Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service have noticed an increase in reports of a particularly devious scam called ‘courier fraud’. This is where a resident is cold called on the telephone by a person purporting to be from the Police or other Law Enforcement Agency.
The aim of the call is to persuade the resident to withdraw money from the bank, very often in large amounts, which will later be collected by an ‘agent’ of the scammer. The reasons given by the caller are elaborate and complex and it is likely that an element of victim grooming takes place. Examples are; to help with Police investigations against the bank, that the bank are dealing in counterfeit money, that the bank is committing fraud and the resident’s money is in danger, but other reasons could be given. Bank staff often ask questions of their customers if the transaction is unusual, or suspicious. Scammers know this and preload their victims with a cover story to give the bank. Some reports state that the scammers have ‘accompanied’ their victim to the bank by keeping the line to a mobile phone open. The victim is asked to place the phone on the counter when withdrawing the money. The scammer can then hear what security questions are being asked and may use that intelligence on future victims. Once the money has been withdrawn from the bank, the scammer will arrange for the ‘evidence’ to be collected. This could be the victim’s home or another location, sometimes that location requires a bus or taxi ride. The victim will be given a code word and told that the agent will give this code word when they come to check the evidence. Sometimes paperwork is given in exchange for the evidence, sometimes it is just taken. Often the victim gets swept up in the excitement of thinking they are ‘helping the Police’ and lose sight of reality. It is likely that once the victim has followed instructions and parted with money, that they will be targeted again. Similar methods are used to persuade victims to buy iTune/Amazon vouchers, or to withdraw Euros. Residents are asked to be alert to these types of fraud, particularly if they have family members or neighbours who may be vulnerable. Neither the Police or any Law Enforcement Agency would ever act in this way. Every Police or Police Community Support Officer has a unique collar number. Residents are advised to always make a note of this number and make independent checks should they become concerned. Do not use telephone numbers given by the caller to make checks, they will be false, or the line may be kept open. Make independent enquiries using a different telephone and a number sourced by the resident. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to the Police on 101, to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or to Trading Standards via our partners at the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06. In an emergency, call the Police on 999.
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What you need to know
Action Fraud have received an increase in reports and intelligence where elderly victims are being targeted by individuals purporting to be police officers or traffic wardens. The victims are being approached whilst parked in a car park and are told by the suspect that they have parked illegally or broken a speed limit and a photo has been taken of their car for ‘evidence’. Victims are advised that they will face a substantial penalty fine unless they pay a smaller upfront fee immediately. Victims, who opt for paying the smaller penalty, will be directed to a parking meter and asked to enter their card and PIN. These parking meters have been tampered with by the suspect in order to retain the card. Once the victim inserts their card and are asked for their PIN, the victims are shoulder surfed for their PIN by the suspect. Once victims input their PIN, the card is retained by the machine and victims are told by the suspect to seek help from the company who operates the parking meter or their bank. What you need to do
Message Sent By Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) We have received the below email and ask that you complete the survey (link is below at the bottom of the message) to express your views on what concerns you the most.
Dear Hound Parish Council I am sending you this info as you live in Hedge End South - Bursledon, Netley or Hamble. Police and Crime Commissioner, Michael Lane, is asking for views on which types of anti-social behaviour (ASB) are making people feel most unsafe and what actions people are currently taking on experiencing ASB. Residents of Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton consistently highlight anti-social behaviour as one of their top concerns (52% selected it as making them feel unsafe in the most recent survey), and as an area they would like to see more of their council tax spent on. Many of the activities that fall within anti-social behaviour are not strictly police matters, and establishing those that are causing most concern will help determine which organisations need to come together in order to make a real difference. The ASB survey can be found at HERE and is open until 13 July 2019. Please help share this opportunity with your community contacts and local residents. Message Sent By Mica Woodcock (Police, PCSO, Eastleigh District) Hampshire Trading Standards has received reports of residents being cold called at the door by traders offering jet washing and sealing of block paving, patios and driveways. A low quote is given, but substantially inflated during and at the end of the work.
