Archive for category: Urgent

Action Fraud are urging the public to look out for phishing emails that relate to extortion as the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) received over 2,924 reports in March 2025, a staggering increase compared to only 133 reports made in February.

The reported phishing emails received by the National Cyber Security Centre’s SERS relate to a type of extortion referred to as ‘Financially Motivated Sexual Extortion’ (FMSE).

Reports suggests the phrasing of the email and subject lines can vary, but the theme remains consistent: the phishing email claims to have installed malware on the recipient’s computer and recorded them visiting adult websites. The sender will then coerce the email recipient to pay a ransom demand by threatening to release the videos. The ransom is usually demanded in a form of cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin.

In order to make these phishing attacks convincing, emails will often include genuine pieces of personal information relating to the victim, such as a password or home address. It is likely these would have been obtained from historic breaches of personal data.

Analysis shows that many people who received these emails also later reported becoming victims of online account hacking.

In 2024, a male victim in his thirties received numerous extortion emails that contained a password he used for one of his online accounts. The emails demanded a ransom of $500. Having correctly identified the emails as a scam, he deleted them. However, shortly afterwards he noticed that he was unable to login to one of his social media accounts. After some checking, he realised that one of his bank accounts and multiple social media accounts had been hacked and he was locked out of them.

What to do if you receive an email like this:

• As with other phishing emails, do not to engage with the phisher, forward the email to ku.vo1781065461g.gni1781065461hsihp1781065461@trop1781065461er1781065461, which is the NCSC’s Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS), and then delete it.
• If you are considering paying the Bitcoin ransom, you should be aware that doing so, you will likely become the target of more scams, as the phisher will know they have a ‘willing’ customer.
• The inclusion of genuine passwords or other personal information in phishing emails is a strong indication that you may have been affected by a historic data breach. You can use this service to check which of your online accounts were affected:  https://haveibeenpwned.com
• If the phishing email includes a password you still use, then change it immediately. Advice on how to create suitable passwords and enable other factors of authentication is available here: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/protect-yourself-from-fraud/protecting-against-online-fraud/improve-your-password-security/

If you have been a victim of extortion, or concerned that someone may be in possession of intimate images of you, you should report it to your local police force by calling 101.

Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk

If you’ve lost money or provided financial information as a result of any phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at  https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

Barton Is Open: Support Local Businesses Through the Disruption

 

The cones are out, the diversions are up – but Barton is still very much open for business.

 

Just outside Cambridge, Barton is a village with its own quiet pull. Independent shops, well-loved cafés, proper pubs, and long-standing businesses give the place its rhythm. But right now, that rhythm’s under strain. The Greenways project – meant to improve walking and cycling access – is causing real problems for the businesses that serve Barton and its neighbours.

 

We believe in the long-term goal. Better infrastructure is good. But the way this has been handled – with long closures, unclear routes, and limited access – has hit trade hard. Barton’s businesses haven’t stood still, but they need your help.

 

Let’s be clear: Barton is open. And your visit could make the difference.

 

Take Foxcotte, for example – a local, independent supplier of timber, building, and DIY products. They’ve supported tradespeople, builders, and home improvers across the region for years. Need fence posts, decking, plywood, or advice? Foxcotte’s your place. They’re fully stocked, open as usual, and still offering the kind of service that’s built on trust and know-how – but they need to see customers walking through the gate, not stuck in traffic on the A603.

 

Further into the village, The Conkers shop and post office continues to operate as normal for all your daily needs, with its dedicated section for fresh baked bread and Cook meals. 

 

Then there’s Burwash Manor, a set of independent shops in converted barns for everything from delicious deli food to homeware. It’s more than a retail spot – it’s a destination in its own right. Ideal for families, food lovers, and anyone who prefers character over chains. But like the rest of Barton, it’s been hit by the roadworks.

 

And don’t forget the pubs – The White Horse and The Hoops – both still open, both still serving drinks, and a proper welcome. They rely on visitors as much as regulars, and right now they’re seeing fewer of both.

 

Businesses here have done everything they can. They’ve stayed open, adjusted hours, run events, put up signs. What they need now is simple: customers.

 

So this is a call to Cambridge residents, nearby villagers, and weekend wanderers. Don’t write Barton off just because the route’s not as smooth. Take the detour. Spend your money where it matters. Buy your DIY supplies from a local yard. Grab lunch from an independent café. Pick up dinner from a deli that’s been serving the community for years.

 

The Greenways project might help in the long run – but some of these businesses might not last that long without your support.

 

Barton hasn’t closed. It’s open. And it needs you now.

A car was broken into on Wimpole Road last night near Wallis’ Garage. This has been reported to the police but if anyone heard anything or has CCTV please contact the local police.

Barton Village will be hosting a joyous street party on Saturday, 7th June, to commemorate the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day.

All villagers are warmly welcome to a ‘bring and share’ street party to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of VE day along School Lane on Saturday 7^th June from 12pm onwards. The road will be closed and decorated, creating a space for everyone to come together. A limited number of chairs and tables will be provided, so those who can bring portable ones are warmly encouraged to do so. The Hoops who are supporting the occasion, will be allowing people to sit and picnic in the garden (all drinks in the pub area must be purchased from The Hoops).

Further details will be shared in the coming months. Please keep an eye on the village website and noticeboards for updates.

We would greatly appreciate any volunteers to help make the day a success. If you would like to get involved, please reach out to gro.e1781065461galli1781065461vnotr1781065461ab@dr1781065461ofgna1781065461l.eol1781065461hc1781065461.