Scam Alerts
For further CONSUMER ADVICE and PROTECTION
Link to their WEB site .. www.staffordshire.gov.uk/community/consumeradviceandprotection/
Miller Smiles are one of the internet's leading anti-phishing sites, maintaining a massive archive of phishing and identity theft email scams.
Link to their WEB site .. http://www.millersmiles.co.uk/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
High Preasure Sales ... Alarm Systems
July
Staffordshire Trading Standards are warning residents to be aware of alarm companies operating in the ST19, WS11 and WS12 area of the county. It is likely they are also operating in other areas of Staffordshire.
The company are selling alarm systems, usually for extremely low prices, in some cases for as little as £1, without informing potential customers of high cost installation and maintenance charges which can run into thousands of pounds.
Reports have also been received of high pressure sales tactics being used to encourage residents to purchase the alarm.
Trading Standards is urging residents not to purchase items over the doorstep. Do not give out personal information to doorstep callers, or sign documents which could turn out to be contracts.
If you are interested in purchasing a similar alarm system, take time to consider and make sure you have all the facts, before making a decision.
If you feel pressured or harassed by people calling at your door, you are advised to report this to the Police.
Produced:
15 July 2010
Dear Watchdog
ROGUE TRADER DAY
July
As part of a county wide "Day of Action" in conjunction with Staffordshire Police, officers from Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards have taken part in a number of activities including roving patrols, static roadside checks and the distribution of "consumer packs" following ongoing reports of instances of "doorstep crime".
As part of the "Day of Action" this information and the guidance detailed in this open letter is being forwarded to you so that you can protect yourselves from the activities of rogue traders and help others understand the dangers.
Doorstep crime is a major problem throughout the UK and older adults in particular are at risk from bogus callers and doorstep rogue traders. These problems are well documented and well known to investigative agencies such as Trading Standards and the Police.
Older and more vulnerable adults are more at risk from becoming victims of bogus cold calling or rogue doorstep sellers.
Although some businesses who sell at the door are genuine a proportion of these are rogue doorstep sellers selling services such as home improvements and repairs, security systems, mobility aids, gardening services etc.
These doorstep sellers appear to be trustworthy and genuine but once you have let into your home, they will be expecting a sale - and they won't give up easily. Rogue doorstep sellers will usually insist on starting the work the same day and will often ask for cash upfront. They may offer to take you to the bank or building society so you can get the money out. These are some of the phrases they may use:
"We are only in the area today"
Tips and Advice on how to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Doorstep Crime
If you are approached by any person offering to carry out repairs to your property, turn them away and tell them "I do not buy from Doorstep sellers",
Before answering the front door check that the back door is locked and remove the key.
Fix a security chain or door bar, and use it every time someone calls. Look through the spy hole (if your door has one) or the window to see who it is.
Ask all callers for identity cards. If the caller is genuine they will not mind. Check the seller's identification. Use your local phone book or yellow pages to obtain a phone number of the company, (not the number detailed on the caller's identification), to check they are genuine.
If you are not expecting them and they have not shown you an identity card, do not let them in until you are sure that the caller is genuine.
If unsure say ‘no thank you, I do not buy at the door' and close the door.
Never sign a contract until you have shopped around first. Ask for more time to consider the offer and to get a second quotation. A genuine seller will understand this and not try to pressurise you into signing that day.
Get advice from family, friends or neighbours before agreeing to have any work done.
Don't
Believe the high pressure selling techniques - i.e. tarmac left over from another job, they are rarely true.
Let a persistent seller intimidate you into making an immediate decision or buy things you don't need.
Agree to have work done to your home without getting a second opinion and quotation.
Keep a large amount of cash in your home and do not agree to go the bank or building society with the seller.
If you think a bogus caller has called at your door report it to the police immediately - the earlier they know the sooner they can act. And let neighbours and Neighbourhood Watch representatives know too as the callers may try at other homes in the area.
Thank you very much for taking the time to help us today. Further information can be obtained via Nicola Wilson and Sarah Byrne your Watchdog Co-coordinators on 01785 277818 or 01785 277835.
Crime Research Survey
June
Trading Standards have received reports from local residents who have been contacted by a company carrying out a crime research survey. The caller asks various questions regarding the level of security people have within their homes and whether they are members of Neighbourhood Watch. The caller then goes on to launch a sales pitch for a wireless alarm system, and asks if a representative could visit you at home for a free consultation.
