.As such we have produced a dedicated ‘Covid-19: Supporting Education and Safeguarding Children’ page on our Safe4me website, sharing information, articles and resources we think may be useful to support school staff, partners, parents/carers and young people themselves during this difficult time.The content consists of general information including: 

•          Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
•          Domestic Abuse Advice during Coronavirus Pandemic
•          Mental Health during Isolation & Lockdown
•          Free Online Course: Introduction to Infection Prevention & Control
•          Covid-19 advice sheets in 34 languages (printable)
•          Covid-19 Fraud & Scam Prevention Advice

​Additional information is also included specifically for teachers and other professionals, parents/carers and young people which includes:

•          Remote Teaching Resources & Advice
•          Expert organisations – free resources and advice
•          Mental Health & Wellbeing through Isolation
•          Activities for home-schooling
•          Online safety for children not in school
•          Three month free Digital Resilience membership from Parent Zone
•          Keep Calm, Stay Connected, Be Safe advice from National Youth Work Organisation
•          Family activities in lock down
•          Invitation for YP to follow Police UK on Instagram
  
•          SEN video explaining Covid-19 in Makaton
•          Details of support services and websites
•          Reminder of sharing Safe4me resources and activities for home-learning

Help us share the messages……
It’s always been a challenge for police to establish digital communication with children and young people, largely due to them not engaging us on our corporate social media channels; as such, we rely very much on schools, colleges, and partner organisations/services to share the information we send them via their contact networks.
Please share with colleagues and share across your partner, parents and youth networks.
Click the link or copy it into your browser to access the Covid-19: Supporting Education & Safeguarding Children Safe4me page: https://www.safe4me.co.uk/2020/03/26/covid-19-supporting-education-and-safeguarding/
 
We thank you in advance for supporting us by circulating this information and will continue to assist you through this challenging time, as always, please contact our central team for any bespoke support or advice: schoolyouthengagement@hampshire,pnn.police.uk
 
On behalf of the Hampshire Constabulary Education Partnership Team, do keep safe and well.
 
 
PC Maria Carrick

​Please see attached information relating to the many online scams being conducted under the banner of "COVID-19", "Coronavirus", "Working from Home", "Self Isolation" and "Financial Support/Hardship".

Extra care needs to be taken as we are more excepting of going to unfamiliar websites and receiving emails from unusual sources whilst dealing with current events.
 
Fraud types and advice - Individuals
 
Online Shopping and Auction Fraud
Seek advice: If you’re purchasing goods and services from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, and ask friends or family for advice before completing a purchase.

Scam messages: Be wary of unsolicited emails and texts offering questionably good deals, and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.

Payment method: Avoid paying for good and services by bank transfer as that offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or payment services such as PayPal.

If you have made a payment: Inform your bank as soon as possible, they can help you prevent any further losses. Monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity.
 
Computer Software Service Fraud
Installing software: Never install any software, or grant remote access to your computer, as a result of a cold call.

Financial details: Genuine organisations would never contact you out of the blue to ask for financial details such as your PIN or full banking password.

Tech support: If you need tech support, ask your friends or family for recommendations and look for reviews online first. Don’t contact companies promoting tech support services via browser pop-ups.

If you have made a payment: Inform your bank as soon as possible, they can help you prevent any further losses. Monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity.

If you granted remote access to your computer: Seek technical support to remove any unwanted software from your computer. Ask your friends or family for recommendations and look for reviews online first. Don’t contact companies promoting tech support services via browser pop-ups.
 
Lender Loan Fraud
Seek advice first: Speak with a trusted friend or family members first if you’re using a loan company you’re unfamiliar with, or if the lender requires an up-front fee.

Scam messages: Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.

FCA register: Use the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) register to check if the company is regulated by the FCA. If you deal with a firm (or individual) that isn’t regulated, you may not be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if things go wrong and you lose your money.

If you have made a payment: Inform your bank as soon as possible, they can help you prevent any further losses. Monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity.
 
Pension Liberation fraud
Investment opportunities: Don’t be rushed into making an investment. Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into making a transaction on the spot.

Seek advice first: Before making significant financial decisions, speak with trusted friends or family members, or seek professional independent advice. The Pension Advisory Service (PAS) also provides free independent and impartial information and guidance.

FCA register: Use the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) register to check if the company is regulated by the FCA. If you deal with a firm (or individual) that isn’t regulated, you may not be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if things go wrong and you lose your money.

Tax charges: Ensure sure you are aware of any tax charges (up to 70%), plus other fees, that will be deducted from the amount you withdraw before making any decisions. 
 
Investment Fraud
Investment opportunities: Don’t be rushed into making an investment. Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into making a transaction on the spot.

Seek advice first: Speak with a trusted friend or family members, and seek independent professional advice before making significant financial decisions.

FCA register: Use the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) register to check if the company is regulated by the FCA. If you deal with a firm (or individual) that isn’t regulated, you may not be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if things go wrong and you lose your money.
 
