Protect your Computer from Viruses, Malware and other Phishing Scams

A new computer costs hundreds of pounds and so users should take consideration when surfing the internet. It is vital to be mindful of harmful websites or downloads, that may be linked with viruses and malware.

Computer viruses are software programs that are created to be transmitted from one computer to another and to impede or affect the performance of a computer. Viruses are capable of deleting everything on a hard drive or corrupting single files and can embed themselves into emails or instant messages, to infect further computers. They have also been found contained within image attachments, e-cards and video and audio files. Unofficial downloads are often a huge source of the majority of viruses contracted.

A macro is designed to control frequently used tasks. They are written by software developers but some can be potentially harmful. Some are able to monitor keys that are pressed or when a mouse is clicked. More sophisticated macro’s known as VBA’s are written as code and can essentially hijack the functioning of multiple programs on a computer. As a result this can facilitate the spread of a virus throughout a system. This could be brought about through a destructive document, which is why Microsoft Office has a feature known as the ‘Trust Center’ to protect against viruses of this kind.

The Trust Center will check the following details before enabling a macro, embedded in a document:

• It will primarily check that the digital signature provided by the computer programmer is valid and up to date.

• Also it will ensure that the digital signature has been authorised by a respected Certificate Authority.
  
• Finally, it will make sure that the developer who entered the signature is a recognised publisher.
   
• A security warning will appear if there is an issue with any of the former information, stating that the macro has been disabled.
   
• If a security message appears requesting authorisation to enable a macro and it is from a trusted source, then you can click ‘ok’ to enable it.

Protecting your Computer from Malware

Malware is an abbreviation of ‘malicious software’ and is any software that becomes installed on a computer system without being authorised by the user. They come in many forms such as viruses, worms and Trojan horses.  Determined internet crooks, are hyper aware that people will attempt to download protection software for their computer and will also take advantage of this fact. It has been known for individuals to pay for bogus software or to be in fact downloading malware in the process or have their identity stolen. Users should try to avoid offers of free antivirus software as it could be a potential scam.

Fake virus alerts or ‘scareware,’ are programs that intentionally mislead the owner of a computer to believe that downloading software will be beneficial for security. Often,it will provide partial or no security advantages and will attempt to convince users to provide card details with frequent pop-ups. The windows that appear will claim that software is currently out of date or that there is spyware or malicious software present on the PC. Once the link is clicked, then the rogue program is installed on the system. In some instances, it may not detect viruses or it will display that a virus is present, even if it is not.Or sometimes, it will purposefully install a virus onto the system, so that recognition looks legitimate. It may even prevent access to official antivirus sites.

The following protective procedures are recommended against malware and are free and safe for users:

• Make certain that automatic updating is activated and regularly check the computer is up to date.
   
• Keep the firewall switched on.
   
• Do not open any dubious emails or click links on unreliable websites.
   
• Regularly scan the system with Microsoft Safety Scanner, which is frequently updated and available online.

There have been reports of scammers calling people and falsely stating that the victim has a virus on their computer, or offering to fix computer troubles. They have either been known to con victims into installing malware on their system or hijack its operation from distance. In extreme cases they have obtained financial information and charged for harmful, free or non-existing services. Some of these cyber-criminals have also been claiming to be from Microsoft themselves.

In April 2014, a man from Luton received a 4 month prison sentence and was forced to provide £5,665 pounds in compensation, for the organisation of a Microsoft support scam. Victims in the UK, US and Australia were contacted from an Indian call centre and asked to use a program that keeps a record of activities on a user’s computer. They claimed that there was an issue with the system and offered antivirus software that is available to download for free through Microsoft. The agentsthen remotely installed the program and charged £35 to £150.
 
The chairman of the National Trading Standards Board said it was, “a stark warning to anyone else doing it that they can be caught and will be prosecuted.”

The US Federal Trade Commission also seized the accounts of 6 tech support scams back in 2012 but this did not include the former. Anyone who receives calls of this nature should disconnect the line and contact Action Fraud, as Microsoft will never contact customers by telephone.

Avoiding Scams whilst browsing

• In Internet explorer 8, the URL is highlighted in bold and the rest is displayed in lighter font to identify a web addresses identity. There is also a Smart Screen filter that will present warning about websites that may be harmful or could lead to identity theft.  It acts by checking a live reference list of known phishing and malware sites in order to protect the user from detrimental websites or software downloads.
   
• The tool must be turned on through the safety button and by clicking ‘turn on SmartScreen Filter’. Internet Explorer will then present warning screens that will advise not to proceed in accessing websites or downloads that are potentially unsafe
   
• If you choose to register for a Hotmail email account, this also has adopted Smart Screen technology to decipher any phishing attempts and other spam emails.
   
• Microsoft Office Outlook employs a Junk Email Filter in versions 2010 and 2007, that assesses individual inbound emails for features that are often found in phishing scams.
   
• Outlook also has another anti-spam feature. In some emails presented in HTML format, pictures of audio can be included. However, spammers can use this method to obtain your email address. Once opened this verifies that an email address is operational. Email addresses are then sold on to other junk email distributors, which in turn generates a greater volume of spam into an inbox. Outlook will automatically prevent instant picture downloads and the user is able to unblock at their own digression.
  
• Phishing is an internet criminal’s methodology of obtaining sensitive or bank account details belonging to an individual. Emails are known to contain links that redirect to offending websites that may request personal or financial information. This could lead to identity theft.
   
• Emails that are deemed suspicious are instantly sent to the junk email folder and the reply button and any links are subsequently disabled.
   
• To open attachments safely, Outlook will prevent the functioning of malicious scripts during a preview.  But only attachments which are from reliable sources should be opened. Outlook will prevent any attachments that are able to run programs and could possibly contain viruses. These will include any file names that end with .exe, .bat,.com,.vbs and .js. If sending attachments that end with these characters, then a warning message is displayed stating that other users may not be able to view the attachments as it is potentially harmful. Other file types are not automatically blocked but will present the user with a cautionary message to encourage them to consider the content they are about to download.
   
