Scam Awareness Month 2013 | How to Spot and Report Scams

Scam Awareness Month

May 2013 is Scam Awareness Month, a national campaign to raise the awareness of the various ways that you can be tricked and conned out of your money.

Citizen's Advice say; "Every year over three million people in the UK fall victim to scams losing hundreds and even thousands of pounds. It is estimated that nearly half of people in the UK (48 per cent) have been targeted by a scam and that £3.5 billion is lost to scams every year."

Scams can take various forms from phone calls, posted mail, email and text messages to door knockers and fake salespeople. Below are 3 common scams and how to spot them.

Door Crime and Bogus Tradesman

A knock on the door leads to a salesperson or tradesman offering to carry out a repair on 'unsafe' roof tiles or pave your patio, they then demand money upfront and that's the last you ever see of them. Sometimes the caller is a real tradesman but they use illegal selling techniques such as high pressure sales to persuade you to sign up for something you don't really want or need, or could have done much cheaper. 

Another type of doorstep crime is where the person uses the pretence of selling you something or doing repairs on your home to gain access and then steal from you.

How to spot this type of scam

Was the knock at your door unsolicited? Are you being asked to make a decision quickly or are they demanding money upfront. Are they reluctant to give you any contact details for the business?    

How to deal with this type of scam

If someone knocks at your door do not invite them inside. If the tradesman suggests that you have an unsafe roof or need new damp proofing  always get a second opinion and do not employ door knockers.   

if you live in West Yorkshire then CASAC Check Point operates to protect householders from bogus and “cowboy” tradespeople by providing a recommended, local and reliable tradesman when you need home repairs, maintenance or improvements carried out, call 0845 838 8851.

Prize Scam 

Congratulations! You've just won £100,000 / an all-expenses holiday to the Maldives - This scam is usually in the form of a phone call, text message or letter through your door in which you are informed that you have won a fantastic prize or even a huge lottery win, the problem is you never actually entered the competition in the first place.

How to spot this type of scam 
Did you actually buy a ticket or enter a competition? Quite simply, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. If you have to call a premium rate number or pay an administration fee to process your prize then this is a scam and should be reported.

How to deal with this type of scam

If you receive a text message block the phone number and forward the text message and the original number it came from to one of the following numbers: For Orange, Vodafone, O2, and T-Mobile: 7726, for Three: 37726. If it is a piece of mail, shred the letter and put it in the bin. If you are in any doubt as to whether it is a scam then ask friends and family for advice.  

PPI Refunds

You receive a text message or phone call from a number you don't recognise informing you that you are owed  money due to mis-sold PPI (Payment Protection Insurance but you must pay an administration fee before the refund can be processed.

How to spot this type of scam

Did the text message or phone call come from a number you don't recognise, are they asking you to reply for information or to have a pack sent out or to find out how much you are entitled to? If so then this is likely to be a scam message.

How to deal with this type of scam
Don't text the number back even to say STOP as sometimes this can lead to you being charged a premium rate text message fee. Instead  block the phone number and forward the text message and the original number it came from to one of the following numbers:  For Orange, Vodafone, O2, and T-Mobile: 7726, for Three: 37726.

Reporting Scams

If you think you or someone you know such as an elderly relative may have been the victim of a scam here are some ways to report it:

Action Fraud 0300 123 2040

Trading Standards 08454 04 05 06

The Police, using non-emergency number 101.

West YorkshireTrading Standards warns of Phone–hacking Scam

Following a recent spell of complaints, West Yorkshire Trading Standards is warning consumers to be extra wary of phone scams from would be computer hackers.

Over recent weeks the service has received a steady stream of complaints involving suspicious calls from overseas phone numbers from an unidentified source.

The scam is initiated by a phone call to an unsuspecting householder. The caller claims to be from an online software or internet provider and that they have identified a problem with the householder’s computer or internet connection.

The scammer then attempts to obtain user’s account details by saying that in order to rectify the fault they will need to performs home software upgrades.

The intention is to gain access to secure information such as bank details that would normally be password protected. In one recent example a gentleman was targeted several times in the same evening, despite telling the caller “they knew what was going on and not to call back”

Trading Standards advice is to be very wary of any unsolicited phone calls of this nature and ignore any requests for confidential information such as passwords or user names. Always report the matter to Trading Standards and inform the caller that you intend to do so.

As well as potentially losing money those who get caught out are often added to a so called‘suckers list’- often resulting in them being targeted in the future.

 Graham Hebblethwaite,Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said,”Although the vast majority of people will see this type of scam for exactly what it is, some may well be panicked into believing their computer has picked up a serious computer virus which needs urgent attention.

The scammers work on the basis that they may have to contact many people to find just one victim, but often when they do their unscrupulous efforts pay off.”

Councillor Neil Taggart, Chair of West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, which oversees the work of Trading Standards said:“I would urge people to share this information with friends and relatives, particularly vulnerable or older members of the community who may not have heard about this type of scam.It is known that scammers will often target their victims and in this instance take advantage of those who may only have a limited understanding of new technology.”

If you feel that you have fallen victim of a scam you can contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre on 0300 1232040, or alternatively report the matter to Trading Standards by contacting the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on0845 404 05 06.

To make a consumer complaint contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards warns of Summer Rogue Traders

Latest Consumer Direct figures reveal there were over 1170 doorstep selling complaints in Yorkshire and Humber.  In a push to protect the vulnerable, West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service is joining forces with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT)’s Summer Doorstep Selling campaign, empowering local residents to deal with untoward doorstep sellers. 

