
The government have launched their new NHS Track and Trace app, making use of the technology developed jointly by Google and Apple and deployed into modern handsets at the start of the outbreak.
Read moreIT Services Consultants for you and your business.
The government have launched their new NHS Track and Trace app, making use of the technology developed jointly by Google and Apple and deployed into modern handsets at the start of the outbreak.
Read moreUsing Skype to keep in touch with relatives and other loved ones while being socially isolated is going to require some planning. It’s great to be able to use the phone and text messages to keep in contact, but it’s a lot more reassuring and rewarding to be able to see your family and friends, and Skype is the way to do it.
There are a number of video calling platforms available, we review some of them here, but none are as universally well known, and supported, as Microsoft’s Skype.
Unlike Apple’s FaceTime, Skype can be used on any phone, Android or Apple, it can be used on tablets, laptops, computers, games consoles, direct from the web and even on smart TV’s
It’s a reliable platform to use, it’s free and it allows you to video call upto 50 users at once.
https://go.skype.com/get.skype.page
If you’ve not already got a skype account, you’ll need to create one. The easiest way to do this is through the app, so follow the links below to find the app that works best for you. Skype can be installed on several devices at the same time, so you don’t need to pick just one.
If you’ve got a Windows 10 online account (you can log in with an email address – go to On the website
Skype on the website works for anyone using Microsoft Edge, Edge Chromium or Google Chrome browsers. Install from the Microsoft App Store This is the easiest way to get Skype on Windows 10 machines. The app installes from the app store and runs as a native Windows 10 WUA app (a bit like apps on your phone) You can get to all the features of Skype from this app, including managing your account, but some links will open up in your web browser so may require you to sign in again. Running the Skype for desktop app is pretty much the standard way of getting Skype on non Windows 10 computers, although you can still install the program on Windows 10, the app version above is a much better alternative. Getting the Skype app on your mobile is going to be one of the most useful ways of using Skype Keep in touch with your friends and family even when you’re out making an essential trip. Found a shop with toilet roll in it? get in touch with your grandma to see if she wants any dropping off at her house. Wanting to talk to your friends from the garden? the mobile is the easiest device to take out with you. Like the Skype for Mobile, Skype for tablets gives you that bit more freedom to move around your home and into the garden, but with a larger screen to be able to see your loved ones. https://www.skype.com/en/alexa/ If you’ve got an Amazon Echo Show or spot, you can receive and make Skype video calls through them. If you’ve got any other Amazon Echo device, you can receive and make audio calls via Skype through them. Just say “Alexa, Skype Ben“ To setup Skype on your Alexa, you need the Alexa app on your smartphone, and you need to have already created a Skype account. https://www.justpushstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/skype-xbox-one.jpg The Skype app is very well integrated into XBox, designed for gamers to be able to chat with their online gaming buddies, it also means you can catch up with your granny while sniping zombie soldiers or stealing a helicopter. Multitasking 21C style. Once you’ve got your app installed and your account setup, you can start using Skype to video call and voice call other Skype users. there’s a great help page from Microsoft about managing Skype and using the different features, you can find that here. If you or your loved ones need help getting Skype installed and setup, we can help. We can remotely assist to get your family talking virtually face to face. Contact us today for more help in getting your family and friends connected during this time.Windows 10 App
Windows, Linux or Mac desktop/laptop computers
Mobile Phones (Android & iPhone)
Tablets (Android, iPad and Kindle)
Skype on Alexa
XBox
#WeCanHelp
As libraries and community hubs have been closed as part of the government’s attempts to manage the Covid-19 virus pandemic, some users who relied on their free internet access may have found themselves cut off from the internet.
If you have elderly neighbours or neighbours who don’t have access to internet services, you could help them during the period of self isolation or social distancing, by sharing your guest access internet connection with them.
Using the guest network segregates their devices from your own WiFi meaning there’s not chance of computer viruses crossing over from one side to the other.
Most internet routers have the ability to run a guest WiFi, this broadcasts a different WiFi name (SSID) with a different password, and allows guest users to connect to your internet but without being able to get onto your home WiFi or any of your home devices.
This protects your home computers from getting accidentally infected from a guest device, and means you don’t have to worry about adding additional security measures on your network.
Each brand and model of router is different and will have a different way of enabling a guest network, but typically it will be listed in the router settings as Guest WiFi (sometimes as SSID2 or WiFI2) and should allow you to set the SSID name, which is the network name that gets broadcast.