• A full list of blocked files can be found at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/redir/HA010354417.aspx?CTT=5&origin=HA010355583  and these can be changed at the users will.

Reporting a Scam

• When using Internet Explorer, clicking the safety button and selecting the Smart Screen Filter an option exists as ‘Report Unsafe Website.
   
• As a Hotmail user, emails can be marked as ‘Phishing scam.’
   
• However, in Outlook, the email must be attached to a brand new email and sent to reportphishing@antiphishing.org or an add-on to report junk email can also be downloaded.

Microsoft advises to minimise the threat of infection by downloading the most recent software updates and using antivirus programs. Being aware of the latest threats is also suggested, whilst always accessing a PC as a standard user, rather than an administrator profile.  Microsoft also offers the following free software downloads, available online through its website to protect users from both viruses and malware;

1. Microsoft Security Essentials (those using Windows 8 or Windows RT need not download this software.)
    
2. Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)
    
3. Windows Defender
    
4. Windows Live Safety Scanner.

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Keeping Your Family Safe Online

The internet is a brilliant educational tool and can provide great entertainment. But there have been an abundance of horror stories presented in the news surrounding child safety online. Parents may feel that they struggle to protect children and young people when surfing the internet as they may think they have insufficient knowledge of the subject area themselves. Around 4 million parents confessed this year that they have not activated any safety setting on devices that the whole family uses.

A child psychologist, Dr Tanya Byron said there is a, “generational digital divide which means parents do not necessarily feel equipped to help their children in this space.”

Many children now spend long periods of time indoors watching television, playing video games or on computers.  Nearly 50% of children access the internet on a daily basis and just fewer than 50% do so for more than 2 hours each session. Main activities are playing games, browsing social networking sites and watching videos. But a high proportion of children, have been found to play games or watch videos with certificate ratings recommended for older age groups.

It is fairly easy to control what your little ones may be watching on the television but some parents may even be unaware of what content is being accessed online. Whilst there may be inappropriate material available at the touch of a button, screening of the majority of offending materials is possible with minimal effort.
Initially, the internet was designed as an information sharing platform mainly aimed at the adult generation. However, there has recently been a shift in its purpose where users commonly upload content that is aimed at a wide variety of audiences, including children.  Understandably, parents would wish to guard their children from content that is violent and sexually orientated and perhaps even drug related material. Sharing of information of this nature has become more feasible and can spread quicker by the use of Social Networking sites, for example Twitter and Instagram. People are now able to contact each other,regardless of geographical locations.

The progression of online communities means that children and young people are now vulnerable to identity theft, online attackers and cyber bullying.A survey in 2013 conducted by security education group ISC2 IT, found that 55% of youngsters believe that cyberbullying is the norm and over 200 children had arranged to meet up in person with people they had met online.

Dr Elizabeth Staksrud from the University of Oslow believes, “It’s rare that such meetings are associated with abuse.”

Positive interactions have resulted from some gatherings and in many cases children have informed family members of their intentions, so they could be accompanied. Nonetheless, on few occasions when abuse had taken place, the children concerned seemed to be unaware that meeting people through the internet can be dangerous. In every-day situations, children may be wary of communication with strangers, whereas on the internet they may not adopt the same attitude.

On the other hand, the internet has also increasingly been acting as a support network for children who may need help with an issue, but would prefer not to speak with someone in person or over the telephone.

An NSPCC and Childline representative said, “It’s been a really positive step and it has meant that they are seeking help more quickly and more effectively than in the past.”

Fundamentally, parents should converse with children on a regular basis about what websites or games they may be using. Ask them to demonstrate how the technology works if feeling uncertain of a child’s safety.

"Get your child to talk you through how to set up a Bebo account. Ask them to create one for you and let them make fun of you. And along the way, you can learn about, and explain, the pitfalls," said Carrie Longton, co-founder of Mumsnet.

The government has recognised that there is only so much power that a parent has over what information a child can access online and that issues surrounding safety, may differ with age.The department for Children and Young people has already supplied schools with guidance on safety whilst using mobiles and tablets. And as of September 2014, children will now be taught about online safety in school, from the ages of 5 to 16. The computing curriculum will aim to teach children how to use technology safely and respectfully, whilst keeping personal information private.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "The government takes the issue of child safety online very seriously and has set out a series of measures to help keep children safe online."

In May 2014, a government campaign backed by the Prime Minister was initiated known as ‘Internet Matters.’ Aimed at parents, it is intended as an educational resource, providing help and advice on online safety. Major Internet Providers such as BT, Sky, Virgin and Talk Talk, were key contenders in supporting the collaborative movement.

As a parent of 3, David Cameron said, “Of course the internet is a fantastic resource for young people –a place where they can be educated and entertained. But this virtual world can also pose a danger to children, with pornography, violence, self-harm and suicide websites sometimes just a few clicks away. And it is truly terrifying that our children can be exposed to this material.”

In response, Microsoft has also created its ‘Safer Families’ programme,that also vouches to teach parents the basics of online safety for children. In line with this,it will also provide workshops free of charge to workplaces across the UK in 2014.

It is important to allow children some independence whilst using the internet. Parents should be careful not to be overly cautious, as evidence suggests that learning to take risks and learning from mistakes are key steps in child development.  If reigns are kept too tight on teenagers for example, if determined enough, they may wise up and find ways to override security filters. It is simply impossible to completely block out or avoid all unsuitable material. But there are some tools that can be used reduce the appearance of untoward content on a computer, such as:

1.  PC settings- Basic filtering tools are available on most web browsers along with the ‘safe search’ option. Application blockers can be activated and time limits on computer usage can also be set.
   
2. Web filtering- Allows creation of lists of inaccessible websites and prohibits certain phrases and words.
    
3. Program blocking- Prevents unacceptable downloads, whilst protecting your computer from viruses, that may compromise the security of a machine.
    
4. Email filtering- Block unwanted content and messages from unfamiliar or untrusted addresses. Prevent your child from disclosing sensitive information, such as telephone numbers and addresses.
    
