Here’s some easy links and notes created as part of our Digital Reporting session with DigiEnable.
Reporting on Facebook/Twitter(X)/Instagram and other social media platforms
For each post on each platform you will see a three dots menu called a “burger menu” – these are usually in the top right hand corner of a post.
Click this menu icon and it will pop up with lots of different options.
There are usually 3 different types of option…
Hide the content, but not report or block the creator
Report the content – and usually you have to give a reason why
Block the creator of the content (you can also Block creators of messages in each messaging app too)
Here’s a screenshot of some examples of (left to right) Facebook, Twitter(X) and Instagram menu options where the report features live.
You can also report online adverts to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) at https://www.asa.org.uk/make-a-complaint/report-an-online-scam-ad.html
Reporting to the Lancashire Police direct online
https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/
This is a series of pages where you need to fill in your personal details, and details of the scenario to report.
Reporting Hate Crime
https://www.report-it.org.uk
This website uses UserWay Accessibility Features, click the floating button on the bottom right hand corner of your screen.
https://www.stophateuk.org/report-hate-crime/ (for outside of Lancashire – including if you have been affected by Hate Crime as a result of the war in the Ukraine)
Some Helpful Further Reading Links…
https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/how-to-spot-an-email-scam-au5Lt0O3EgcP
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online
https://www.bbc.com/ownit/the-basics/8-tips-for-staying-safe-online
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/internet-security/
https://safety.google/intl/en_uk/security/security-tips/
How to report Scams
Report a scam
If you think you have been the victim of a scam or you suspect a scam, please call the Action Fraud helpline on 0300 123 2040 or visit the Action Fraud website (external link).
If you receive an electronic scam, you can forward it to Lancashire County Council Trading Standards at tsscams@lancashire.gov.uk and report@phishing.gov.uk – they might be able to stop other people being scammed.
If you’ve been scammed through the post
Royal Mail investigates postal scams. If you’ve received something in the post you think is a scam, send it to ‘Freepost Scam Mail‘. Include the envelope it came in and a completed scam mail report. You can download a scam mail report from Royal Mail or call them and ask for a form and pre-paid envelope.
Email: scam.mail@royalmail.com Telephone: 0800 011 3466 (calls are free from mobiles and landlines).
If the scam involves financial services
If the scam involves cryptocurrency, investments, insurance or pensions, report it to the Financial Conduct Authority. If you think you’ve been scammed into transferring your pension, contact your pension provider immediately. Then get in touch with The Pensions Advisory Service.
If a scammer is imitating a company or person
Contact the real company or person to let them know their name is being falsely used.
A common imitation scam involves emails, texts or calls that seem to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). They might tell you about a tax rebate or ask for your personal information. Report HMRC scams.
Genuine HMRC texts
In the text message they might include a link to GOV.UK information or to HMRC webchat.
HMRC will never ask for personal or financial information when they send text messages, and advise you not to open any links or reply to a text message claiming to be from HMRC that offers you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial details.
To help fight phishing scams, you should send any suspicious text messages to 60599 (network charges apply) or email: phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.
