This week for Scams Awareness Month we’re focusing on online scams – where the annual cost to victims of the top ten online scams totals £670million.

30% of scams happen on the web or via email with the most common being “Phishing” - an email claiming to be from your bank or other official organisation that attempts to obtain personal information which can be used to empty your account, commit identity theft, or both.

In addition we also receive many reports of emails stating that a long lost relative has died, and you are entitled to part of the estate simply because you share the same surname; or you are a winner in a foreign lottery.

In both cases, upfront fees are needed for ‘taxes’ or ‘admin costs’ but there is no ‘inheritance’ and the ‘prize’ on offer does not exist.

Another online scam on the rise is pop up adverts often found on Facebook, advertising ‘free trials’ for slimming aids, nutritional supplements or beauty creams and cosmetics. Card details are needed to pay a small p&p fee but by giving these you also give authority for further sums to be taken for future orders.

Nationally there was a huge rise last year in complaints relating to Government Services with copycat websites springing up offering document checking for passports, driving licences, car tax renewal, EHIC cards etc. Each website charged a fee for something you could do for free via: www.gov.uk

Other current online scams include dating websites where fraudsters create fake profiles to build up relationships. Once this has been established a request is made for money to help with urgent medical treatment or a family emergency.

Bogus money lending websites are also a big issue where unsuspecting borrowers make loan applications but end up paying large upfront fees and, needless to say, the loan never materialises.

Visit our website for more information on this year’s campaign.

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•     Only use secure websites – look for the ‘https’ in the web browser, and the padlock symbol.

•     Don’t reply to spam emails, even if it is to unsubscribe, and NEVER click on any links within an email from someone you don’t know.

•     Never give your bank details or send money unless you are certain you can trust the person contacting you.

•     You shouldn’t have to pay to get a prize or apply for a job.

•     Keep your anti-virus software up to date.

•     For Government Services – only use www.gov.uk

•     If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

•     Don’t suffer in silence – tell others about scams

For other general online safety tips and advice visit: www.getsafeonline.org

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Whilst the recent hot weather is welcomed by most what isn’t welcomed is the rise in the number of reports we have received from residents about unwelcomed callers who call unannounced on residents' doorsteps trying to obtain work.

Last week we received 3 reports.

The first was in Finham where an elderly resident was approached whilst in their front garden by a man who showed them a photograph which he claimed was of the resident’s roof.

The man pointed out that there were a number of loose ridge tiles and offered to repair them for £1800.00!

This work was carried out and the trader then showed the resident a further photo showing a loose tile in the gutter. The trader also claimed that the whole roof needed redoing as there were a number of holes which would allow water into the roof void.

The trader said he could carry out this further work for £5000.00.

Although the resident was not aware that there were any issues with the roof and there were no obvious damp spots on the ceilings they agreed to have the work carried out.

The trader failed to issue any paperwork detailing who they were, what work was to be done and the price to be charged which is a legal obligation when work is agreed at a consumers home nor were written cancellation rights given.

The trader also failed to issue receipts for payments made for the ridge tiles.

We are currently investigating this matter.

In Radford an elderly couple received a knock on the door 3 months ago from someone offering to cut the front hedge and jet wash the front drive. The trader quoted £80 and the work was carried out.

Following this, the trader offered to carry out further work which is currently being done. However, the trader has failed to provide any paperwork including the all-important 14 days' cancellation rights which is a legal requirement. Failure to provide written information is an offence.

There is also a question about the standard of work currently being carried out.

Again, we are currently investigating the trader involved.

In another incident a man and a child were knocking on residents' doors in the Tile Hill area offering to steam clean front paving/patio slabs in gardens, and offering discounts on a first come first served basis.

The man said he didn’t know the area and he did not have a local accent but offered to clean a small front paved area for £100.00 , if he could then use the resident's property as an example of his work.

The man did not identify himself or state the name of his business and drove an unmarked small white van. The man had what looked like a small ring binder photo album that apparently had photos of work done.

As no leaflet or business card was given, it would be virtually impossible to trace or locate this trader. We would remind residents to never buy anything on the doorstep, especially if the visit is unsolicited and to download, print and display our Doorstep Sellers/Callers Beware sticker available for free at: http://www.coventry.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/5749/doorstep_sellerscallers_sticker.pdf

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