5. Social networking/Instant message filtering- Similar to the former, select blocked words or phrases.
    
6. Video filtering- Restrict undesirable media on websites like YouTube, on the basis of keywords and labels that a video may possess.

Software is also available that can monitor online behaviour and alert parents by email, if a child has tried to look at intolerable material. With this information, parents can then openly converse with children about the dangers involved.

Microsoft has released a list of golden rules that parents should encourage their child to abide by whilst using the internet. These include but are not limited to.

1. Actively encourage children to keep passwords private. Do not share passwords with friends or people on the internet and never save them on a computer or email. Do not keep passwords that are written down in wallets or purses.
    
2. If threatening behaviour is demonstrated on social networking sites seek help immediately primarily speaking with an adult and encourage children to be respectful of others opinions. Children should only be accessing these sites aged 13 plus and only communicate with people that they already know.
    
3. Avoid using full names as usernames or adopt an appropriate nickname and do not disclose the full names of friends. Encourage them to provide as little information as possible about themselves on social networks.
    
4.  Under no circumstances arrange to meet up with someone in person who they have only met online.
    
5. Toggle security settings so that profiles are only accessible to those who already know a child.
    
6. Photographs should not include any information that may reveal true identity such as those taken in school uniform.
    
7. Make clear that if the rules are not followed, the profile can be removed upon request by contacting the website.
    
8. A new trend with younger people is online blogging similar to a personal journal. Children should be encouraged to think carefully about what information is posted in this manner. Try presenting good examples of blogs to children for them to follow the format. Parents should tell children that they will be able to check-up that the blog is being used appropriately on a regular basis.
    
9. Educate children and particularly young people to look out for online fraud and scams. It is vital they never give out personal information and to log out correctly when using public computers.
    
10. Make sure that any sites accessed are fully secure. It should always begin with https://, a padlock should be present at the bottom right corner of the screen or sometimes a green address bar will appear. If unsure, these features can be clicked on to look at the security certificate for a website.

Overall, the internet is a great provider of education, entertainment and support. And for many children, it is a resource accessed daily. Most parents are concerned about their child’s safety online but are uncertain of what precautions to take. Many feel at a loss when their child appears more technologically savvy than themselves. However, despite their technological upbringing, evidence implies that children do not consider their safety a high priority, whilst online. Therefore, they are at high risk of identity theft, online attacks and cyber bullying. The government is also taking steps to educate children at school of the risks involved and it has also initiated a campaign to help adults who are unsure of their role. Parents should avoid enforcing restrictions that offer children little freedom, as it is strong possibility they may learn to overcome these. Furthermore, spending too much time in front of a computer is unadvisable for adults as well as children. It may be worth considering setting time limits so children do not overindulge, as they must also dedicate time to other areas of development.

A great resource for parents who are unsure about family web safety has been created with the help of feedback from parents. The website covers main topics such as cyber bullying and social networking sites and includes advice from dedicated experts.

You can access the video blog at http://childsafetyonline.org.uk/.

Alternatively, the government initiative site offers detailed advice at www.internetmatters.org.

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Avoid Getting Stung by Rental Scams

Finding a new property can be both stressful and challenging. There are many reasons why people chose to rent a property. Short term commitment is suitable for many young couples and sharers, who may not be capable of keeping up with hefty mortgage payments, in the current economic climate. Property rental is a competitive market and it is not uncommon for individuals to feel pressured to secure the perfect property.

"These scammers hope people will cut corners and be willing to pay up-front to secure a property. If you've seen three flats and been pipped at the post each time, you might just do it," said a spokesman from Pimlico Flats a lettings agency based in London.

 

Fraudsters commonly try to swindle tenants who are eager to put down a deposit with a generous sum of cash. Cons of this kind are particularly rife in cities and by and large, most will advertise online and solely communicate with victims by email.Typically, scammers will push people into transferring sums of money via websites that offer zero purchase protection such as Western Union and MoneyGram. Usually, the money must exchange hands before a move in date can be scheduled. After this, it is in most cases found, that there is no property or many other individuals have also been promised the keys to the perfect flat or house.

There is a general trend of an increasing number of cases regarding these sophisticated scams. In 2010 alone, the Property Ombudsman received 5000 complaints. The majority of deals were appearing in London and North-East England and three quarters of complaints were mainly filed by students and a high number of foreign people. Housing Charity Shelter has conducted a survey to identify the scale of the problem and uncovered that around 1 million people have been affected by rental trickery whilst only 487 rogue landlords were prosecuted in 2013.

Harry Harris and his friends were recent graduates and after a lengthy search process, spotted a property listed on Gumtree.com. After replying to the ad, a Nigerian man contacted the prospective tenant exclaiming that he could not attend a viewing in person and would send photos of the property. He requested that the money for the deposit was transferred immediately. The boys were alarmed at this proposition and were hesitant to pursue the property any further.

Following this the graduates were contacted by a man who claimed to be in possession of a suitable property within Central London. A viewing was arranged and two of the group attended to inspect the premises.

“The man seemed entirely plausible and the place seemed fantastic. Then we all met a woman who said she was the estate agent. These people were grade-A actors," stated Harris.

Keen to move in as soon as possible, the boys agreed to pay typical fees of a deposit and one month rent, which had been requested in cash. Once the cash had exchanged hands and keys were obtained, it was discovered that the keys did not fit the locks. After some research, the property was found to be listed with an established estate agent, with much higher rental fees. In total £1,600 was taken unjustly from the prospective tenants.

On another occasion, a human resource manager Madeline Cox had found a flat which was determined as very cheap for its location. Corresponding with the ‘landlord’ on Gumtree.com, she spoke with a man who said he was currently residing in Estonia and would need someone to rent the flat out whilst he was away. Nonetheless, the ad looked completely genuine and Miss Cox was enthused to view the property. In order for this to go ahead, the scammer then demanded £300 to cover a flight and attend a viewing.

