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Tuesday, 28 May 2013 07:25

Credit Card Scams and Distraction Burglaries Plague Spelthorne

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The latest Trading Standards Alert draws attention, amongst other things to credit card scams and distraction burglaries in our neighbourhood. To see the full alert click here

Surrey County Council Trading Standards - TS Alert!

Did you know that you can view the latest three alerts on our website?

Just follow the link!

http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/latest-news-for-business-and-consumers

A quick reminder about SCAMS! (Twitter: #ScamsMonth)

What is a scam?

A scam is an illicit scheme to con people out of their money. They can appear by post, phone or e-mail. It is estimated that in the UK £3.5 billion is lost to scams each year with only 1 in 5 cases reported. Some people are often too embarrassed to admit they have fallen victim to a scam but we must remember that scammers are professionals and we are all potential targets for these types of criminals.

How can I spot a scam?

It is likely to be a scam if:

  • The call, letter, email or text has come out of the blue
  • You’ve never heard of the lottery or competition they are talking about
  • You didn’t buy a ticket or enter – so you can’t win it!
  • They are asking you to send money in advance
  • They are telling you to respond quickly so you don’t get time to think about it or ask family and friends before you decide
  • They are telling you to keep it a secret
  • They seem to be offering you something for nothing
  • The mailing looks professional
  • You are asked to purchase something to receive your prize
  • The mailings or calls give the personal touch to give you the impression that the offer is exclusive to you.

What can I do to stop scams?

If you think you have been scammed, or someone has tried to scam you, report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08456 04 05 06

Warn someone – educate a friend, relative or neighbour about the dangers of scams

Visit www.thinkjessica.co.uk for more information and advice

Baby Carrier - we need your help!

We are investigating a complaint about a baby carrier and would like to know if anyone else has had the same or a similar problem.

In this instance the adult was wearing the carrier correctly and all the straps were on the tightest settings.

The product stated on the label that it is suitable for babies from 7lb 11oz – 19lb 12oz.

When the adult carried the baby and leaned forward, the baby fell out of the gap in the side of the carrier and fell to the ground on his head.

The baby weighing 10lb suffered a fractured skull.

We do not want to panic parents as the product could be proven to be perfectly safe BUT we would like to know if this has occurred before.

Please let us know by giving an advisor a quick call on 08454 04 05 06 or by filling out this form:https://ssl.datamotion.com/form.aspx?co=3438&frm=citacomplainform&to=flare.fromforms

PPI payout - but you have to pay to get it!

Three times over the past week, a Surrey resident has received unsolicited number-withheld phone calls from a male who told her that she has been awarded a substantial NatWest PPI reclaim payout and to collect it, she should withdraw £110 in cash, put it into an envelope and take it to a local newsagents shop.

There, she should hand it to the person at the counter, who will take it from her, for collection later by someone else.

In an effort to get her cash, the caller offered to arrange a taxi to collect her and take her to the cashpoint and then to the newsagent's shop.

Luckily the lady realised that this was a scam and didn't part with any money!

Others may be taken in by the persuasive nature of the calls so please look out for friends and family and report it to us on 08454 04 05 06 or Surrey Police on 101 (999 if an emergency)

Bogus TSO strikes again on previous victim!

A Surrey resident received a visit from a bogus Trading Standards Officer (TSO) 2 years ago.

The offender had told the lady that there was a case in court at that time, whereby an offender who had previously ripped her off had been caught.

Compensation was stated to be available to both her and to another undisclosed person, but the court could only pay this money into a bank account.

The bogus TSO told her that, as the other person supposedly didn't have a bank account, and asked her if she would be so kind as to withdraw in cash from her own account the amount that this other person was going to be awarded, then give it to the (bogus) TSO, who would then pass it on to the other person and all of the actual (fictitious) compensation awarded to them both by the court would be paid into her bank account.

Luckily on this occasion no money was handed over!

Recently the same resident was approached again with a similar story and was told that someone may visit her or call back.

The 'victim' has been scammed before and fortunately has family to look out for her and advice has been given.

Please note that Trading Standards Officers DO NOT cold call and will always carry ID that can be verified by calling the main Surrey County Council telephone number 03456 009 009.