Make the name easy to spot, so perhaps call it something like “Bob’s Free Internet” and set a password, then let your neighbours know that they can use your WiFi for free, saving them the cost of mobile internet prices.
If you need help getting your Guest WiFi setup, head over to our Free IT Support page on Facebook or leave a message below, tell us your router make and model and we’ll try to get the instructions you need.
It’s inevitable that unscrupulous people are already taking advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to scam people, and several scams have already been seen, so please take care and remember that not everyone is out to help you!
One of the first scams we’ve heard about is an email or social media posting claiming to have secret government lists of infected people
The scammers claim they can sell you a list of people near you confirmed as infected with the Covid-19 virus.
As there is no routine testing for the virus, and people with symptoms are being asked to self-isolate and only contact a doctor if their symptoms don’t clear up or get worse, there is simply no way a list could be made of infected people.
If you do receive a list of random names, they are literally just that, random names.
As well as some people profetearing from the panic buying, there are a number of scammers selling “specially made” soaps, sprays or other products that can kill the virus.
The Covid-19 virus is not special, it can be killed by routinely used products. the government advice to wash your hands with soap and water regularly is sufficient for most people.
There is some news about a vaccine being tested, but again for most people it’s unlikely this will be required.
There are likely to be many more scams in the coming weeks, be vigilant and think before you click. The scammers will use any tricks they can to convince you they know something you dont.
A new scam text that claims to be from the government
Please be aware there are more scam text messages going around purporting to be from UKGOV the pictures are examples of the messages being sent if you receive one please DO NOT open them or click on any links.
‘You have been out of your house 3 times today, you are in breach of Government Guidelines, your £30 fine will be automatically added to your bill‘.
‘We would like to inform you that you have been recorded as leaving your home on 3 occasions yesterday. A fine of £35 has been added to your gov.uk account. For further information please visit gov.uk/coronavirus-penalty-payment-tracking. Protect the NHS. Save lives.’
As you can see from the attached image the scam text is sitting in the same thread as the genuine UKGOV text so many people may get caught out by this.
The link goes to a fake website.
Another message with similar text states a much higher fine and gives an 0800 number, again do not click the link to that number as the message is fake.
There are likely to be many more of these over the coming weeks so please be vigilant.
Please can you share this with friends and family and stay safe from these awful scams.
Tina Fallon (Police , Engagement and Consultations officer, Wolverhampton Partnerships)
Neighbourhood Watch Alert & https://www.facebook.com/westmerciapolice
Fake text messages and emails claiming to be from HMRC offering a tax refund to deal with COVID-19
Fake emails claiming that you have a Tax Refund from HMRC have started circulating with reference to Covid-19.
HMRC Will never notify you of a refund in an email like this.
HMRC
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phishing-and-bogus-emails-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples/phishing-emails-and-bogus-contact-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples
Frauds related to Covid-19
“Recently the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reported a new trend in fraud related to Coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Updated figures show there have been 105 reports to Action Fraud since 1 February 2020, with total losses reaching nearly £970,000.
The first report relating to Coronavirus, or COVID-19, was received on 9 February. There were 20 more reports that month. Since then, there have been 46 reports between the 1 March and 13 March, and 38 reports in just four days (14 March – 18 March).“
Read the full report here: ActionFraud
Action Fraud 20/03/2020
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/coronavirus-related-fraud-reports-increase-by-400-in-march?fbclid=IwAR3xUyFbyWtRT-ZKw5r4IBr94nPY6CiWnUH0wPumXdMZW_pYErcbkDL2Z7g
Doorstep Scams
“In light of the current concern facing the UK there has been reports of individuals taking advantage of the situation knocking doors pretending to be Police officers and health officials with the intention of gaining entry and burgling the home.
Tactics include the criminals offering fake Coronavirus testing kits and fake services to assist those unable to leave their homes. Things like offering to collect essential goods and prescription medicines.
Please be mindful of answering the door to unknown people, even if they appear to be officials and always ask to see their ID which a genuine Police employee or health official would have and be happy to show you.
If you have any concerns for your safety call 101, visit WMP online or of course if an emergency call 999.”
West Midlands Police 19/03/2020
https://www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/da/315319
Coronavirus scam costs victims over £800k in one month.
Since February 2020, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has identified 21 reports of fraud where Coronavirus was mentioned, with victim losses totaling over £800k.
Of the 21 reports, ten were made by victims that attempted to purchase protective face masks from fraudulent sellers. One victim reported losing over £15k when they purchased face masks that were never delivered.
Action Fraud 19/03/2020
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/coronavirus-scam-costs-victims-over-800k-in-one-month