"He was aggressive, saying he'd had a wasted journey the previous month to show around a prospective tenant who hadn't turned up. He wanted the £300 as a gesture of good faith," says Cox.

It was again later realised that the property listing was a duplicate of a legitimate estate agent, with a higher rental charge. Luckily, Miss Cox had chosen not to proceed with the transaction.

More recent rip-offs relating to rental have involved the landlord demanding proof of income or affordability, before a viewing is possible.Tenants will send a payment either to themselves, a friend or a family member and as instructed provide evidence of the transfer in the form of a receipt. The landlord reassures them that the money is secure but when an effort is made to retrieve the money,it has disappeared.Phantom property is often a common factor in these types of scams.

 

One student lost £1,800 after being asked to transfer it to a friend. When the sum was found to be absent, she contacted the organisation who had performed the transfer on her behalf. The so called ‘landlord’ had showed up in person to collect the money with the correct transfer code and corresponding identification. When the student appealed for help, Police investigations could not go ahead as there was inadequate information supplied regarding the collection of the payment. Speaking with the transfer agency a second time, it was made clear to the victim that data protection would prevent the release of such information and that a crime reference number would have to be obtained in order to bypass security procedures.

Provision of receipts to anyone is as risky as handing over your PIN number to a stranger and therefore, anyone who does so will find it extremely difficult to recover funds. Transferring money is often an instant and simple process which allows funds to be moved worldwide and can be easily manipulated by preying individuals.

Rental scams have presented themselves in many forms in the past. After already securing a deposit, people have also been cheated by claims that they would only be able to move in subject to ‘satisfactory’ references. Some scammers have excelled in contacting employers and asking intrusive questions. When the victim becomes suspicious, on occasion, a partial refund is issued whilst offenders protest that the remaining sum is for referencing fees and telephone calls. In other cases, the referencing process was failed with no apparent cause.
 
In a legal sense, the contracts created with the former individuals do not break the law; a partial refund of the deposit could be proven as reasonable. Although, the amount deducted must reflect the amount of time spent checking references and landlords would have to provide evidence of this activity, if legal action was instigated. Those receiving partial refunds have consulted the local police only to be told that it is a ‘civil matter’ and the police were not willing to investigate any further.

"Money transfer, used in any situation other than to send money to someone you know, is not secure. It should never be used as a way of proving funds or as a method of payment to someone you don't know," cautions Citizens Advice consumer affairs policy officer Susan Marks.

In the past, victims of such crimes have reported landlords to the appropriate websites and the advertisement has been successfully removed from the internet. But personal ad websites, inundated with millions of users, do not have the capability to prevent repetition of these scams and need to be notified in order to crack down.

“Gumtree.com is very much a community-based website. As such, we rely on the feedback of our users to keep it as safe as possible,” said a Gumtree representative.
In order to protect yourself from rental rip-offs you may find the following hints useful;

1.  Never pay a deposit upfront without viewing the property first and meeting the landlord or estate agent.
2. Do not provide transfer details or proof of transfer to anyone.
3. Do not agree to transfer money to prove your income.
4. Obtain references from employers or previous landlords as it may be possible to avoid fees.
5. Refrain from paying any money until a contract is provided and you are happy with the terms. Always read the small print.
6. Check the Land Registry to find out who owns the building, you can do so at www.landregistry.gov.uk
7. All registered landlords participate in deposit protection schemes, these are designed to help tenants recover a deposit providing that they meet the terms of the tenancy, pay rent and bills on time and the property is not damaged.
8. When moving in, create an inventory of the state of the property and take photo evidence if necessary. This will ensure that you are not charged for any damage that was not as a result of your residency. The evidence can then be referred to in case of a dispute, when the tenancy ends.
9. If you do consider making a transfer, details of company credentials are displayed on the Financial Conduct Authority website.
10. If renting privately, check your landlord is accredited with your local council. This means that they have met a specified standard in the service and property that they provide. To achieve this status, initially the property will have been inspected by the appropriate local authority or landlord scheme.

 

Over 100 local councils have showed their support in Shelters ‘Evict Rogue Landlords’ Campaign to raise awareness of Rogue landlords. A List of participants can be found on the Shelter website. There is even an option for those who feel strongly about the issue to represent their own council, if it is not listed. Individuals can do so by signing a statement of support. Positive action has been made since the campaign was initiated, there is now a government team dedicated to investigating rental scammers. Also, 6.6 million pounds has been distributed to councils to alleviate the problem and the cap on fines to perpetrators has been lifted.

Overall, finding a new rental property is often a tedious process. Tenants should resist temptation to cut corners, as they may find themselves vulnerable to rental scams and rip-offs. Phantom properties, untraceable transfers and overseas landlords are the tricks used in this fraudulent trade. By exercising caution and following the guidance provided, it is possible to avoid such an attack. Fundamentally, if a property seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

StaySafe Magazine and its on-line journal contains an outsized quantity of key information and stories regarding current criminal behavior. StaySafe is additionally a helpful purpose of reference for the authorities, they're unbroken abreast of current criminal activity.

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Watching the dog

Our pets are something that many of us hold close to our hearts. Some people may invest thousands of pounds in a pet for many different reasons such as;  Buying a pet; medical care;insurance and taking a pet on holiday -all requiring a fair sum of cash. In an attempt to protect our little critters from the unexpected, it is essential to be cautious with our cash.

Internet shopping is the current craze, not only can the household shop be delivered straight to your door the day after your order is placed but items can be imported globally at the touch of a button. Now you can also buy your chosen pet online. There have been reports of pet selling scams over the internet; it is likely that they will use websites such as Facebook and Twitter or free domain names. Upon occasion, they have even been caught advertising within local newspapers. Usually, the scammer will be offering a pedigreed or rare breed for an extremely low price or will only request shipping charges. If an offer presents itself as too good to be true, it is almost certain that the animal does not exist. The extents a scammer will go to is unsettling, official logos have been stolen from organisations to fabricate a professional operation that upon first glance seems legitimate.When in contact with a scam merchant, they will often seem pushier than usual and will lie and attempt to manipulate their potential victim.