You can report matters like this to us on 08454 04 05 06 or to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Carpet Cleaning Scam

We are becoming increasingly concerned about the number of incidents being reported to us about rogue carpet cleaners. The latest call was from a consumer in the Leatherhead area. We are also aware of this in the Guildford area

The scenarios go something like this ....

1. Trader cold calls a resident (usually elderly) and offers an amazing price to clean a couple of carpets, something in the region of £20 (ish).

2. Resident likes a bargain and agrees to an appointment!

3. Trader turns up and before starting the work makes a hard sell on upgrading the service to a deep clean with chemicals as he 'finds' a parasite egg, usually a carpet moth. Obviously the whole house will now need cleaning otherwise the 'problem' will spread!

4. Resident is panicked and agrees to the work.

5. No cancellation rights are given or the resident is encouraged to sign to agree to waiver the cooling off period (never a good idea!) and the clean starts straight away.

6. Trader demands payment that costs £100's!

NB Carpet moths only live within wool carpets and a lot of carpets today are made from man-made fibres - so get a second opinion if you are told you have moths!

Rogues don't just try the once!

This is a plea to look out for the more vulnerable residents in Surrey.

We are investigating a situation where an elderly gentleman was scammed into paying rogues approx £17000 four years ago for exterior works on his house.

They have recently returned and demanded the same figure as the work needs repeating, only this time the cost keeps on increasing!

You can report matters like this to us on 08454 04 05 06 or to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Credit Card Scams in Spelthorne 

Police in Spelthorne are warning residents to remain vigilant after several reports in recent weeks of scams involving fraudsters obtaining bank details, cards and cash using bogus telephone calls and couriers.

Reports have been received of people receiving telephone calls from someone claiming to a police officer or similar and convincing victims to hand over large amounts of cash and bank cards.

The offenders often claim to be a police officer and use a variety of pretences that include saying the victim's bank card has been used by somebody that they have in custody. They then ask the victim to phone the bank to cancel the card and tell the victims that they will send a courier round to collect the card.

Meanwhile the fraudster stays on the line and obtains the victim's bank details whilst they think they are phoning the bank. The courier then calls at the victim's address saying they have been sent by the Police to collect a parcel - the envelope containing the card.

People are reminded to protect themselves using the following advice:

‧ Never give out any personal information about your bank account to anybody over the phone.

‧ If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their identification number, police force and their telephone extension. Hang up the call, and advise that you will call them back using the 101 number.

‧ Use a different phone line to call back if possible, i.e a mobile phone if the call was received on your landline.

‧ If you have given out information which could compromise your bank account security in any way, call your bank up to cancel your cards as soon as possible.

‧ Never hand over money to some one at the door to be sent off elsewhere.

‧ If some one comes to your door claiming to be a police officer or staff member, always ask for identification and make note of their identification number. 

If you have received any calls of this nature, or handed over any money or bank details, please call 101 to report, or visit http://ap66/spotlight/editor/scripts/www.actionfraud.police.uk to report online or in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Distraction Burglaries (Spelthorne & Runnymede)

Surrey Police are making residents aware following a number of distraction burglaries last week in Spelthorne and Runnymede

Tactics used by the offenders to gain or attempt to gain entry to the properties include:

Claiming that the victim's neighbour has been the victim of vandalism and that they needed to enter the victim's garden to check the damage;

Claiming that they needed to enter the victim's garden to check their drain;

Claiming that they were doing guttering work for one of the victim's neighbours and offering to carry out the same work for the victim;

Claiming that the victim's roof needed fixing;

Offering to jet wash the victim's driveway.

Householders can substantially reduce the possibility of being targeted in distraction offences by following a few simple steps:

Remember to LOCK STOP CHAIN CHECK. Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole and look out of the window to see if you recognise the caller.

Remember a genuine caller won't mind waiting while you check their identity thoroughly.

Please look out for your elderly relatives and neighbours as these criminals identify them as an easy target.

Remind yourself not to deal with Doorstep Traders by using one of our Stop Cold Calling Stickers that may also act as a deterrent - to find out more about the stickers and where to get them please follow this link! http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/stop-cold-callers 

Skimming device found on ATM in Woking

Police in Woking are appealing for witnesses following the discovery of a skimming device on an ATM over the weekend.

The device was found by a member of the public on the machine at Morrisons supermarket, Goldsworth Road, Woking at around 6.20pm on Saturday 18 May. It was removed by security staff who then alerted police.

