Standards Service Consumer Email Alert - Beware Of The Following Scams
25/08/05 Suspicious Bookseller
Whitnash
A consumer contacted the service to report that she had received a visit from a trader claiming to be selling books. The trader arrived on a bicycle carrying an old bag and proceeded to produce a very old encyclopedia. The trader told the householder that he was working with other families in the area and named some of the people in the street. The trader was also very interested in some of the children of the families and seemed to know some of their names as well. The householder asked the man to leave and then checked with those neighbours who had been named - none of whom said they had anything to do with the trader, although one had received a visit from him as well. The man was young, approximately 19 years of age and spoke poor English. He carried a plastic card with blue edging around his neck but he did not name any company that he may have been working for. The consumer was advised to contact the Police.
25/08/05 Rogue Trader
Leamington Spa
A consumer has reported receiving an unexpected visit from a trader who offered to renew his guttering. The trader did not supply a name or address or any other business literature, nor did he provide any written cancellation rights. The trader left only a mobile and 0800 freephone number.
The consumer paid the trader £880 in cash for the work. A few weeks after the work was completed the consumer noticed that some of the guttering was missing clips and shortly afterwards water was found to be coming through a bedroom window. The consumer tried unsuccessfully to contact the trader and have him come and repair the faults. A man did answer the phone, but claimed he had recently bought the mobile at a car boot (freephone numbers can be easily linked to mobile phones). He later said that he would leave a message with trader, and finally said that the company was finished and that they now did tarmac work instead. .........................................................
24/08/05 Visa Scam
All Warwickshire
Computer users are warned to beware of a new scam email that is
circulating. The email purports to come from Visa and asks recipients
to click on a link to 'update their account information'. The email
goes on to say that failure to do so will lead to the suspension of
the Visa card. Beware, this is a 'phishing' scam. The email does not
come from Visa but from fraudsters who wish to trick you into
disclosing personal and financial information and PIN's. If you
receive this email delete it immediately - do not reply or click on
any links.
24/08/05 Charity Scam
All Warwickshire
Householders in Rugby, Kenilworth, and Stratford upon Avon have called
to complain about the activities of doorstep 'charity' collections.
Leaflets have been posted which residents feel are misleading in that
they subtly suggest that the money raised from these doorstep
collections will go to charity. Some of the leaflets carry company
registration numbers. Householders are advised that if they want to
ensure that their unwanted household items go to charity, that they
only leave items to registered charities (check for the registration
mark and ensure it says 'charity' and not 'business'), or take them to
a charity shop or clothing bank. Otherwise
there is no guarantee that the clothes will not be sold for any other
reason than to profit the collectors.
22/08/2005 Water Survey Scam
Nuneaton
The Trading Standards Service today received a phone call from the
Police alerting them to a potential scam after a consumer had called
to say that they had received an unexpected phone call from someone
offering to come to their property to do a 'water survey'. The person
claimed to be calling from Warwickshire County Council.
However, neither Warwickshire County Council, nor Nuneaton and
Bedworth Borough Council are offering this 'service'. Householders are
therefore asked to treat such calls with caution and to put the phone
down. .........................................................
12/08/05 'Alarming' Alarm Sales
Bulkington
The service has received two complaints regarding the sale of fire/security equipment.
In the first case a householder was cold called on the telephone and told by the caller that under a 'government funded project' the resident would be eligible for a security system that would be free and connected to the local fire/police station. The only cost involved would be a charge of £199 for installation. The consumer invited the trader to visit his home and he was asked to sign up straight away. On closer examination of the paper work the 'free' system was to cost £7.35 per week for 5 years, plus a £35 payment to the police, a total cost of at least £2000 over the period of the contract (including installation). Further, if an alarm was tripped this would be received at one of the companies call centres, who, the consumer was told would then alert the Police or fire service. The alarm was not connected directly to the Police or Fire Stations although the consumer had initially believed this to be the case.
In the second case another resident in the same area was again cold called and told they were entitled to a free security system worth £1500, but would have to pay the £195.00 installation cost.