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A recent incident within East Sussex involved a family paying £250 for a British Bulldog, intended for a Christmas present. The scammer claimed that the animal would be sent from a missionary within Belfast. The animal was never obtained and the family’s hard earned cash was irretrievable.  Upon further investigation from trading standards, it was later found that the operation was based in Cameroon. "This scam is sadly a common one, with the scammers taking animal lovers for a ride both financially and emotionally," stated a council member."Always insist on seeing an animal for sale in its home environment before parting with any money," he advised.

IPATA (International Pet and Transport Association) are an international trade association for pets and offer the following advice on purchasing pets online;

1. Perform a search online for the merchants email address and check for duplicate advertisements, scammers will often create multiple advertisements to maximise their potential “customer base.”
   
2. Attempt to arrange personal collection of the animal, if the seller refuses this is most certainly grounds for suspicion.
   
3. Search for partially, or entirely, the introductory offer or any text you have received relating to the sale of the animal through an online search engine.
   
4. If payment is requested by Western Union bank transfer or any other unofficial banking services, never comply. These services will offer no payment protection and once sent it cannot be recovered.
   
5. Some more established pet suppliers are members of trade associations. Do not hesitate to ask a merchant if this is the case. You can check with the relevant association that this claim is genuine.
    
6. You can report potential scammers online by forwarding emails to petscams@ipata.org, or alternatively you can report them to the website the advertisement was placed with.
   
7. Check that the merchant has a valid telephone number and ask to speak directly with them. If the telephone number begins 237 then this is a scam.
   
8. You can look at a full list of reported telephone numbers, websites and email addresses of known pet scammers online at; www.ipata.org

Unlucky victims of pet fraud have in some cases only discovered after payment has been sent. It is common that the merchant will claim there is an issue with shipping or the animal needs insurance and express that they cannot fulfil the purchase until extra payment is sent. Some even insist care and medical costs will be incurred within the meantime.

It is distressing for both pets and owners when a pet is in need of medical care. Immediately, people will rush into arranging veterinary care without a thought of the costs that may be incurred in the process. Ideally, at a young age, pets should be registered with a veterinary practice and it is always a good idea to attend a general check-up no matter how healthy your animal seems. Choosing the right practice will depend on the species or specific requirements your pet may have.  It may be beneficial to talk to other practice users or speak with friends and family for their recommendations. 

Opening hours and emergency care services are vital elements to take into consideration. Some practices will work alongside another to provide this for your animal and researching the reliability of the partner company is also a must.  The Royal College for Veterinary Surgeons (RCVA) has a list available online of accredited practices across the UK. To qualify, the practice’s standard of service is assessed every four years and occasionally subjected to on the spot inspection.

There will always be a standard charge for initial assessment when you bring in an animal for examination, additional costs will apply for any medication dispensed during the appointment. According to the RCVA, all veterinary services by law must have a price list displayed of the most commonly prescribed medications in the waiting room. Studying the price list before-hand will ensure that you know exactly what to expect.

For minor ailments, veterinary surgeries are obliged to give free advice over the telephone, take advantage of this benefit foremost. It is essential to consider the quality of the response will reflect the accuracy of your enquiry. Be specific and detailed when explaining the issue.

When it comes to the purchasing of flea and worm treatments, 55% and 63% of people respectively buy their products from a vet and 22% say the cost is more than they were expecting. However, it is possible to buy these products on the high street but their effectiveness is questionable. Where the health of your animal is concerned, it is worth spending extra for treatment that works.

Akin to humans, there are many diseases that can affect household pets such as catflu, distemper and the parva virus -all of which can be prevented by a single vaccine.  A vaccine will protect your pet from contracting a disease but also prevent transmission to other animals in the process.  In the recent past there have been concerns over how frequently these vaccines are issued.  Over 30 vets signed a document which stated that annually dispensed vaccines could last a longer duration than expected and included accusations of fraud by misrepresentation.  The pharmaceutical companies responded by clarifying that they are bound by the licencing bodies to provide a minimal immunity period for legal purposes.

David Sutton, from Intervet, a leading veterinary drug manufacturer, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We base our recommendations on the science and the science we have tells us that we don't know how long immunity lasts in any individual animal.”  The problem is too complex to resolve, it is notpossible to provide long term research to supply accurate immunity durations. Animal testing is currently only possible for up to 2 years. Even so, each individual animal may respond differently to the vaccine, despite being of the same species and breed.

There are currently around 30 million cats and dogs in the UK alone, just 18% of canines and 28% of felines are not vaccinated, a single vaccinecosts only £20-£40. Owners have been concerned that administering vaccinations more regularly than necessary may induce side effects. However spending a small sum of money on an annual basis will not only provide an owner with piece of mind but also avoids a trip to the vets that could demand a hefty price tag.

The PDSA advises that puppies are initially vaccinated from 6 weeks onwards; with a subsequent needle 2-4 weeks later; boosters are then issued each year following this. Similarly, for kittens, 9 weeks is recommended for the primary vaccination and then 3-4 weeks to follow up, with boosters supplied on a yearly basis afterwards. Interaction with other animals is strongly discouraged before vaccination.

Vacation Vaccinations and Insurance

Travelling abroad with your pet will require further vaccinations, for further information you can visit; http://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-health-advice/further-information/downloadable-leaflets

Many owners take out insurance for additional reassurance and in preparation for unexpected costs. Recent studies have shown that policy holders are more likely to claim on behalf of their pets than with regards to any other insurance they have taken out. Illustrating this, insurance provider Saga, expressed that its customers are three times more likely to claim on their pet insurance as they are on their car cover.  Pet insurers pay out £1.2m in claims every day according to the Association of British Insurers.