In most cases the alarm has been offered for sale at an extremely low price or free as part of a competition. Further investigation has shown that the installation charges for these alarm systems and the monthly maintenance fees are extremely expensive and in some cases have run into thousands of pounds.
If you receive a cold call from a company carrying out a crime survey, you are advised to not engage in conversation with them if possible, and do not agree to a company representative coming to your home for a consultation.
If you have received a call of this nature, or do so in the future, you can report it to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Produced: 09.06.2010
Scam Alert Re-Issue ...
Visa/Mastercard Scam
June
Trading Standards alerted residents to this scam back in March, however warnings from other agencies are still circulating so we felt it important that we continue to raise awareness.
This scam works by someone calling you, posing as a member of staff from your credit card company. The caller informs you that there has been some unusual purchasing activity on your cards and asks you to verify that you are in possession of your card. They do this by asking you to turn over your credit card and look for some numbers. There will be 7 numbers; the first 4 digits are part of your card number, the next 3 are security numbers that verify you are in possession of the card. What the scammer wants is the 3- digit security number. These are the numbers you will use if you are purchasing items over the internet.
If you give the scammer your 3 digit PIN Number you are misled into thinking you are receiving a credit to you card account. However, by the time you receive your next statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, by which point it may be difficult to get the money back.
If this was a genuine call from your bank company they would never ask for anything on your card as they already know the information as they issued the card!
Protect yourself
- Do not pass on personal or financial information to cold callers over the phone, by letter or email.
- Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately if you believe you may have given out account details.
- Review your statements on a regular basis to see if there have been any unauthorised transactions.
Produced: 09.06.10
Fake iTunes Voucher Warning
May
Trading Standards Officers are warning computer users to be on their guard against bogus emails that claim to offer a free $50 iTunes voucher.
The emails purport to originate from Apple, claiming that the recipient has received an iTunes gift certificate. The email requests users to access a redemption code contained within a .zip attachment accompanying the email. However, the attachment actually contains malware that will compromise the security of the user's PC.
Officers advise recipients not to open any attachments in unsolicited emails and to delete any such emails received without delay.
Officers advise that effective online security is crucial, and users should ensure that their PCs are running up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. However, good security need not be complicated or expensive - many security vendors provide free versions of their software for personal use.
Crucially, Internet security software should be supported by user commonsense and awareness of Internet-based threats. For this reason, Officers advise PC users to read up on online security via http://www.getsafeonline.org/. They also advise turning off any ‘auto-preview' features in their email software, and encourage all email users to follow their advice for avoiding email spam (Avoiding Spam).
Produced: 12th May 2010
FIFA Cup Scam Letter
May
Trading Standards have been informed of residents receiving bogus letters claiming they you have won money off tickets for The World Cup to the value of £220.
The letter claims that a 25% charge of interest would need to be applied to the account when claiming.
We advise you not to reply if you have received such a letter.
If you have received this letter you can forward it on to Scam Busters: scambusters@centsa.org.uk
You can also contact Scam Busters by telephone on: 0121 704 8684
Remember if it looks to good to be true, it probably is!
Produced: 12th May 2010
Rewriting Will Com
May
Trading Standards are advising people to beware of a Will writing plot that cons unsuspecting victims into paying for their Wills to be unnecessarily rewritten.
Letters have been sent out by an unregulated group of Will writers stating that a rule change means some Wills are now invalid. The letter states that all Wills need to be page numbered and signed by the testator and witness on every page.
The Probate Registry has confirmed there has been no such change and that Wills only need to be signed and witnessed at the back.
If you think you may have been a victim of this scam, please report it to Consumer Direct: 08454 040506
Produced: 12th May 2010
Computer Support Warning
May
Trading Standards Officers have issued a renewed warning to computer users to be on their guard against unsolicited telephone calls from phoney computer support personnel.
In 2008 Officers issued a warning about the practices of a company known as supportonclick who were cold calling computer users and claiming to be representing Microsoft (see here). Their tactic is to convince the user that something is wrong with their PC and purchase software that they do not actually need. The fraudsters use leading, generalised questioning techniques that often have the effect of convincing the user that their individual circumstances are known to the calling company. Callers often know the user's name, giving them greater plausibility.