Workmanship is of a poor standard, cash is often requested, and incorrect paperwork may be given. Trading Standards advise residents not to agree to work that is instigated as a result of a cold call. Residents should obtain at least 3 written quotes from reputable businesses or traders who are either members of the Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Buy With Confidence Scheme or a recognised trade association. Members of the Buy With Confidence scheme are fully audited to ensure their trading practices are legal, honest and fair. All members have been checked for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws. Details can be obtained by telephoning 01962 833620, emailing buy.with.confidence@hants.gov.uk or via the Buy With Confidence website. Traders who agree work at the home of an individual or at a place other than their usual business premises are required by law to provide consumers with a Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives a 14 day cooling off period from the date the work starts. Even if work has started, there is still a legal right to cancel, although some payment may be required for materials. To inform Trading Standards about traders offering drainage services where false claims are suspected, report the matter to our partners at the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06. Please try to obtain a name and address for the company. Doorstep Crime can also be reported to Hampshire Police on their non-urgent number 101 or dial 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner would like to gain a better understanding of the anti-social behaviours that are concerning residents most and the actions they are currently taking on experiencing or witnessing incidents.
Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that causes harm or distress to an individual, to their community or to their environment. In 2018 there were 45,996 incidents of anti-social behaviour across the Hampshire Constabulary policing area. Please take the survey and share your views https://www.surveygizmo.eu/s3/90149970/Your-views-on-Anti-Social-Behaviour Message Sent By Graeme Barbour (Police, Digital Communications Officer, Hampshire) What you need to know
It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature. What you need to do
Message Sent By Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Hampshire Trading Standards is warning residents to be alert to cold callers at the door offering to carry out a free insulation survey of their home.
The caller may make false claims such as they are ‘working for or on behalf of local authorities’, or that they ‘work with Trading Standards’. One report said the caller was in uniform, and that any insulation would be free. The National Insulation Association (NIA) represents the insulation industry in the United Kingdom and have a code of professional practice that all members agree to follow. It is recommended that if considering any form of insulation, you consult their website and for always use an NIA installer or by calling 08451 636363. For further information on energy savings you can contact the Energy Savings Trust on 0300 123 1234. Trading Standards advise residents not to agree to work that is instigated as a result of a cold call, or via a leaflet drop. Residents should obtain at least 3 written quotes from reputable businesses or traders who are either members of the Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Buy With Confidence Scheme or a recognised trade association. Members of the Buy With Confidence scheme are fully audited to ensure their trading practices are legal, honest and fair. All members have been checked for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws. Details can be obtained by telephoning 01962 833620, emailing buy.with.confidence@hants.gov.uk or via the Buy With Confidence website. To inform Trading Standards about companies offering insulation surveys where false claims are suspected, contact our partners at the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06. Please try to obtain a name and address for the company. If the matter is urgent, or where there are personal safety concerns, contact Hampshire Police on their non-urgent number 101 or dial 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated. Meet your local Police Team at the new drop-in service at your local TESCO SUPERSTORE:
POLICE Beat Surgery/drop-in to be held at TESCO CAFE, BURSLEDON every month between 10am and midday. Come and meet your local Beat Team. We look forward to seeing you. We will be happy to discuss any issues regarding anti-social behaviour and crime that may be affecting you this summer. If it can't wait, report it on 101 (non emergency). TRADING STANDARDS will also be attending with us on dates in May and June. Therefore if you have any consumer issues or problems with Doorstep Traders or want information on the latest Scams please come and see them too. SUMMER DATES: Monday 20th May Monday 17th June Wednesday 3rd July Monday 12th August Monday 9th September Message Sent By Tracey Chilcott (Police, PCSO, Eastleigh district) Come and meet your local PCSO at Netley Nibbles café – I will be there on 1st May from 12pm - 1pm...
Learn more about what’s going on in your area and get free crime prevention advice. I will bring along a few freebies to help you to stay safe including personal attack alarms, crime prevention advice leaflets, stickers for your front doors etc (and pens if I can find any!!) If there's anything in particular that you would like me to bring along or anything you'd like to discuss which would require me doing some research before hand, please message me via Hampshire Alerts or email so that I can be prepared. I will be at: Netley Nibbles 30 Queens View Netley Abbey SO31 5EA Hope to see you there - I really enjoy meeting members of our community which, unless you are a victim of crime, I don't often get to do! Kind regards, Rachel PCSO 16301 Rachel BARRY Netley and Bursledon Neighbourhood Team Hedge End Police Station, St Johns Road,Hedge End, Hampshire, SO30 4AF External: 101 Email: rachel.barry@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Website: www.hampshire.police.uk |
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