The average vet bill can total hundreds of pounds, with even some long term illness costing in the region of tens of thousands of pounds. The arrival of new technology and medicines has catalysed the inflation of vet’s bills more recently and in turn boosted revenue for insurance companies. Following this, there was a corresponding rise in complaints by 50% to the financial Ombudsman Service (FOS,) in relation to pet insurance claims. Martyn James from the FOS, said: "Pet insurance is one of the most hard fought and sensitive areas of complaint that the Ombudsman sees." He alleged “a number of these complaints concerned the decision by a number of insurers (including Lloyds TSB, Halifax and Petguard) to pull out of this market, despite previously selling so-called "lifetime" cover.” In other cases, insurers have refused to pay out for some bills, convinced that it must be cheaper to find care elsewhere.

Available Policies

• Accident only, provides basic cover for emergency situations such as road accidents. It is the most inexpensive and will not include if your animal has an illness. When committing to this type of insurance, be sure you are clear on what constitutes an “accident.”

• Annual cover ensures cover for both accident and illness for up to 12 months. In the case of a long term illness the treatment is only covered for the 1 year period and after this will be considered “pre-existing.”Costs will not be covered regardless of policy renewal. When signing with an insurance firm it is recommended to check the terms and conditions for a maximum pay out value. If your bill exceeds this, the company is able to refuse settlement.

• Individual condition cover will mean that the insurance will pay for on-going treatment that will continue upon renewal. Each provider will have a specific limit allocated to different ailments, so it is definitely worth comparing the market. If this limit is exceeded, it may be that the policy cannot be renewed. Excess may be charged for each individual condition or per year, sometimes resulting in customers being charged twice if the illness lasts the duration of 2 policy periods.

• Life time cover is always the most expensive policy to opt for. The advertising of these policies is perceived as unfavourable due to many companies recently pulling out of the market. The maximum pay-out is reset annually and will cover continuous illness providing that the customer actively renews the policy. Unfortunately, it does not mean that the cost of cover is fixed, it will be prone to inflation and tend to increase with the volume of claims a customer makes.

Getting a new pet is almost like getting a new family member, adopting online can prove a risky business. Always buy from a reputable website and thoroughly research the legitimacy of the advertisement, before going ahead with any transactions. Alternatively, why not adopt from a rescue centre such as the RSPCA and help out a charity? Regarding medical care, cutting corners may not necessarily save you money in the long run. It is always better to be safe than sorry, remember some diseases/illnesses/injuries are fatal to animals without vaccination or medical attention. Finally, when considering pet insurance the benefits of claiming are obvious buet check that you understand renewal conditions and limits before you sign up. If you are still not convinced after speaking with an advisor, then you can also read reviews online from previous and present customers. Overall, adopting an animal can be a pricey affair but the enjoyment of owning a pet itself is priceless.

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Smoke screen or smoker’s dream?

Since their introduction in 2010, electronic cigarettes have been growing in popularity but the Health department warns that they are not risk free. Incredibly, the number of users has tripled since 2010 equating to more than 700,000 users within the UK. The use of these devices commonly known as ‘vaping,’ has been heralded as a possible alternative to conventional cigarettes.  There is great debate concerning their capabilities to reduce instances of cancer in which one in four cases is currently caused by smoking, totalling around 100,000 deaths per year.

Electronic cigarettes, primarily marketed as ‘E-cigs’, contain an atomiser that is either engaged by inhalation or by being switched on by hand. Once initiated, a heating coil within the atomiser begins to heat up a detachable cartridge containing water, propylene glycol or glycerine and liquid nicotine that is often flavoured and available in various strengths. This notion produces a mist that can be inhaled largely consisting of water vapour. They have been designed to mimic regular cigarettes by featuring an LED light that illuminates upon inhalation.

There could be a chance that in the near future the NHS will support the use of electronic cigarettes as quitting aids forNicotine Replacement Therapy, if they prove more useful than existing methods such as, nicotine gum and patches. Studies have shown that the use of E-cigs is 60% more effective in helping smokers to quit than other Nicotine Replacement Therapies.  But contrasting evidence suggests that people may carry on using these devices after quitting and there is little knowledge of what effect this could have on health in the long-term. Clare Knight from Cancer Research UK, who is now funding further research expressed, “we know little about the safety of the propylene glycol in many E-cigarettes. And nicotine itself can be toxic in very high doses. So there are questions about the safety of leakage from cartridges and refill bottles.”

The theory is that fewer toxins are inhaled using these devices and therefore less carcinogens with cancer causing properties. Conventional cigarettes have been found to contain up to 4000 toxins that can include arsenic and even substances with radioactive qualities. Nonetheless, of various electronic products tested, some were found to contain toxins such as nitrosamines, acetahyde, acrolein and formaldehyde -a well known carcinogen.Furthermore, there is no limit on how long an electronic cigarette can be smoked for. The battery can be recharged as frequently as desired and the smoking duration is to suit. E-cigs are purposefully marketed at cheaper prices in order to target present smokers. But could this fact encourage individuals to smoke for longer periodsor more frequently, thanwith traditional cigarettesthat have limited burn duration? In this respect, users could still inhale toxins greater or proportional to standard cigarettes.

A study was conducted toinvestigate the short-term effects of the use of electronic cigarettes on the function of the respiratory system. It consisted of 32 participants encompassing smokers, non-smokers and those with respiratory diseases such as asthma. They were instructed to use a single electronic cigarette for the duration of 10 minutes.  It was found that there was an increase in airway resistance directly following the use of the device, preventing air flow in and out of the lungs. The increase in airway resistance was found to be significant in both smokers and non-smokers, however for those with respiratory diseases there was no immediate effect observed. More in-depth research is required in this area to fully understand the risks.

The World Health Organisation (WHO,) advise against the use of these contraptions until further research has been conducted. Products are currently unregulated and there appears to be an infinite number of varieties available on the market. The rate at which new products are introduced means that it is impossible to verify what is in them.  Although, from a small proportion of those tested, it is clear that there is lack of consistency in their ingredients. For these reasons, electronic cigarette companies are not currently able to market their products as quitting aids. On the contrary, they are not subject to the same advertising bans enforced on tobacco companies.

