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NHW NEWSLETTER - June 04
Scams: latest (2 Mar 05) at bottom of page
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Neighbourhood Watch Ltd preying on elderly people - Aug 04
The following information was received on 4 Aug 04 throughthe Warminster Regional Coordinator's Wilshire & Swindon and National NHW Association contacts.
A company called Neighbourhood Watch Ltd is preying on elderly people in the Salford area and they are using "bullying" tactics to generate sales of video door entry systems. From a Trading Standards point of view they have committed several offences and the police are interested in them also for possible offences of theft by deception. Salford Trading Standards have already been in contact with the NNWA to discuss the issue.
There are also concerns that the company might widen their activities beyond Salford. The registered address for NW Ltd is Enterprise House, 82 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3LX
Further information is available form Salford trading standards: Jonathan Hall, Crime & Disorder Enforcement Officer, Salford City Council Trading Standards
Tel 0161 925 1342 e-mail jonathan.hall@salford.gov.uk |
Telephone scam hoaxes - as at 8 Feb 05
Telephone scam hoaxes
We are repeatedly hearing of scams regarding telephone scams, which turn out to be hoaxes. Ofcom (Ofiice of Communications) say:
'Ofcom is already aware of what you have outlined regarding the 07 number through other representations that we have received. We believe there to be no truth in the claims made and we have received no evidence of anyone being charged at £50 a minute to call the 07 number. If you know of anyone that has received such a bill then we would appreciate receiving a copy. With reference to the premium rate scams, again, there is no evidence that anyone has been charged for receiving such a call and there is information on the ICSTIS website which you may also be interested to read:'
This is the article on the ICTIS website:
£20 PER MINUTE AND £50 PER MINUTE TELEPHONE 'SCAMS' - URBAN MYTHS
Over the last few days, ICSTIS has received dozens of enquiries about the above 'scams', which are being widely publicised by e-mail. To help us put an end to the current spate of enquiries, please pass this information on to all contacts.
In the first case, the apparent 'deception' takes place when people receive a recorded message informing them that they have won an all-expenses paid holiday and are asked to press 9 to hear further details. It is then claimed that callers are connected to a £20.00 per minute premium rate line that will still charge them for a minimum of five minutes even if they disconnect immediately. It is also claimed that, if callers stay connected, the entire message costs £260.00.
In the second case, the apparent 'deception' takes place when people receive a missed call from a number beginning 0709. It is then claimed that, if callers dial this number, they are connected to a £50.00 per minute premium rate line.
Please note that these stories are NOT true.
£20.00 per minute and £50.00 per minute premium rate tariffs do not exist - the highest premium rate tariff available is £1.50 per minute. Despite the dozens of enquiries received by ICSTIS about these 'scams' (and most people appear to have heard about them second or third-hand), not one person who claims that it has actually happened to them has been able to produce a phone bill to support their story.
ICSTIS urges any individual or organisation that receives an e-mail about these 'scams' to delete it immediately. Please do NOT forward it to others.
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Distraction Burglary - new approach: 2 March 05
Elderly residents in West Wiltshire have been approached by Distraction Burglars as follows:
A female cold-calls to offer plants for sale. When the resident expresses an interest the offender enters the property. The offender then shows an interest in the property and engages the resident in conversation (possibly, as in one instance, offering to help make a cup of tea). After a few minutes a male knocks on the door claiming the female is his sister and is invited in. He joins the female in taking an interest in the property and engages the resident in conversation ( e.g.whilst drinking the cup of tea).
In one case where the resident became suspicious and asked the offenders to leave the property, they did so without resistance. In other cases the resident has put or had the door chain on initially and when offered the plants stated she was not interested, closed the door and immediately locked it.
Further guidance:
* Keep the back door locked
* Always put the front door security chain on; if you find it difficult to see out with the chain on fit a small mirror on the wall - or use a hand mirror - to enable you to look out .
* Avoid buying and selling on the doorstep - stickers are available advising callers that you do not do so.
* Always ask for Photographic Identification: take it off them and if you wish to confirm their identity phone the company using the number in the phone book not the number on the card they give you.
* Never let them in until you have confirmed their identity, if you need someone with you phone a friend or neighbour (have their number(s) to hand near the phone).
* If in doubt keep them out - lock the door.
* If you think the callers may be bogus phone 999 - you will not be criticised for wasting Police time. If you are in residential property pull your lifeline cord or contact the warden so that they can advise other residents.
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