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In this issue:
Each week Coventry Trading Standards receive reports on lots of different types of telephone scams. Some of the recent reports include:
- Fraudsters using the name of well-known companies to give some legitimacy to the Scam such as Microsoft. This particular Scam involves a caller claiming they have been advised by Microsoft that your computer has a serious virus problem or there is a problem with ‘validating’ your copy of Windows. They’ll offer to resolve the problems but for a price. Microsoft does not work in this way and the scammer has no actual idea whether your computer is switched on or not, or even if you have one! They just want your money and bank details.
- Investments scams offering with huge financial returns for little or no risk. These so called ‘boiler room’ frauds can result in average losses of £20,000 for worthless investments.
- ‘Missed call’ scam using 070 or 076 numbers which may look like a mobile phone number but charges to these can be 50p for just making the call. Never call such numbers; instead report them to the premium rate regulator, Phonepay Plus on 0800 500 212.
- Texts claiming that you have won a prize or encouraging you to enter a competition are often linked to a premium rate number where you will be played a long message.
- Unsolicited calls about PPI claims help to claim a state pension, claim compensation for an accident you have not had or offers of ‘free’ insulation & boilers under Government grants. Not all of these will be from Scammers but treat all unsolicited telephone calls with caution especially if asked for personal and sensitive information.
With any suspicious cold calls, NEVER give out any security, bank or card details.
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Dementia awareness week runs from Sunday May 18 to Saturday May 24 and there are a number of Dementia Friends Workshops and events taking place across the city from 21 May. The full listings and how to become a Dementia Friend can be found at the Dementia Friends website.
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Concert goers and holidaymakers were the biggest victims of ticket scammers last year, with unsuspecting consumers handing over a total of £3.7m to fraudsters in 2013.
Among the 4,555 national reports were 22 victims who lost £10,000 or more.
Almost half the cases involved flight or concert and festival tickets, although people buying tickets for sporting events were also targeted.
With Fraud reports usually peaking in the summer when the music festival seasons starts and in December for flight tickets it is important that you do your homework before parting with your cash.
Before buying tickets for events, festivals and music concerts visit safeconcerts.com where you can find information and advice on the warning signs to look out for.
Before looking for that cheap flight check out the some of the specific risks associated with online holiday and travel booking by visiting getsafeonline.org.
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Plum Baby Foods is recalling pouches of its Plum Bread & Butter Pudding with a ‘best before’ date of 15 January 2015. This is due to the product being under-processed, which may cause food spoilage as well as make it potentially unsafe to consume. The product is intended to be eaten by children.
Product details: Plum Bread & Butter Pudding (Stage 2)
Pack size: 100g
‘Best before’ date: 15/01/2015
Barcode: 5060116891102
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