The Service has continued to receive complaints about the Indian-based company and are advising computer users to remain vigilant.
Officers advise that effective online security is crucial, and users should ensure that their PCs are running up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. However, good security need not be complicated or expensive - many security vendors provide free versions of their software for personal use.
Officers advise PC users to read up on online security via http://www.getsafeonline.org/. They also advise turning off any ‘auto-preview' features in their email software, and encourage all email users to observe their tips for avoiding email spam (Avoiding Spam).
If you think you may have been contact by supportonclick, please report this to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Produced: 12th May 2010
Internet Explorer 6 Warning
May
Trading Standards Officers are urging computer users still using Internet Explorer 6 to upgrade their browser as soon as possible.
Their warning follows recommendations from Microsoft who have identified security issues in the 9 year old browser. Microsoft state that whilst version 6 was ‘cutting edge' when it was first released, its security features have now become outdated.
Internet Explorer users can check their browser version by clicking Help > About Internet Explorer. Outdated and unsecure software increases users' vulnerability to malware and Internet-based fraud, and Officers advise to check for operating system and software updates regularly.
Officers advise that effective online security is crucial, and users should ensure that their PCs are running up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. However, good security need not be complicated or expensive - many security vendors provide free versions of their software for personal use.
Crucially, Internet security software should be supported by user commonsense and awareness of Internet-based threats. For this reason, Officers advise PC users to read up on online security via http://www.getsafeonline.org/. They also advise turning off any ‘auto-preview' features in their email software, and encourage all email users to follow their advice for avoiding email spam (Avoiding Spam).
Produced: 17th May 2010
Fake Amazon Emails
May
Trading Standards Officers are urging computer users to be wary of spoof emails purporting to be from online retailer Amazon.
The emails purport to be order confirmations for high value items such as televisions, and claim that the said items have been shipped to the recipient's address. They carry a .zip file attachment which opens what appears to be a Word document. However, the said file is in fact malware that will compromise the security of the user's PC.
Officers advise recipients to delete such emails immediately and not to open attachments under any circumstances.
Effective online security is crucial, and users should ensure that their PCs are running up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. Internet Explorer 6 users should upgrade their browsers without delay, and all users should ensure that their operating systems are kept fully patched by installing published security updates promptly.
Crucially, Internet security software should be supported by user commonsense and awareness of Internet-based threats. For this reason, Officers advise PC users to read up on online security via http://www.getsafeonline.org/. They also advise turning off any ‘auto-preview' features in their email software, and encourage all email users to follow their advice for avoiding email spam (Avoiding Spam).
Produced: 17th May 2010
School Book Scam
May
Trading Standards are warning residents and local businesses to be wary of a school book scam.
Reports have been received of people being telephoned by companies claiming to be supporting our local schools by donating books. The caller then goes on to thank you for your support and for agreeing to support the cause by advertising in a booklet which will be distributed through schools of your choice.
They go on to claim that you agreed to support them some months ago, and the booklet is now ready for production, therefore payment is required.
If you are contacted by this company, Trading Standards are advising that you do not give out any personal information, including bank details.
This scam has been around for a number of years and many people have been caught out by it.
If you think you may have been a victim of this type of scam, please report it to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Produced: 25 May 2010
Scam Bank Call
May
Trading Standards are warning residents about scam telephone calls, where the caller is purporting to be from your bank.
A local resident received an answer phone message, supposedly from her bank asking her to call them back. Luckily she didn't have time to do this and made the decision to phone later in the day using the telephone number on her bank statement.
When she spoke to her bank, they knew nothing of the telephone message and had no record of a call having been made.
Be wary of banks contacting you by telephone or email asking for personal details or leaving a telephone number to call them back. Use the telephone number given on your bank statement to verify the call, and never give out personal details over the telephone or email.
Your bank should not call you asking for details of your account. They already have this information.
If you have been a victim of this type of scam, please report it to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Produced: 26 May 2010
Bogus Charity Bag Collections
May
Trading Standards are asking residents to be aware of so called charity bags being left at homes in Staffordshire by profit-making companies.