The victim in this case has checked his bank statements and fortunately no money has been taken from his account.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference WK/13/2922 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Please take note of this advice ...

‧If you notice a suspicious device attached to a cash machine, do not remove it, either report it to the bank or to Surrey Police

‧If someone looks suspicious or gets too close while you are using the cash machine, cancel your transaction and go to another machine

‧Do not accept help from strangers and do not let anyone distract you

‧Stand close to the cash machine and do not let anyone see you enter your PIN

‧If the cash machine doesn't return your card, report it immediately to your card issuer

It's Alarming!

There have been an increasing number of reports of high pressure and misleading sales of alarms in the South East.

*Some are being offered as 'free' but you have to sign up for an expensive maintenance contract.

*Others are claiming to be working with the Police (which is not true!)

*Claims are being made that their response times are better than 999 (we very much doubt it!)

*Other traders claim to have taken over from the previous company, but then pressure you into taking out an expensive contract.

Please note that any reputable company will be registered with the Security Industry Authority and conform to British Standard BS8243

We suggest that if you are considering an alarm system that you take your time and get several quotes and ensure that what you are signing meets your needs!

NB Surrey Police may be able to assist in offering free independent advice via one of their Crime Reduction Advisor's - please call 101 to enquire.

HRMC tax credit phishing emails

HM Revenue and Customs are warning tax claimants about phishing emails sent out by fraudsters in the run-up to the renewal deadline.

The warning comes as HMRC has launched an advertising campaign to remind claimants to renew their tax credits or their payments might stop on the deadline of 31st July 2013.

Over 22,000 phishing emails were reported to HMRC during the tax credit renewals period from April to July last year. Over 147 scam websites were shut down in countries all over the world but new ones are continuously created by fraudsters.

Phishing emails often promise money back. They include a link, which actually diverts the user to a fake HMRC website. From here, fraudsters gather personal information to try and steal money from the victim's account.

HMRC will never ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email.

For further information visit the HMRC website.

Recalls

We know that returning a recalled product is not always convenient, especially if it's an item that you use every day, but recall notices keep consumers safe!

The small inconvenience of returning a recalled item is worth it when you consider that faulty products can electrocute or cause a fire and recalled food items may cause illness or anaphylactic shock.

Why not bookmark these three sites and make a point of checking them every Tuesday #CheckItTuesday

http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-recall-list.cfm

http://recalluk.com/

http://www.food.gov.uk/

Tesco 1000W Lawnmower

Model Number ELM032012 (shown on rating plate on the front) is being recalled as they may overheat and catch fire.

Please return it to the store for a refund or contact Tesco customer service on 0800 505 555

BNB Medical Laser Hair Remover

Some BNB Medical Laser Hair Removers are being recalled because the user can access live metal parts when the EU plug is inserted into the adaptor. There is a danger of electric shock from these products.

The BNB Medical hair removers affected by this recall are:-

Venus CW-808 Personal Laser Hair Remover

Xemos W-808 Personal Laser Hair Remover

If you have one of the affected BNB Medical Laser Hair Removers you should return it to the store where you purchased it for a full refund.

 Grafix Party Blowers

Grafix Party Blowers are being recalled because they are a choking hazard. Small parts can become detached from the mouth piece (in the form of the wire coiled paper blowouts) and could get stuck in the mouths of children.

If you have the affected Grafix Party Blowers you should return them to the store where you purchased them where you should receive a full refund.

Nissan Steering Wheel Recall

Nissan has announced a worldwide recall of 841,000 cars because of a steering wheel problem.

A bolt used in the steering wheel was not screwed on correctly. This could eventually lead to the steering wheel not functioning. Nissan say that there is no risk of a sudden failure.

This recall will affect nearly 134,000 (corrected) Nissan Micras in the UK, built between 2002 and 2006.

Nissan will fix the problem by tightening the bolts or replacing the steering wheel.

At this time there are no details of the specific cars affected by this recall. Once this information is available it will be published here RecallUK Car Recalls

1 comment

  • Comment Link John Hirsh Friday, 31 May 2013 11:06 posted by John Hirsh

    These changes to the law have been put in place in order solely to stimulate growth in the construction industry but will have the potential to set neighbour against neighbour. It's vital that all our members talk to neighbouring residents if they intend to take advantage of the changes so as to keep potential hostilities to a minimum!

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