“Given reports of malfunctions, we’d like to see these products regulated to help ensure that the mechanical components in the device are safe and reliable and deliver consistent doses of controlled chemical contents,”  Said Clare Knight from Cancer UK.

There have been reports of safety issues with the use of E-cigs. In one severe incident, the usage has led to the death of a Merseyside man. A spokesman from the local fire service explained, "The subsequent fire investigation identified that an e-cigarette that had been charging in the bedroom exploded, caught fire and ignited the oxygen tube of an oxygen concentrator, which may have been in use by the occupier." Although this was an extreme case, other fires have been reported due to the devices. 9 fires have been found to have ignited in Merseyside alone since January 2014 in relation to electronic cigarettes.

A common pattern seems to have emerged from these incidences.  Kim Taylor, from the Aylestone area who left an E-cig charging in her car and came back minutes later to discover the rear seat alight, believes the fire started because she used a different make of adaptor. There was a lack of instructions included upon purchasing the device and hence no warning that using a different charger can pose as a danger.

Myles Platt an area manager from within the fire services urges people to, “always use electrical equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and guidance, always ensure that no electrical items are left charging overnight or left unattended for a long period when being charged, and do not mix parts from different e-cigarettes.” The official charger may feature a cut off point for when the battery is fully charged and power will no longer be supplied but using alternative chargers may cause the battery to overheat, due to continuous power supply.

The unknown dangers of these devices are worrying and there are currently concerns that children may use them as a gateway product to traditional tobacco usage. Though, there is little evidence available to support this.

What is being done?

From 2016, electronic cigarettes will be licenced as medicine in the UK. On 13th November 2014, an E-Cigarette summit will be held within London. The event will be attended by a variety of actors such as health professionals, regulators and policy providers, stakeholders, local authorities and also members of the scientific community.  It is an opportunity for debate about recent scientific findings regarding health impacts and their applications to regulate the industry.

The key topics to be included at the conference are;

• How will implementation of the Tobacco Products Directive affect the current market and products available?

• Product diversity including flavours as an incentive for continued use.  What should be considered?

• How safe are e-cigarettes -current clinical trials– what do we know and what do we still need to find out?

• Will e-cigarettes re-normalise smoking and act as a gateway into tobacco use or normalise “vaping” and lead people away from smoking.

• Use of electronic cigarettes in public places, what should be considered before making a decision either on a national or local authority basis or as private enterprise.

• Advertising and promotion, what are the issues and how will these be addressed both pre and post Tobacco Products Directive implementation.

• Conflicting interests that arise from the dual corporate ownership of tobacco products and harm reduction products – Is the problem ideological or a public health threat?

• How does use of e-cigarettes compare with existing nicotine replacement therapies – what should the medical community be saying to current smokers?

• Tobacco on the NHS payroll – electronic cigarettes on prescription that are developed and manufactured by the tobacco industry.  Is this important or irrelevant?

Other products available to help you quit smoking;

Nicotine replacement therapies can be purchased over the counter or can be prescribed by a local GP. They mainly consist of skin patches, chewing gum, inhalators that mimic cigarettes and administer nicotine, tablets, strips, lozenges, nasal sprays and mouth sprays. It is important to consider that no single treatment will be suitable for every smoker. The effectiveness depends completely on individual preferences. As quitting smoking requires behavioural changes and a great deal of willpower, it may be a case of trial and error and could even involve a combination of treatments.

There are currently 2 stop smoking medications available via prescription from a local GP known as Zybin and Champix. Although these medications have been found to reduce addictive tendencies and also mood swings that may result from quitting, in some cases they can produce side effects.

The NHS quit service has been found to triple the likelihood of successfully stubbing out altogether rather than quitting alone or using other Nicotine Replacement Therapies. You can order a free quit kit online at http://www.nhs.uk/smokefree.Or you can download an app that offers advice, keeps track of how many days you have been smoke free and how much money you have saved as a result.

To sum up, there is a distinct lack of long term research into the risks posed by electronic cigarettes. It is no wonder there is conflicting views regarding health implications and their effectiveness in helping smokers stop. E-cigs are thought to contain fewer toxins than standard cigarettes. However, their lack of regulation means that it’s a mystery as to what is contained within different varieties. Additionally the quality of the electrical components is not being moderated and in some cases this has posed as a fire hazard.

It is unclear whether this is just the tobacco industry’s response to the decline in social acceptability of smoking in public and hence reduction in tobacco sales. Similarly, there are no laws prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes in public places such as pubs which has led to the rise in popularity.  Quitting smoking is not easy; there are many other regulated treatments available. But if you do opt to use an electronic cigarette, ensure you purchase from a reputable supplier and only ever use the original adaptor supplied with the device.

Lose Pounds without Losing £’s

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic,so it’s no surprise that there is a huge market for weight loss aids and health products, all claiming that they will help you look good and feel great at minimal cost.It is easier for some individuals to lose weight than others. In frustration and haste, some individuals are willing to pay large sums of cash for a quick fix. Top trending scams from the fat busting world include pills that promise to boost your metabolism, or block carbs or fat, diet patches, weight loss herbal teas andslimming wear.

Many websites offering these goods will use language such as “hurry now” or “limited offer” in an attempt to disillusion the reader that signing up is an opportunity not to be missed. Look out for conflicting information and be wary of websites that have already ticked in agreement to terms and conditions on your behalf. Often these websites have something to hide within their conditions, preferring them not to be viewed.

Raspberry Ketones is the latest online diet pill scam, pulling out all the stops to take advantage of the insecurities of the overweight population. The company proposal is around £5 in order to “trial” their product which claims to “melt away the fat,” or so the slogan claims. Revelations from the company spokesman of Beach Inc. have enlightened the consumer world “most of the studies are done on mice and rodent but you can find one study that has been done on humans.” Whilst the drug may have supporting scientific evidence to aidfat reduction in mice, there is no evidence that this is the case in humans. Buy this product and you could end up being the lab rat. More worryingly, the FSA or Food Standard Agency has never approved the drug for sale relative to weight loss. It has been authorised only to be used to perfume and flavour foodstuffs. Upon occasion, fad dieting pills have been found to contain harmful ingredients not intended for human consumption.

