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In this issue:
May 2014 is national Scams Awareness Month - a joint initiative by Coventry Trading Standards and Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) which aims to raise awareness of the ways in which people can be caught out, offers tips to avoid becoming a victim and what to do if you have been scammed.
During each week of Scams Awareness month we will have a different focus.
- Week beginning 1 May - Online scams
- Week beginning 12 May - Mail scams
- Week beginning 19 May - Telephone scams
- Week beginning 26 May - Doorstep scams
Key messages for Scams Awareness Month:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- If you haven’t bought a ticket – you can’t win it.
- You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize.
- If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up.
- Persuasive sales patter? Just say: "No, thank you".
- Contacted out of the blue – be suspicious.
- Never give out your bank details unless you are certain you can trust the person contacting you.
- Take your time – resist pressure to make a decision straight away.
- Never send money to someone you don’t know.
- Walk away from job ads that ask for money in advance.
Remember: Anyone can become a target for these terrible scams but it is often the elderly and vulnerable who are most likely to fall victim and lose the most money!
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Coventry Trading Standards are warning residents about scam emails relating to the ‘BBC Promo Email Award’ which are circulating.
The email contains an attachment which states that the recipient has won £500,000 courtesy of the ‘BBC Promo Email Award for 2014’. It goes on to claim that the recipient's email address was chosen from ‘millions that subscribed to worldwide E-mail' in a promotion organised by the 'BBC One National Lottery'.
The email is a scam and is another example of scammers using well known genuine lotteries; in this case referencing the UK National Lottery and well known bodies or companies; in this case the BBC in an attempt to scam information or money from people.
If you or anyone you know receives this email do not respond to it in any way and delete it.
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A Coundon resident reported a cold call they received from someone asking if they had worked in a factory environment which may have affected their hearing.
The caller wanted to arrange a home visit to discuss the matter further. When the visit took place a lot of personal information including photo identification was requested as this was ‘required’ to make a claim to the Government. The resident became wary and started asking questions whereupon the caller made a hasty retreat.
Some people may be entitled to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit if they have become ill or disabled following an accident or disease caused by work. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/industrial-injuries-disablement-benefit/overview or get advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
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You can report scams to:
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