The message said:

“Hi ,
We got a request to reset your Instagram password.
If you ignore this message, your password will not be changed. If you didn’t request a password reset, let us know.”

It is believed that 17.5 million user details have been made public on the dark web.  These records include:

• Usernames
• Full names
• User IDs
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers
• Countries
• Partial locations

Please note it is believed that there are no passwords listed in the data.

What to do to stay safe….

If you haven’t already, enable 2SV/2FA on your Instagram account.  We would suggest doing this via an authenticator app rather than text message.

Change your password.  Using the NCSC guidance of linking three random words together rather than using personal information such as pet name or favourite football team.

If you do change your password, do this via the app or on the trusted website and do not click on any links in the email.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some users may have linked their Instagram to their Facebook or WhatsApp accounts.  You can check recent logins or active sessions and log out from any devices that you do not recognise.

Lastly have you changed your email password recently.  If you haven’t, consider changing this password too, using a unique password and not the same as your Instagram!

More help and guidance on how to stay safe online can be found here –  Cyber & Fraud Protect for Individuals

Although vehicle crime is low across West Mercia, every winter the force receives a number of reports from drivers who have had their cars stolen after leaving the engine running, while they wait in the warmth of their home for it to heat up and defrost the windscreen.
Some vehicle owners nip inside for just a few seconds to collect a bag or finish the last mouthful of their breakfast coffee – but that’s all the time an opportunist thief needs. To ‘freeze out’ the thieves, West Mercia Police advises motorists to:
• Clear windscreens with de-icer and a scraper
• Sit in vehicles while the heater de-mists the windscreen
Drivers who ignore this advice are taking big risks. Thieves will drive around residential areas looking for likely targets – when they spot a vehicle with its engine left running on a drive or outside a home, it’s there for the taking.
One person will be dropped off, gets into the target vehicle and simply drives away.
Many of the vehicles are never recovered, and some – especially high value models such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi – may be shipped overseas.
It is also worth remembering if your car is stolen when keys have been left in it, you may find your insurance will not cover you. If your house keys are stolen along with your car, your home is then vulnerable too.
So, this winter, don’t give criminals an easy ride by leaving your car running unattended.

For more information please contact me – PCSO 6416 WALMSLEY 07967 303 567