Residents are warned that high pressure sales techniques are often used to sell these 'free' security systems, which in our experience almost always come with either installation costs or long contracts or both! Sometimes the security systems are not even appropriate for the householders needs and once hooked, salespeople may return to offer 'upgrades', or 'additional services' at an extra cost.
There are companies that offer a variety of security systems, but in the first instance for initial and impartial advice, we suggest that householders concerned about home security or fire safety should speak to their local Police Crime Prevention Officer or Council Fire Safety Officer. Householders are further advised not to be pressurised in to signing up with the first home security company that contacts them, but to shop around and read the small print of any agreement carefully before signing anything. Consumers who sign a contract in their home following an unsolicited visit, or a meeting arranged following an unexpected phone call have 7 days in which they can cancel. Finally, consumers are advised to treat claims that any offer is part of a 'government funded project', or the presentation of any crime statistics with caution. High pressure sales people have been known to make false or misleading claims to get a sale. ........................................................
04/08/05 Bogus Charity Collections
Householders are warned to beware of bogus charity collectors working
door to door throughout the county. A consumer contacted the service
after he received a leaflet through his door from one such company,
claiming to be collecting for Africa. The consumer believes that the
organisers of these collections are actually selling the clothing for
profit. The collector was driving a blue transit van.
The Service has received a number of complaints about bogus charity
collections. Householders wishing to give to genuine charities should
check first that the caller represents a genuine charity by checking
for a charity number. If in doubt we suggest that the householder take
their clothing to a charity shop or clothing bank. For further
information on charity scams visit our website:
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/latestscams
General Advice From Cedar Tree Residents
Should citizens turn a blind eye to problems they come face to face with in their or their loved ones neighbourhoods
I would like to make a comment on that topic in the wake of this recent tragedy in Camp Hill
No! They should not turn a blind eye but they should not tackle the problem alone
Do on seeing an incident or crime happening in the streets near your home, regardless of what the crime, call the Police
Do ask your neighbours or friends and family to assist you but do not shout at the offenders even if they are youngsters - just make sure they know you are there as peacefully as possible
Do Stay indoors if you are unable to get help from friend's neighbours or family and inform the Police of your situation
Do keep watching and keep some one on or near the phone keeping contact or ready to make contact with the Police nobody likes to be seen committing a crime and they don't like witnesses
Do if the crime becomes serious, or they are getting too close, return indoors and lock all doors while still informing the Police of what is happening
Do Not if insults are thrown at you and your friends or neighbours retaliate, just keep watching and waiting for the Police to arrive. If the crime continues inform the Police of the activities of the persons involved as it happens relay all the details to the person near to or on the phone.
Do Not start writing things down in view of offenders just watch with friend or Neighbour and stand in a safe area with easy access to retreat indoors
Do Not throw abuse at the offenders as this may result in conflict just watch and stay silent
Do Not respond to abuse as this will give the impression of engagement which may result in conflict
Do Not approach offenders at any time even with friends just watch and wait for the Police as conflict may occur from either party resulting in injury or worse
Do Not go out alone to investigate the crime in progress
Remember that with simple precautions serious accidents can be prevented - from your first call to the Police about a crime in progress the Police will be responding. Be patient.
This information is provided by Cedar Tree Residents Association who have been using the same tactic for the last five years without confrontation or serious incident.
We do not condole vigilante tactics we are here to provide a clear message to all that we do not want crime in our area and are working with the Community Councils, Police and other groups and organisations to prevent crime. We support activities for all age groups as an alternative to crime
This information has not been supplied to us by any other organisation please check with your local Police with any comments or queries regarding this information or any concerns you may have regarding crime issues in your area
Cedar Tree Residents Association
Camp Hill
Tel: 024 76 393 714
www.cedartreeresidents.co.uk
5th May 2005 - Press release - Crime Stats
Three month comparison Feb-April 04 compared to the same period this year:
Vehicle Crime 45% reduction
House burglaries 66% reduction
Assaults 46 % reduction
12 April 2005 - Press release - Crime Stats
Crime in Warwickshire at an all-time low.
