Cyber security experts, Get Safe Online, are attending the Winter Droving at Penrith on Saturday 29 October, to provide invaluable internet protection advice to local people and their families.
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, continues to fund Get Safe Online to attend countywide events, deliver online safety presentations and raise awareness on the simple steps everyone can make to help keep themselves safe online.
The Get Safe Online experts will be on hand to answer any concerns or questions people may have, such as queries about bogus emails, texts or calls claiming to help people save money. They can show people how to check that their devices security is as up to date as possible and explain the simple ways you can protect yourself and your family online. The team will include Liz Stanton MBE, Maria Booker and Cliff Alexander who will be offering free, practical one-to-one advice, on ways to stay safe online.
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Criminals are increasingly turning to the internet to target victims and I hope people attending the Winter Droving in Penrith on Saturday, will use this opportunity to go along to the Get Safe Online stall and receive free professional advice on how to stay safe online.
“The recent spiralling of energy bills and the cost-of-living, together with the promise of various relief payments for UK households, has provided fraudsters with the perfect opportunity to exploit people’s hardship. All too often we are receiving fake online messages about energy payments or bogus emails on money saving schemes.
“Prevention really is the key in relation to cybercrime and I would encourage as many people as possible to drop in to the Get Safe Online stall and learn about what downfalls to look out for when using the internet, such as scams, fraud and sharing your personal information online.
“If you have been the victim of a cyber-crime, please report it to the Police on 101 or to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”
Tony Neate, CEO at Get Safe Online added, “We are delighted to be attending the Winter Droving in Penrith this Saturday – and just as delighted that it is making a return after 3 years.
“Whether you’re watching the parade or soaking up the fantastic atmosphere why not come and chat to the Get Safe Online team while you’re there – we have plenty of tips to share for you and your family, especially as we head into the Christmas Shopping season, and if you ever want to learn more, remember you can always visit our website at getsafeonline.org.”
Claire Keyes, Detective Constable and Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer comments: “Our priority is to protect vulnerable victims and bring offenders to justice.
“As part of my role I carry out a lot of work to educate people on staying safe from scams and provide advice and support, this includes things like how to protect yourself from a telephone scam.
“We would urge people to take the time to familiarise themselves with tips on staying safe from scams for themselves and to educate their family and friends.”
The Winter Droving event in Penrith takes place in Penrith town centre on Saturday 29th October 2022 from noon until 7.30pm