The bags usually look very similar to those left by bona-fide charities, but rather than going to charity shops, the items are sent to Eastern Europe or Africa where people are employed to sort the items ready for sale.
Genuine charity bags should display a registered charity number, however these companies often display a registered company number which looks very similar.
Although most of these companies are not breaking the law, these bags often mislead residents, who believe that their unwanted clothes and bric-a-brac items are being used to help charities, when in most cases items are being sold for profit.
To be sure that your unwanted items are going to charity, you can check out the credentials given on the bag with the Charity Commission on 0845 300 0218 or look on their website http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/.
Alternatively donate items straight to the charity shop of your choice and that way you know exactly where they have gone.
Produced: 27 May 2010
COMPUTER SUPPORT WARNING
April 2010
Trading Standards Officers have issued a renewed warning to computer users to be on their guard against unsolicited telephone calls from phoney computer support personnel.
In 2008 Officers issued a warning about the practices of a company known as supportonclick who were cold calling computer users and claiming to be representing Microsoft (see here). Their tactic is to convince the user that something is wrong with their PC and purchase software that they do not actually need. The fraudsters use leading, generalised questioning techniques that often have the effect of convincing the user that their individual circumstances are known to the calling company. Callers often know the user's name, giving them greater plausibility.
The Service has continued to receive complaints about the Indian-based company and are advising computer users to remain vigilant.
Officers advise that effective online security is crucial, and users should ensure that their PCs are running up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. However, good security need not be complicated or expensive - many security vendors provide free versions of their software for personal use.
Officers advise PC users to read up on online security via http://www.getsafeonline.org/. They also advise turning off any ‘auto-preview' features in their email software, and encourage all email users to observe their tips for avoiding email spam (Avoiding Spam).
If you think you may have been contact by supportonclick, please report this to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Produced: April 2010
**********URGENT COMMUNITY INFORMATION**********
March 31st.
Dear All,
Please see message below regarding a distraction burglary that occurred in Old Butt Lane this morning.
The method of offence was Bogus officials. The victim was an elderly male. Our PCSO Colin Stepney has given descriptions and approx timings. Doesn't say how many offenders but clearly more than one.
Please try to make sure your elderly neighbors are OK and aware of this. If anyone saw, heard or knows anything please let us all know.
I'm happy to co ordinate and circulate any such information subject to PCSO Colin Stepneys inclusion/knowledge and agreement.
Please be 'community' vigilant and aware of this occurrence so that this 'one off' offence does not become a series with many more victims. Hopefully someone did see something which could lead to the identification of the offenders and their subsequent detention.
Many Thanks,
Peter Shone
07784 733042
| Staffordshire Neighbourhood Watch |
From: Steve Morris Watch manager Tel: 01782 232854 |
March 23rd
Beware of the following scams circulating in the the area:-
- An email from the "Heineken Lottery Promo" team informing the recipient that they have won $1.3 million in the lottery. The sender asks for personal deatils to be sent and for the information to be kept confidential.
- An email from a lawyer called Martins Digor. He informs the recipent that he has helped a client with the same surname to deposit some funds with a security company several years ago. That client has now died, along with all his family, in a tragic accident. There are unclaimed funds that the recipient could claim as the next of kin.
Needless to say, both are after your personal and bank details. Do not reply.
Convincing VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam
March 19th.
Trading Standards have been informed of impersonators calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. This is a pretty convincing as they provide you with all the information; expect the one piece that they want.
This scam works by the caller verifying you are in possession of your card. They do this by asking you to turn over your credit card and to look for some numbers. There will be 7 numbers; the first 4 digits are part of your card number, the next 3 are security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. What the scammer wants is the 3- digit PIN Number.
If you give the scammer your 3 digit PIN Number you are misled to think you are receiving a credit. However, by the time you receive your next statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/ or more difficult to file a fraud report.
If this was a genuine call from your bank company they would never ask for anything on your card as they already know the information as they issued the card!
Protect yourself
- Do not pass on personal or financial information to cold callers over the phone, by letter or email.
- Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately if you believe you may have given out account details.
- Review your statements on a regular basis to see if there have been any unauthorised transactions.
Unwanted telephone calls
March 17th.
Over 1.5 billon ‘nuisance' phone calls are made to the British public every year, with over 70% of phone owners saying that they have been a victim of money loss.
