News
Scam warning after local computer user is targeted
PEMBROKESHIRE County Council’s Public Protection Trading Standards team has been alerted to another computer scam.
A resident from the Fishguard area recently received a pop up message alleging to be from Microsoft, instructing her not to use her computer because it had a Trojan – a computer virus.
She rang the phone number given and was told she needed a new firewall at a cost of £350, which she paid for.
However, while she was on the phone to the hacker, they accessed her laptop and she noticed her credit card details showing up on the screen.
At that point, the resident ended the phone call and contacted her credit card company to alert them to potentially fraudulent activity.
“Fortunately, no further funds were taken from her account, but it could have been a very different story,” said Cllr Huw George, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services.
He continued: “What this lady experienced is known as phishing – the fraudulent practice of sending emails or messages purporting to be from a legitimate source to induce people to reveal personal information.
“The message may require you to confirm your personal details and provide a link which may take you to a convincing fake website.
“Once you enter your details, the scammer will have access to your bank or Paypal account. Legitimate banks will not ask you to click on a link.”
Cllr George recommended seeking advice as soon as possible if you think you’ve been the victim of a scam.
“It can – and does – happen to literally anyone,” he said. “If you think you’ve been scammed, then ask advice from a friend, or a member of your family, or contact Trading Standards at Pembrokeshire County Council on 01437 764551 who will be happy to help.”
TOP TIPS
- Ensure you have up-to- date antivirus software.
- Set up a junk mail filter to stop unwanted emails.
- Don’t follow links to get to an official website unless you trust the sender.
- Make sure your payments online are secure, look for the padlock symbol in the address bar.
- If you do not wish to enter your phone number on a website, consider using a scheme called Truecall 38 which enables you to avoid giving your phone number online.
- Be wary of copycat websites, which charge for services that are actually free.
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.
The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.
This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.
For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.
Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.
Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.
Charity
£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.
They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.
The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.
Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.
“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”
Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.
Community
Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success
NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.
Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.
The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.
A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.
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