(Although the following is technically not from NW it seemed more appropriate to put it on our Scams pages. These days we put most of our scam warnings on the Police Community Messaging pages) Scroll down for latest Telephone scammers
July is 'Scams Awareness' month.
This is a joint campaign between the Citizens Advice Bureau and Trading Standards. Essex Police welcome the opportunity to support them. This week we address 'online scams'. For more essential information visit Trading Standards and Citizens Advice Bureau websites.
Online shopping and auction scams – internet shoppers get lured into buying phantom cars, mobile phones, pets or anything else you can buy online. Scammers use a range of tricks including bogus websites, spoofed payment services and 'second chance offers' tempting losing bidders with bogus opportunities. Online property market places are also infiltrated by scammers harvesting legitimate property details and posing as landlords.
Dating scams – using online dating websites, scammers groom victims into long-
Software scams – fraudsters often use the names of well-
Top tips for avoiding scams
● If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
● It you haven’t bought a ticket – you can’t win it
● You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize.
● Never send money to someone you have never met.
● Your bank will never phone you to ask for your PIN or your online banking password.
● Your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons.
● Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer.
● Don’t suffer in silence – speak out about scams.
If you've lost money because of a scam report it to Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting centre.
You can report the scam through their website or by phone. You can also forward scam emails to them.
Action Fraud
Website:
Telephone: 0300 123 2040.
'Postal scams'.
Often these letters carry these titles;
Important Document / Clairvoyant Friend/ Cheque to Dispatch/ Payment Required/ Act Now/ Dear Winner
Nearly half of people in the UK have been targeted by a scam. One of the ways that scammers commonly contact people is through the post. As the techniques that scammers use get more sophisticated, it can be difficult to spot the difference between scam mail, junk mail and offers from legitimate companies.
You can help protect yourself from postal scams by contacting the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) to have your name taken off mailing lists in the UK. This won’t cover mail that is unaddressed or from overseas but will help.The MPS is free. Visit www.mpsonline.org.uk. or call 0845 703 4599.
Put a ‘no junk mail’ sign on your door
If you have received or are receiving something that looks like scam mail, don't respond to it, talk about it to someone you trust such as a friend, family member,Trading Standards or Citizens Advice bureau.
Most postal scams want your money. Letters may claim;
You have won a lottery, sweepstake or competition. To claim the prize you have to pay an administration fee. You pay the fee & either get back nothing or get something worth less than the fee you’ve paid.
Money you have won is being held in a holding company... BUT YOU HAVE TO SEND MONEY to release it.
Somebody has left you an inheritance... BUT YOU HAVE TO SEND MONEY to find out who.
A clairvoyant can stop bad luck or direct good luck towards you... BUT YOU HAVE TO SEND MONEY
Debt Recovery Agencies: threatening court action if a BOGUS overdue utility bill isn't paid within 7 days.
Religious Scam: Criminals use religion as a way of deceiving victims, often claiming they are going to pray at Lourdes.
Charity Scam: Criminals send out 'begging' letters from fictitious charities. They often use distressing photos in an attempt to pull at the heart strings of caring people.
In 2008 a survey conducted by Help the Aged and Barclays revealed that 7 out of 10 older people in Britain -
Remember
● If it sounds too good to be true it probably is
● It you haven’t bought a ticket – you can’t win it
● You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize
● Contacted out of the blue? – be suspicious.
● Never send money to someone you have never met.
The public should report most fraud offences direct to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at
You can report any postal scam through their website or by phone.
Action Fraud
Website: www.actionfraud.police.uk
Telephone: 0300 123 2040.
Telephone/ Computer -
As a result of the recent Essex Community Messages sent out regarding scams, it has become apparent a number of people have been contacted by scammers recently by telephone stating that they have a virus/ problems with their computers. The caller goes on to warn the customer that their computer will become unusable if the problem is not fixed and offers to guide them through steps to fix the problem. Instead of helping them though, he directs them to download a program that asks them to pay a fee.
Similarly, scammers are contacting residents pretending to be from Microsoft or Windows or a company working on their behalf. They say something like “we have reason to believe there’s a problem with your computer”. They will then ask you to log into a website that will give the caller total control over your computer. This will allow them to obtain all sorts of personal details without your consent.
Our advice is
*Never pay anyone to fix your computer remotely.
*Never give your bank details to someone you don't know or allow them access to your computer.
*View Telephone Preference Service www.tpsonline.org.uk for information on a free service to help reduce nuisance callers.
*View Mail Preference Service www.mpsonline.org.uk for information on a free service to help reduce nuisance mail.
Please email or contact Action Fraud with any information if you believe you have been contacted fraudulently. The more information received, the closer we get to identifying offenders.
www.actionfraud.police.uk