Figures for the year 2004/2005 show that burglary and vehicle crime in Warwickshire is at an all-time low and that Warwickshire Police Force
is exceeding government targets in crime reduction and detection rates.
Burglary has fallen by 16 per cent over the last year, and the rate of detection is up to 25 per cent. Vehicle crime is down by 8 per cent and detection up to 19 per cent. And public disorder and violent crime has also fallen by an impressive 19 per cent.
John Rennie, Chair of Warwickshire Police Authority, says: "They are the most encouraging figures we have ever had. While this reflects the general downturn in crime nationally, the improvement in Warwickshire is particularly marked."
He added: "We must pay tribute to the Chief Constable and his Force for their hard work in achieving these positive results. These figures show that crime in Warwickshire is very low compared with most places in the country. We hope that people will begin to be less fearful of crime in the light of this encouraging news."
Warwickshire Police Force is now putting in place a raft of further initiatives to help build on this success. An increase in funding from central government together with the small rise in the police precept for the next year means that the Force is appointing 18 new police constables, and releasing a further two officers from back-office jobs by appointing two new civilian staff instead. These extra officers will mean the Force can set up a new Major Crime Investigation Unit without taking officers off patrol. The Force is also strengthening and updating its forensic team and appointing three extra crime analysts.
In another new move, four new Scene of Crime Officers are to concentrate on vehicle crime, so that every theft of or from vehicles will be analysed for the first time. Two other forces currently using this approach have seen an increase in detection, followed by a considerable drop in vehicle crime.
The extra funding is also allowing the Force to double the number of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) to tackle nuisance youths.
"These improvements represent a very good package for the county," says
Mr Rennie.
Sarah Meyrick
News and Public Affairs Officer
Crime Fighting Team Actions across West Nuneaton since Oct 04
* Arrests (62)
* Anti-social behaviour orders (2)
* Acceptable Behaviour contracts (4)
* 2 planned operations with the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency
leading to a number of untaxed cars being seized .
* Drug operations (6) Class A, Class C production, prohibited
ammunition recovered
* Other properties searched (8)
* Nuisance motor cycles: (7) stolen recovered, (26) Warned under
Police Reform Act (4) seized under same act
* Dispersal Order in Galley Common
Main 'Actions' over same period in Camp Hill
* Void Council garages checked in conjunction with the Local Authority
for stolen property (Oct 04)
* Crime Fighting Team worked in partnership with the Educational
Social Work Team undertaking a Truancy sweep across Camp Hill (Nov 04)
* Stolen motorcycle recovered and offender arrested on Queen Elizabeth
Road recreation ground (Jan 05)
* Tuttle Hill address, 2 persons arrested, and a large number of
cannabis plants and associated drug paraphernalia seized (Jan 05)
The NNWA two-way radio project represents one of the most important initiatives since the inception of Neighbourhood Watch. The fast and effective dissemination of information amongst Neighbourhood Watch members themselves - and between members and the police - is crucial in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. Although not a new technology in itself, two-way radio has greatly enhanced levels of communication within Neighbourhood Watch groups following the introduction of the PMR 446 licence free waveband and the development by Motorola of a special and exclusive Neighbourhood Watch branded two-way radio.
Two-way radios are an alternative method of communication, supporting and enhancing the "traditional" functions of Neighbourhood Watch for the benefit of the community.
Setting up a two-way radio scheme is not just for members of Neighbourhood Watch but any group of community safety minded citizens, for example members of Home Watch or tenants' and residents' associations. It is up to each group to determine their own problems concerning crime and community safety.
>>Click Here for PDF Information Sheet
Standards Service Consumer Email Alert - Beware Of The Following Scams
24/02/05 Phishing Scam
Area: All
Consumer who bank on line are warned to beware of a new wave of online banking fraud scams. Lloyds TSB customers have been targeted in the latest scam after email users received an email which purported to be from the bank requesting that they follow a web link to a web page in order to confirm their online banking membership details. Consumers who respond would have had their personal and financial details stolen and used for fraudulent purposes.