The Telephone Preference Service helps you to make sure your telephone number is not available to organisations who may telephone you with offers and information you do not wish to receive. To register for free call: 0845 0700707 ... It takes 28 days for registration to take effect.
When the phone rings and you pick up the receiver to hear silence at the other end, most people understandably fear the worst. Silent calls can be very frightening, particularly for people who live alone. These silent calls are caused by companies using random dialing to call more than one person at once. The person who answers first is connected and the other lines will be disconnected.
To stop these calls contact Silent Call Guard on 0844 372 2325. Registration lasts one year and is free of charge. We advise to re- register every 12months.
You should also be aware about calls that ask you to press a number for further information as this could transfer you to a premium rate phone line. This would cost £1.50 per minute
I'm a Soldier Give Me Your Bank Account Details
March 16th.
Trading Standards have been informed of bogus emails in which someone is impersonating a soldier serving in Iraq. These emails are mostly aimed at small local businesses. The impersonators claim that they have an amount of money that they want to move out of the country. Insisting that this is oil money and is completely legal, they state that once the money gets to you you'll receive 30% and they will take their own 70% out. This is all part of their plan to attract your attention so that you are persuaded to hand over your bank account details to receive your share.
These bogus emails are a plot to get your money!
Bank details should not be given out through emails to anyone you don't truly know or who isn't trusted.
If you have anymore information or if you have received this email you can contact Consumer Direct on: 08454 04 05 06
Remember if it looks to good to be true, it properly is!
MOBILITY EQUIPMENT WARNING
March 8th.
Trading Standards Officers are warning about mobility companies operating in the Staffordshire area. They may cold call to your home, use high pressure sales techniques and may not provide you any cancellation rights. They may even say they are from Social Services.
You are advised not to make any rushed decision and not to buy at the door. If you require any mobility equipment you should get at least three quotes and if possible ask family, friends, neighbours or your carer for advice.
You should be aware that you have cancellation rights which companies must provide for most contracts over £35 that you enter into when at your home or otherwise away from the trader's usual place of business. The regulations apply whether you invite the trader to your home or if their visit is unsolicited.
At the time the contract is made, the trader must provide you with a written notice explaining your rights to cancel. This will then give you 7 days to cancel the contract starting the day the cancellation notice is received. If you do cancel, you will be entitled to recover any deposit made.
If you have any concerns regarding the sales or contracts of mobility equipment you can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Produced:
10 February 2010
All our alerts are available in a range of formats and languages, including large print. Please contact Community Development if this would be helpful to you, or to someone you know. Address: 14 Martin Street, Stafford, ST16 2LG
BANK CARD VERIFICATION
March 10th.
Trading Standards have today been informed of a scam email claiming to be from Interswitch Nigeria. The email states that new security measures have been introduced to make transactions more secure. The email will ask you to register your debit card details including your email address and phone number so that a verification code can be either emailed or sent to your mobile by SMS.
A registration deadline is given and a warning that your Debit card will be terminated within 48 hours if this action is not carried out.
If you receive one of these emails you are advised to:
- Not open it.
- Forward it to spoof@millersmiles.co.uk or reportphishing@antiphishing.org - the subject line may be left blank.
- Further information can be found at: http://www.millersmiles.co.uk/submit.php
Produced:
10 February 2010
All our alerts are available in a range of formats and languages, including large print. Please contact Community Development if this would be helpful to you, or to someone you know. Address: 14 Martin Street, Stafford, ST16 2LG
Credit Card Scam
March 10th.
WILTSHIRE POLICE
Keeping you informed Swindon Police Station Gablecross Shrivenham Road South Marston Swindon Wiltshire SN3 4RB Telephone: 0845 408 7000 0845 408 7000 Swindon Crime Reduction Department Date: 2nd October 2009
This has been passed on via another Force area through our own Fraud Department In Wiltshire Constabulary, and it is a very convincing SCAM.. We have been asked to disseminate the information as widely and was quickly as we can through Neighbourhood Watch, School Safe and others.
This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it.. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.. One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "MasterCard". The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London ?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers.." There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number.
But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to our card. Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.
Please pass this on to all your family and friends.. By informing each other, we protect each other..
Paul Phelps
PC1102 Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer.