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In this issue:
Action Fraud, the National Fraud Reporting Centre have posted a warning initially issued by the security firm Symantec relating to scam emails and texts purporting to be from Apple which are designed to steal login details.
The emails are designed to play on the widespread interest in the recent nude photos stolen from celebrities but they contain links to phishing websites that will capture your Apple ID credentials and send them back to the scammers.
In addition to email scams, text messages claiming to be from Apple Protection or another privacy or security group within Apple have been reported which claims that an unauthorised attempt to sign-in to the users’ iCloud account was detected and they need to respond back with their Apple ID and password or have their account locked out. This type of scam is what’s known as Smishing (SMS/text phishing)”.
If you receive such an email or text:
- Do not click on any links.
- Do not reply or contact the senders in any way.
- If you have clicked on a link, do not supply any information on the website that opens.
- Do not open any or download any attachments that arrive.
- Report it to Action Fraud.
Read more on the Symantec website.
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A man has been reported approaching people in the Stoney Stanton Road area offering for sale 2 large bottles of perfume which are sealed in a cardboard box and has a convincing price label with bar code indicating they cost £45.00 each but he is willing to sell them both for £20.00. The man has a Boots tester stick which he asks you to smell.
Our advice: do not to buy from people who approach you in the street offering anything even if they seems a real good bargain.
The product on offer may not be what is claimed; it could be fake, a cheaper brand or stolen.
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Coventry Trading Standards are warning of the potential pitfalls when responding to online adverts for ‘cut price’ or ‘ex display’ kitchens.
This follows reports from residents in relation to incomplete deliveries followed by a poor level of customer service to get the problem rectified, poor or incorrect design plans and substandard goods being provided.
Residents can reduce the chance of experiencing problems by taking a few prudent steps:
- A personal recommendation from a friend or neighbour is a good way to source a reputable trader. Getting several quotes is also advised.
- Research the company – check the business name and telephone numbers online. This may provide information and reviews from other customers.
- Do not buy on impulse, even if you are offered a so called ‘once in a lifetime’ special offer, or ‘for one day only’. You will not know if this is indeed a good price until you have shopped around.
- If you buy from a salesman who calls to your home, you have a legal right to cancel your contract, provided that you do so within 14 days, and do this in writing.
- Be sensible – if an offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
- Finally, if you do decide to go ahead, pay by credit card if possible. Consumers can minimise the risk by paying at least the deposit by this means. By using a credit card, the credit card company is usually jointly liable in the event of any breach of contract, or if the supplier goes out of business, provided the total cost is over £100.
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Rental scams usually start with a property being advertised well below typical market rent but requires a deposit, or in some cases full payment for the duration of the rental period prior to actually viewing it.
In some cases, fraudsters have access to properties and take prospective tenants around, giving the impression that the properties are vacant and under their control.
Fraudsters may also offer properties already occupied and legally rented so any payments made will be lost as the ‘landlord’ will soon disappear.
Prospective tenants can protect themselves by following these tips:
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Check the legitimacy of the advert – avoid adverts where no property address is given.
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Be aware of adverts with no telephone numbers or where the only email address is a free one – look for UK based numbers but be wary of 070 (or +4470) numbers which are non-geographic.
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Do not send money upfront - paying a deposit is standard practice; paying money upfront to secure one is not.
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Do not proceed if asked to do money transfers via for example Western Union or Ukash – The safest way to pay is at the letting agent’s office by credit card and make sure you are given a formal signed contract before any money changes hands.
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Visit the house you intend to rent – insist on meeting the landlord at the property and be suspicious of anyone who refuses to do this. Ask for copies of tenancy agreements and any safety certificates such as Gas, Electricity or HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) License.
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Ask the Landlord for ID – ask to see their driving license to establish their identity.
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Check if the owner is a member of a rental scheme – e.g. National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) or Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).
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Protect your deposit – it is a legal requirement that the money is paid into a Government approved deposit scheme.
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Use your common sense – If the property is too cheap and looks fantastic then it’s probably too good to be true.
For general advice about Private Renting call Shelter: 0808 800 4444 or visit: www.england.shelter.org.uk
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For
more information on scams, visit: www.coventry.gov.uk/scams
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