Advice for businesses
 
Mandate Fraud
Verify: If you receive a request to move money into a new bank account, contact the supplier directly using established contact details, to verify and corroborate the payment request.
Internal processes: Establish robust internal processes for handling changes to payment details. For example, only designated employees should be able to make changes to payment arrangements.

Sensitive information: Invoices, payment mandates, and other documents containing sensitive financial information should be stored securely and only be accessible to those staff that need them to perform their duties. Sensitive documents should be shredded before they are disposed of.

If you have made a payment: Inform your bank as soon as possible, they can help you prevent any further losses. Monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity.


For those working at home, my colleagues at City of London Police have produced some very helpful guides to stay safe online

Attachments
Covid 19 fraud prevent release v8.pdf - 284.9 KB
Message Sent By
James Adnitt (Police, Cyber Protect Officer, Hampshire )

Get help with delivery of essential items or become a volunteerWe are working with local volunteer groups, One Community and Hampshire County Council to get help to people who are self-isolating because they are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19).   
Volunteers can support with the collection and delivery of food and other essential items like prescription medicines, as well as be someone people can chat with (remotely) to combat loneliness. 

To access this scheme or to volunteer to help them, please click https://www.eastleigh.gov.uk/coronavirus-support 

​Hampshire County Council Trading Standards is aware that fraudsters are exploiting the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation for their own gain.  These are troubling and uncertain times for all of us, and we are warning residents to stay especially alert to scams/fraud and doorstep callers.
Tips to avoid being defrauded of your money:-

• Be sceptical, not everyone has your best interests at heart.
• Unless you are expecting a visitor, do not open the door to cold callers.  This is especially important at this current time of social distancing and self-isolation.
• Do not accept help from people who want money up front, for example for shopping.
• Never give your debit/credit card or PIN number to anyone.
• Take your time, don’t be rushed on the phone, and if in any doubt, hang up and check with a friend or relative.
• Do not click on links in text (SMS) or emails unless you know who they are from.
• If you are online, be aware of fake news and use trusted sources such as .gov.uk or NHS.uk.
• Facebook Community Groups, WhatsApp Groups and the Nextdoor App that send neighbourhood alerts can be great ways of staying in touch with those around you.  However, it can be difficult to know who to trust.
• Know who you are dealing with; if you need help, talk to someone you know or get in touch with your local Council.
• Connect to Support Hampshire have a very useful ‘Coronavirus Resources Page’.

Some of the scams/fraud we are aware of are outlined below. Please be aware this is an ever changing situation, and fraudsters will come up with other ways to reach their targets via different mediums, for example phone, letter, text, email, at the door

• Miracle cure.  There is no current cure or vaccine for Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Any such claims are false, and the products fake.
• Tests for sale.  At this present time, tests cannot be bought and any tests on sale will be fake.
• Testing at home.  Tests are not being offered at home.  Any callers at the door, offering ‘home-testing’ for Coronavirus will be fraudulent.
• Deep cleaning.  Do not allow people into your home, even if they claim to be the Council carrying out a deep clean.  This includes cleaning drive ways, paths, etc. 
• Protective equipment.  Fake face masks, hazard suits and gloves claiming to protect from Coronavirus will not give the protection promised.
• Fake Hand Sanitisers.  These products can contain harmful, even banned substances. Ingredients must always be listed on the product itself.
• Goodwill payments, tax rebates, offers of money.  Email or Text (SMS) messages claiming to be from HMRC or other organisations offering a ‘goodwill payment’ or a tax rebate will be phishing attempts.  An example would be:  “As Part of the NHS promise to battle the COV- 19virus, HMRC has issued a payment of £258 as a goodwill payment. Follow link to apply”. Do not follow such links.
• Fake Apps.  There are new mobile phone apps that claim to give you updates on the virus, instead they lock your phone and demand a ransom. Do not use them.
• Bogus Officials.  Your bank or the police will NEVER ask for your bank details over the phone.
• Overcharging.  Certain products, such as toilet rolls, hand sanitiser and handwash can be difficult to get hold of because of panic buying. Unscrupulous people are selling such items at inflated prices. Trading Standards are interested in knowing who is selling such items.

To report overcharging, scams, or to obtain advice, contact our partners at the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 (please note that this service is receiving a higher than average number of calls at present). 
You can download a ‘We do not buy goods or services at the door’ notice from our web site.
Doorstep Crime can also be reported to Hampshire Police on their non-urgent number 101 or dial 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated.

We are working hard to keep our communities safe in these challenging times.

Our priority is the safety and welfare of our communities, and we will play our part in reducing the spread of infection and keeping our NHS functioning.

Members of the public should continue to call 999 in an emergency where a crime is in progress or there is a threat to life.

If your call is not urgent and can be reported through our website, we ask you to do so. The link is here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/

If you do need to call us, we will ask you some additional questions about your health to assess how we can best respond.

This may mean that we ask you to report online or that we deal with your matter over the phone in situations where we may have previously sent an officer to see you.

This is to help us keep you and our officers and staff safe and limit the spread of infection.

Our teams remain out and about to speak to people as safely as possible, and we will continue to update you on social media.

Message Sent By
Christopher Gregory (Police, Corporate Communications Officer, Hampshire)

All houses with the parish should receive the latest newsletter over the next 48 hours. It contains the contact details of local resources who may be able to help you, especially those who are vulnerable and/or alone. 
An electronic copy can be seen below. 

Further to the government announcement last night (23rd March 2020) we have regrettably closed our play parks for the next three weeks in line with government guidance. We will assess the situation daily as further guidance is made available. 

Our parks and recreation grounds remain open and we ask that you respect the social distancing requirements when using these. Where possible, please take your litter home with you to help us manage the safety of our staff in these areas. Please stay safe yourself and help us to ensure that our parks and staff are safely maintained during this time. ​

OUR COMMUNITIES
First, Waitrose is creating a £1 million Community Support Fund to be used as direct aid for the communities you and our Partners live and work in. Your local store will have these funds to support their local area based on the needs of the community.
 
Help will include setting up additional local delivery services to support people isolated in their homes; for delivering essential items to local care homes and community groups; and for donating products to create care packages for customers to share with vulnerable neighbours. 

OUR SHOPS
Next, Waitrose stores will dedicate the first hour of opening as a priority shopping time for the elderly, the vulnerable and those who look after them. Our waitrose.com team is also looking into ways to support vulnerable customers who need food delivered to them.

We have also taken the decision to close all Waitrose cafes and rotisseries, and to suspend complimentary coffee service for myWaitrose members. Sales of many in-demand products will be capped and we’ll close some stores early. 
 
All this will free up extra hours for Partners to keep shelves stocked as well as spending more time with customers who need support.
 
At John Lewis, we are redeploying store Partners to help colleagues in Waitrose wherever it’s practical. 

We’re also suspending services that involve close contact between customers and Partners. This includes our cafes, A Place To Eat and others that require skin contact, such as beauty counter treatments and bra-fitting. Nespresso and Kuoni will be closing their outlets too as a temporary measure.
 
Our online shopping service is continuing to run as normal at johnlewis.com
 
John Lewis is anticipating the feelings of loneliness and isolation customers may start to feel at home by exploring ways to offer its expert Partner-led services remotely. These could include nursery advice for expectant parents; wellbeing advice; craft and cookery classes provided by expert Partners online, or one-to-one calls.

OUR PARTNERS
We also care deeply about the wellbeing of our people. Our Partners are working long hours to meet your needs. And so today we launch a hardship fund to support those impacted by the pandemic. We thank them and we thank you for the patience and support you have shown them in the last weeks. We ask you to continue to show them care in such trying times.  

Finally, as you’ll be only too aware, this is a rapidly-changing situation. We’ll continue to follow Government advice as it develops and will let you know if we need to make more changes.
 
In the meantime we would like to wish you and your families well.
 
Take good care,

BÉRANGÈRE MICHEL
Partner & Executive Director, Customer Service
John Lewis Partnership

There are lots of foods that you can put straight in the freezer instead of the fridge. This includes meat and poultry, ready prepared meals, fresh pasta, bread - and did you know you can even freeze butter and cheese? Here’s some examples:

Milk: All milk can be stored in the freezer and defrosted before use. Just make sure it’s still sealed. It should be defrosted fully in the fridge before using.

Cheese: Some hard cheeses freeze very well, firmer types like cheddar, gouda and Swiss cope well with the freezing process and maintaining their structure. You can freeze in blocks or grate it and freeze in handy portion sizes.

Bread: Baked goods like bread, rolls, pittas, bagels and crumpets can all be easily frozen. Loaves of bread can be bought ready-sliced or whole to be sliced yourself before freezing. Most toasters have a defrost function so you can toast baked goods from frozen.

Pasta: Fresh pasta is a great option to keep in the freezer. Some pastas won’t have to be defrosted before use either, they’ll defrost once put in boiling water.

Fruit and vegetables: Our frozen fruit and vegetables in the freezer aisle are not the only option; some fresh fruits like bananas and berries when frozen make great ingredients for smoothies and for baking.

Batch cooking: Consider cooking a larger portion at mealtimes to freeze for a later date. Make sure you freeze the leftovers as soon as possible, once they’ve fully cooled and mark clearly the date it was cooked and frozen on the container for later reference. And only defrost or re-heat the meal once.

Around three quarters of our ready prepared meals and over half our desserts are suitable for freezing and have the logo on pack. Simply freeze on the day of purchase and follow the guidance on packaging for the length of time it can stay frozen. Look out for the ‘suitable for freezing’ logo on product which also includes guidance for how long you can freeze each item for.

Defrosting food safely:
Thinking about the best way to prep your food for freezing is important. But it’s even more important to defrost your food properly. 

The Food Standards Agency website has everything you need to know about freezing and defrosting food safely, including:
• Make sure any warm dishes are cooled before putting them in your freezer.

• Place food in an air-tight container or wrap it well in freezer bags or freezer wrap. 

• If the food has been defrosted it must be cooked before being eaten to be safe.

• Once defrosted, food should be consumed immediately.