Stay Safe Online this Christmas

Author: Lincs Digital SASU

Published: December 3, 2020

• Our seasonal celebrations are a favourite time for scammers to send fraudulent emails, texts or DMs, or post fraudulent offers on social media. with Christmas looming and an increase in internet shopping, fake parcel firm delivery notifications are commonplace attachments or links, as are emails and other messages featuring ‘special offers’ and ‘prizes’. Don’t click on links in emails, texts or posts that you’re not expecting, and don’t open unexpected email attachments.

• When shopping on the internet, confirm websites you visit are authentic by carefully checking the address is spelt correctly. Consider typing it in, rather than clicking on a link in an email, text or post. It is easy for scammers to set up fake websites that are very similar to the real thing.

• Make sure payment pages are secure by checking that addresses begin with ‘https’ (‘s’ is for secure) and there is a closed padlock in the address bar (the padlock means that the page is secure. WARNING the site could still be operated by fraudsters.

• Many advertisements for items such as gifts, holidays and events on social media and online forums are genuine, but be aware others may be fraudulent. Be extra vigilant about checking advertisements are authentic.

• However desperate you are to buy that late gift or an item that is in short supply, do not pay for anything by transferring money directly to people or companies you do not know. If it is a fraudulent supplier, it is doubtful your bank will be able to recover or refund your money. If you can, pay by credit card. The same goes for holidays, travel and tickets.

• Log out of the web page or app when payment is completed. Simply closing it may not log you out automatically.

• When you are out and about don’t use Wi-Fi hotspots when logging in or paying, they could be insecure or fake. Look after your devices as they make attractive targets for thieves and be wary of people looking at your screen over your shoulder.

• Fake or counterfeit goods are of inferior quality, contravene copyright law and affect the livelihoods of workers who make the real thing. They can also be dangerous to users. Do not buy them intentionally, however cheap or ‘authentic’ they make look, and do all you can to make sure what you are buying is authentic.

• Avoid ‘free’ or ‘low-cost’ trials whether it is for the latest handset or slimming pills. Without thoroughly reading the small print and trusted reviews, you could be signing up for large monthly direct debits which are very hard to cancel.

• If you are thinking about a winter holiday or short break, check what you are booking online is genuine by doing thorough research. Look for independent reviews, and make sure travel agents / tour operators are genuine by checking for an ABTA/ATOL number. Pay by credit card for extra protection.

• Never use your Lincolnshire Scouting email account to set up personal online store or other accounts.

• If you think you have fallen victim to fraud, report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

• If you have received a suspected phishing email, forward it to the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC’s) Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) at report@phishing.gov.uk.

For information on shopping safely online, visit www.getsafeonline.org.

Get Safe Online is the UK’s leading source of information and advice on online safety and security, for the public and small businesses. Established in 2006, it is a not- for-profit, public/private sector initiative backed by a number of law enforcement agencies and leading organisations in internet security, banking and retail.

For more information and expert, easy-to-follow, impartial advice on safeguarding yourself,

your family, finances and devices, visit www.getsafeonline.org.

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VE Day 80 – Thursday 8 May 2025

By Howard Nelson • March 21, 2025

Thursday 8 May is VE Day 80 (Victory in Europe Day). This marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe with the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies in May 1945. The day is an opportunity to remember the 450,000 from the UK who lost their lives in the war (including 70,000 civilians) as well as the millions more across Europe and around the world. The event will be marked by commemorative events across the UK. Scouts are invited to light beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace at 9.30pm on Thursday 8 May. If you’re planning to be part of the VE Day Commemoration, you can register your event nationally. You event will be added to the official calendar and a certificate will be issued. Please also let the County Communications tea m know, provide a photo or two plus brief details of the event. The Royal British Legion is also organising events to mark this anniversary, involving veterans from the UK, Commonwealth and beyond. Do one thing: Look out for the VE Day 80 – Scouts for Peace Occasional Badge that can be worn on uniform from May to October 2025. More details on this to follow in the membership email. National VE Day Celebrations – Thursday 08 May 2025 Scouts have been invited to take part in the national VE Day Celebrations, part of which is the special 80th Anniversary concert on the evening of Thursday 08 May 2025. This will take place at the Horse Guards Parade Ground, London. Arrival by 6.30pm and finishing by 10pm. It will be televised on BBC One, but we don’t yet have further details about what will be involved for us. Lincolnshire Scouts has been allocated 10 places for this event (2 adult and 8 young people). Some 10,000 members of the public are expected to attend and we will be part of a wider contingent of 500 Scouts from around the UK and British Scouting Overseas. It promises to be a very special evening, part of a moment in history. Lincolnshire adult volunteers wanting to take part – please respond before Tuesday 25 March 2025 Initially, Howard Nelson -County Lead Volunteer, is looking for two adult volunteers from across the County to lead our contingent of 8 young people of Scout and Explorer Scout age. At this stage, he is inviting expressions of interest from adult volunteers only, to be received by Tuesday 25 March 2025. Candidates will: lead and take responsibility for our contingent, travelling into London, whilst at the event and for the return journey. have section Team Leader or Team Member experience be working with the Scout or Explorer age range (although preferred this is not essential as long as you have experience in either of these sections) If you would to take part, then please let Howard Nelson know by Sunday 23 March and provide the following information: Name Membership number Current role, section, Group / Unit A paragraph about yourself and why you would like to take up this opportunity. Young People wanting to take part – please respond before Friday 04 April 2025 With 8 May being just 8 weeks away, Howard is also seeking candidates from young people wanting to take part. Section Team Leaders in Scouts and Explorers, please talk to your young people about this opportunity at your meetings next week and let Howard know your candidates, by providing the name of the young person(s) initially. If there are too many candidates then it is likely the places will be decided on the basis of ease of transport arrangements or potentially a ballot. The deadline for submission of names is before Friday 04 April 2025. Interested or would like more information? Please reply / get in touch with Howard at howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk.

County Bulletin: Issue 10 (March 2025)

By Lincolnshire Scouts • March 7, 2025

Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer Beavers on Boats - bookings open 1/4/25 at 10am Post 18 Options Session Weekend on the Water Youth Shapers event January 2025 It's time to book on as a staff member at Poacher 2026! NorJam Activity Staff Opportunities Uniform days at external attractions LincsFest - Save the date New membership system

New First Response dates released

By Lucy Copeland • March 5, 2025

First response dates for March and April 2025 17 th March 7pm-9pm – online - Consolidation session for those that have completed the Hampshire e-learning module. Please send your e-learning certificate to Lucy or Michelle prior to the course. 26 th March 7pm-8pm – online – Top up session for those Leaders that have completed an external first aid course that does not include the Scout specific extras on the syllabus. 7 th April 7pm-9pm - online - Consolidation session for those that have completed the Hampshire e-learning module. Please send your e-learning certificate to Lucy or Michelle prior to the course. Bookings at https://forms.office.com/e/Xkvgv51NMQ