That was the reaction when I received a scam call on my mobile yesterday. The problem is these calls sound very plausible
A couple of weeks ago I got one allegedly from Amazon Prime to say there was a problem with my payment. At least this one wasn't threatening but it was a scam.
Yesterday's was much bolder. It was a recorded message which began immediately I answered the call (this in itself is enough to arouse suspicion). It was quite a cultured man's voice telling me that my National Insurance number had been suspended due to illegal activity and I needed to press one on my phone before they came round "to arrest me."
I'm pretty savvy on these matters, having spent some time organising campaigns for Norfolk Police aimed at educating members of the public about scams. But scams seem to be proliferating. Which effectively could mean that it is becoming an increasingly profitable trade.
So please please please don't be taken in by these low lifes. Never give out any personal or financial details to random callers and always be suspicious if you are being threatened. This is an attempt to frighten you into taking action.
On the national insurance scam, Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said: “We are asking the public to remain vigilant and be cautious of any automated calls they have received mentioning their National Insurance number becoming compromised."
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I thought I would share a Facebook post from three years ago which came up on my personal memories section yesterday. The comments seem to be as relevant today as they were back in 2018. This was written after an evening of music in Norwich.
"Came away from a gig last night feeling angry. My anger was aimed at our dumbed down society where mediocrity rules. I had just witnessed one of the best gigs I have been to for many years. The people I watched were largely unknown (apart from their own fan bases of course). It was another excellent evening at Grapevine in Norwich Guildhall. The bands in question were The Turf Club Racebook and the John Ward Band. Here were two excellent bands chocked full of genuinely good musicians who should be nationally known but probably never will be due to the fact that they are so good. I was angry because of the dross pedalled in the name of music by the likes of Simon Cowell etc on our television channels. Get out people and enjoy live music. John Ward is a super songwriter who writes thought provoking songs on a whole host of subjects and styles. The Turf Club Racebook were original and every bit as good as bands that make it big. Then there was also Hot Raisin - a female duo with some good material as well. All that for £6. Brilliant entertainment and superb musicianship. Apparently Simon Cowell is upset that he hasn't got a knighthood. What would he get one for - destroying music, making a shedload of money under false pretences or for raising the hopes of talentless youngsters!"
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My Home Farm Gin and Hethersett Hawks stories have appeared in the Eastern Daily Press online website.
If you want to read them they are available at:
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/speedway-club-near-norwich-to-upgrade-track-facilities-7802574
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/business/story-of-home-farm-gin-in-hethersett-norfolk-7802402
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It was rather cold yesterday but we still managed a three mile walk in the grounds of the UEA and Earlham Park. Hope you enjoy the pictures of the woods and Earlham Hall.