NEWS

The following message has been sent through by Essex Community Messaging:

A scam email is currently being sent to victims fraudulently claiming to be from the Royal Mail.

The attachment on this email is known to infect the victim’s computer with CryptoLocker ransomware.

One of two email types have been received by the victims, both stating that the Royal Mail are holding an item for the victim and that a response to the email is required to arrange for the item to be resent/collected.

Email Type 1: Email states that they are holding a letter and there will be a £5 per day charge if the letter is not collected. It then instructs the victim to click on a link to get the letter resent. From here the ransomware infects the victims system.

Email Type 2: Email states that a parcel could not be delivered and that it is waiting for collection. A link on the email is provided for further information. The link takes the victim to a page that appears to be part of the Royal Mail website where victims are requested to enter a code (believed to have been in the original email). Once the code has been entered the victim is instructed to download an application, this application downloads the ransomware.

The ransomware encrypts files on the victim’s system and a window appears requesting a payment, to be made in Bitcoins, to decrypt the files. There is further incentive for early payment as the ransom states that the cost of decrypting the files will increase the longer the fine is outstanding.

Victims are asked to pay around £300-£360 initially, rising to £600-£660 if not paid within a period of time. Although primarily individuals, victims have also also included a number of businesses.

Protection Advice

Essex Police advises that members of the public and businesses should take the following steps to reduce the potential for falling victim to this type of malware:

1. Look at who the email is addressed to; is it generic or specifically addressed?
2. Look at the quality of the images included on the email. Are they of sufficient high quality that they could come from Royal Mail?
3. Do not open attachments from unsolicited emails regardless of who they are from.
4. Do not click on the link supplied. Instead, go to the relevant website and log in from there.
5. Check the address of any email received to see if it appears legitimate.
6. Additional information regarding Royal Mail on-line security can be found here:

In April the Parish Council entered the RCCE Best Kept Village Competition.

As a part of the judging, entries are also considered for the Village of the Year Competition and we have been told the exciting news that Felsted is one of the four finalists in the Village of the Year Competition.

A team of 5 or 6 judges will return to the village on Wednesday 24 June at about 12 noon and meet with a selection of people from the village who can provide more in depth information regarding the events held/clubs/facilities etc.

The fact that we have been selected as a finalist is testament in itself to the work undertaken by so many people in the Parish who run organisations, work for the community or just pick up the odd piece of litter, it all counts, thank you.

Uttlesford Citizens Advice Hub has issued handy hints for people going on holiday/travelling this summer. They might must just help save you time and money, not to mention stress. Read them here.

Update 21:25

Water has been delivered to Memorial Hall Felsted, with more to follow at about 10:30pm

Update 20:30

Updates to the situation can be read here on the Affinity website. More water is expected in Dunmow at 10pm. No news yet on when water will be restored or if any water will be supplied beyond Dunmow.

Update: 19:30

Updates to the situation can be read here on the Affinity website. Note that they have dropped off some water in Dunmow, but no news on any water at Felsted.

Original message

Many residents will already be aware that most of Felsted Parish has had no water supply since about 6am this morning, with some areas receiving a trickle of water.

The problem centres around a pipe near the Doctors Pond in Dunmow and has resulted in a very large area being cut off.

Affinity are working on it and expect to issue another update by 6pm.

If they have not restored supply within 12 hours they will consider providing water bowsers.

We will keep residents updated with available information.