24/02/05 Data Protection Scam
Area: All Warwickshire
A householder has reported receiving a letter concerning data protection which requests a payment of £135 to register under the data protection act. Failure to register it says could lead the person open to a £5000 fine or five years imprisonment. These letters, which are normally sent to businesses, rather than householders are scams. Those who process and hold data on individuals are required to register with the Governments Information Commissioner. However the cost is £35.
In this case, and in many others, the letters are sent by private companies with no connection to the Information Commissioner, but many people pay out because they are tricked in to believing that the letters have formal status. Anyone receiving one of these bogus letters should ignore it and if they believe they are required to register with the Information Commissioner, to contact them direct on 01625 545 740.
24/02/05 Cashback Scam
Area: All Warwickshire
A taxi driver who is selling his vehicle reported receiving an email approach with an offer to buy the car. The seller became concerned when the 'buyer' offered to pay £6000 by cheque - more than the cost of the vehicle, and asked that the seller deducted the cost of the cab and send the remaining £1900 back to him.
This is a scam - the 'buyer' is probably based aboard and will use a cheque that is either stolen or forged to pay for the goods. This cheque will initially clear, but when the banks realises there is a problem the funds placed in the sellers account will be taken back. However, by this time the seller may have sent the 'buyer' £1900 - money he cannot get back. This is called a cash back scam. Beware of any approach where the 'buyer' offers to pay for goods using a cheque that is for a greater amount.
24/02/05 Unsolicited Parcels
Area: Radford Semele
Consumers are warned to beware of a premium rate line scam involving the delivery of parcels. A consumer has reported receiving a letter informing her that a parcel addressed to her was 'ready for collection', although she had not ordered anything. The consumer had to phone a premium rate number to arrange for delivery. Be warned - whatever the contents of the parcel may be, they are unlikely to be worth more than the cost of the call you are required to make to arrange delivery!
24/02/05 Lottery Scam
Area: Henley in Arden and Leamington Spa
Consumers are warned to beware of a phone based lottery scam. A Henley in Arden consumer reported receiving an unexpected call to tell her she had won a lottery, although she had not entered one and was then asked to provide some personal details in order to claim the prize. Consumers are warned that providing such information could give rise to identity theft. Also, it is likely that if a 'prize' is forthcoming the consumer will end up paying more in delivery charges etc. than its worth.
In a similar case, in Leamington Spa a consumer received a voice mail message to tell her she had won a prize and to call a free phone number and quote"jackpot" to receive it. She did this and was then asked for the number of her visa delta card. Consumers are warned not to provide their card numbers to anyone they don't know and trust and in cases of financial transactions over the phone, only when they themselves have initiated the call - for example to buy goods in a catalogue. Otherwise, providing such details may give rise to fraud.
24/02/05 Unsolicited Underwear
Area: Warwick
A consumer has reported receiving two unsolicited packages containing woman's underwear, and a demand for payment. Consumers are advised that it is illegal to demand payment for goods sent to a consumer unsolicited - that is where the consumer has not ordered them/asked for them. The law now allows the consumer to regard the goods (if they are definitely sent unsolicited), as an unconditional gift, for them to do with as they wish, but they are advised to write to the trader to inform him of this. This may discourage them from sending further packages.
24/02/05 Credit Card Scam
Area: All
A Warwickshire householder reported receiving an unexpected call from a woman who claimed to be calling on behalf of The Halifax stating that the person answering the telephone had been "allocated a credit card". The caller stated that before she could send it out the householder would need to answer a few questions. The householder terminated the call at this point but subsequently enquired of the Halifax (with whom she banked
already) if this was common practice. She was told that this never happens. Consumers should never give out personal or financial information over the phone, where they do not initiate the call themselves - for example to order goods from a catalogue.