BBC watchdog interviewed a victim of the Raspberry Ketone scam and discovered that the company’s manipulative capabilities were far beyond initial impressions. Debra Cutter explains “When I received a second lot of pills, I didn’t expect them, which I thought was a mistake in case they thought I didn’t receive the first lot, and then my daughter was going through my bank statements and realised that roughly around £100 a month was coming out of my bank.” There was no mention during the registration of any subsequent payments required,anywhere on the website.

The entrapment was instead hidden within the Terms and Conditions. Stating that unless the order was cancelled within 14 days with the original pills returned, then customers will have signed up to pay £95 for the original bottle and following this the same price will be charged monthly with an additional charge for postage. Essentially, entering into this agreement results in a contract called a Continuous Payment Authority.
Registered dietician Althea Zanecosky states "There have always been quick weight loss schemes out there because nobody ever believes that you can't lose weight faster than you gained it, A more realistic timetable for lasting weight loss is to lose about a pound or two a week.” In a hurry to achieve the bikini body, consumers chose to ignore the overriding behavioural element involved in controlling diet that no quantity of products can overcome.

In similar news a product that markets itself as “Slimzene” adopted an advertising strategy that certainly caught the eye. Using celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Adele and even the Duchess of Cambridge to manipulate their target audience, knowing that media pressure is a prime factor in instigating weight insecurity amongst many women. The legitimacy of the advertisement was further supported by websites such as Facebook and Twitter, displaying them as sponsored advertisements.Fuelled by public outrage the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned all Slimzene ads from the internet.The watchdog said “Slimzene failed to show that Adele had used or endorsed the product, failed to prove that it could contribute to weight loss and failed to make clear what appeared to be an article about the singer was actually an advertisement.” As a result there are many celebrities that are taking legal action against diet product companies that have not requested permission prior to advertising.

Weight loss is usually a gradual process and requires a combination of a healthy balanced diet, alongside plentiful exercise and a lot of willpower.This can be a daunting prospect. There is a great variety of support available from dieting books, dieting clubs. Now it is even possible to order all of your meals and snacks ready-made toguarantee that you crunch down on the calories or cut down on the carbs.

Free Support

You don’t necessarily have to spend extra money to shed the pounds. You can sign up online for a free Weight watchers newsletter with recipes and advice to help you stay on track at www.weightwatchers.co.uk. Some newsletters will contain vouchers to use in conjunction with weight watcher products. There are plenty of online forums and message boards where you can share ideas, recipes and chat to other people for moral support.

If you don’t fancy scrupulously counting the calories or following a strict diet plan, there are many other things that you can do instead to aid weight loss such as;

• Setting aside longer for meal times.Allocating 20 minutes to each meal, eat slowly and concentrate on flavours and textures. Your body will feel more satisfied from smaller portions. Eating quickly can prevent release of hormones that produces the full feeling, leading to over indulgence.

• Catching up on much needed slumber is definitely not over rated. An additional one hour of sleep could help an average person drop up to 14 pounds per year. Concurrently, research shows that fatigue is a main contender in increasing appetite.

• Simply serving more fruit and vegetables is a great way to lose weight. With high fibre and water content, it’sa low calorie cheat to help you feel fuller.

• The addition of whole grains in a diet is especially beneficial. Generous helpings of brown rice, barley, oats, buckwheat and whole wheat are low calorie stomach fillers. It has even been suggested that they may play a role in cholesterol reduction too.

• Try replacing meaty pizza toppings with vegetable alternatives; this could minus up to 100 calories off your favourite takeaway meal.
• A major contributor to piling on the pounds is high sugar content in food and drinks. By choosing water instead of a sugary, fizzy drink you could avoid putting on unwanted weight. When serving your drinks, choose a tall, thin glass rather than a short tumbler. People are prone to consuming more in tumblers, whilst in taller glasses you could consume 25-30% less.

• Alcohol has a high calorific content;more so than crabs and also protein.Instead, opt for non-alcoholic beverages in between your chosen tipple. Although drinking in any quantity may increase the temptation for naughty nibbles.

• A great deal of self-awareness and mindfulness is required to lose weight. A relaxing way to improve these elements is to practice yoga, which encourages awareness of both the mind and the body. Studies have found that women who practice yoga weigh less than women who don’t.

• Avoid snacking by chewing sugar free gum.

• Reducing the size of your plate can have a beneficial psychological response. Recent scientific research has shown that people will automatically eat more with larger plates. Selecting a smaller plate means potentially cutting out 100-200 calories per day.

• Be consistent with smaller portion.

• When dining out, share a starter with a friend or order as a main. If the starter is a smaller dish, why not add extra salad to fill up.

• Choose vegetarian alternatives to aid slimming. It has been found that vegetarians weigh 15% less than the average meat consumer. Try beans and lentils for fibre rich foods that fill you up with fewer calories.

• It is possible to lose up to 10 pounds in a year by simply burning an extra 100 calories per day. You can do this by; walking a mile which should take approximately 20 minutes; gardening for 20 minutes; cleaning the house for 30 minutes or jogging for 10 minutes.

“Having support from other people in your situation can really motivate you to lose weight,” says Dr Campbell. Your GP can also provide free information. By first assessing your BMI or Body Mass Index they can advise of a healthy weight for your height and suggest simple lifestyle changes to help you achieve this. It is only as a last resort that doctors will recommend medication or surgery.

On a final note,  for many is a challenging endeavor. There are many weight loss aids out there that can be beneficial and will not weigh too heavy on the handbag. Making positive steps to lose weight is largely supported by behavioral changes. Patience is the key to healthy weight loss. When considering buying any product online, take time and care to research both the effectiveness and reputation of the product. It is always advisable to study the terms and conditions before signing up.You don’t have to be out of pocket to achieve your goal, tricking yourself into eating less may even save you money in the long run.