Research conducted on behalf of the OFT highlights the elderly as being particularly at risk of doorstep selling scams. One in five people over the age of 70 who were interviewed admitted to not being confident in deciding whether to employ a tradesperson and a fifth of those questioned couldn’t see through pressure sales tactics such as having to pay cash in advance or having to make a quick decision to get a good deal. 

Graham Hebblethwaite, Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service said: “Not all doorstep sellers are bogus, however unlawful traders can be unscrupulous and use a range of persuasive tactics to sell seemingly irresistible offers to unsuspecting and often vulnerable people in their homes.  I’m urging everyone who knows or cares for a vulnerable, elderly person to make sure they are aware of their rights when it comes to suspect door step approaches.  No one should feel pressured into making a rash buying decision.  If in doubt always think twice and get a second opinion.”

Judith Frame, Head of Campaigns at OFT said: “Complaints about home maintenance and illegitimate doorstep sellers traditionally peak in the summer months.  While it is not illegal to canvas for work door to door, rogue doorstep trading remains a serious issue for vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly who live alone.  Decisions made on the doorstep can result in a great amount of distress for those who are duped out of money for substandard products or services.  It is crucial to be aware of your consumer rights and share this knowledge.”

Councillor Neil Taggart, of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, which oversees the work of Trading Standards said: ‘We know that the summer months are always rife with bogus trades people touting for business on the doorstep, particularly where we’ve had issues such as local flooding.  Follow our advice to make sure you’re getting the deal you think you are.’

The OFT offers the following top 10 tips on how to deal with doorstep sellers:

Ten Top Tips

Buy Wisely and Safely on your Doorstep

Many people who sell things on the doorstep are legitimate traders, but unfortunately some aren’t. Rogue traders may use illegal pressure selling tactics to make people buy and they can ignore their legal rights. The Office of Fair Trading has developed ten top tips to help you buy safely and with confidence on your doorstep – and to help you say ‘no’ when you need to.

1. Don’t sign on the spot
Don’t feel pressured to agree on the spot- if you are interested in what they are selling, you can ask them to come back at another time that is more convenient for you, maybe when you have someone else with you or you’ve shopped around.

2. Check the trader’s identity
Always ask for an identity card and look up the organisation to check the salesperson’s identity is genuine. Don’t use the number on their card. Check if the trader is a member of a reputable trade body, like the Direct Selling Association, whose members should ensure their salespeople sell responsibly.

3. Be wary of special offers or warnings about your home
Don't get taken in by sales banter or high pressure selling techniques. Don’t be hurried into a decision even if there is a discount. The discount might be on a price that is too high in the first place.

4. Always shop around for the best price
Check with other companies offering the same product first. Make sure the price and product is right for you.

5. Read the small print
Always read documents carefully before you sign them and make sure you fully understand your rights. It’s best to ask salespeople to call back so you can do this in your own time – don’t be rushed into signing before you feel ready.

6. Double check the facts
Make sure you fully understand the total costs of the transaction – including estimates, delivery and installation and the arrangements for after-sales servicing, such as the guarantees or warranties. Only agree to make a purchase once you’re entirely satisfied that the transaction is acceptable.

7. Talk to someone you trust for a second opinion
Take the time to talk to someone you trust – for example your family, a friend or carer – before you sign anything.

8. Don’t hand over a cash deposit
Avoid handing over money before work is started. A reliable trader will never ask you to do this (even if they need materials). Never agree to go with a trader to the bank to take money out.

9. Think very carefully before you agree to a trader starting any work straight away
If you agree to have any work done or goods delivered within the seven day cooling-off period, you may have to pay if you later change your mind and cancel the contract.

10. Trust your instincts
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

And finally ... it’s OK to say no

Remember it’s your doorstep and your decision. If you feel pressured for any reason ask the person to leave.

If in doubt, visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06

East North East Homes Leeds proactive against burglary

West Yorkshire Police have identified an increase in burglaries across the region, where the locks of uPVC doors (including French and Patio Doors) have been forced to gain entry.

East North East Homes Leeds are working in partnership with local social enterprise CASAC (Community Action and Support Against Crime) taking a proactive approach to this growing problem; upgrading the door locks and home security on all of their properties. 

The locks that CASAC fit meet the newly introduced Sold Secure Diamond Standard, which addresses the problem of lock snapping.

Cllr Ron Grahame, ENEHL Board Director and Ward Member for Burmantofts and Richmond Hill said “tackling the unacceptable levels of burglary in the City is a key priority for ENEHL and the Council.  Our partnership work with CASAC to upgrade euro cylinder locks as part of target hardening of public and private sector homes is really helping to reduce the burglar’s activities.  Burglary in my Ward has reduced significantly over the last few months helped by this work with CASAC, along with other work done with Safer Leeds, West Yorkshire Police and other key partners” 

CASAC is a West Yorkshire based charitable social enterprise that works with local people, the Police and other statutory agencies to improve community safety and is dedicated to reducing crime and the fear of crime. All profits are reinvested back into local communities.

Neil Goldup, Chief Executive of CASAC says: “We are delighted to be working with East North East Homes to tackle the euro cylinder lock issue on properties and make residents safer in their homes. After installing our security devices the chances of being burgled again are greatly reduced. It’s this fact which deters burglars from trying to break into a property once they have seen we have made it more secure.”

Beating Burglars in Bramley

BBC Look North filming CASAC Burglary Reduction in Bramley

CASAC (Community Action and Support AgainstCrime) has been awarded funding from Leeds City Council’s crime and disorder reduction partnership Safer Leeds. The funding will provide free Target Hardening (increasing security on homes) to properties in Bramley, Leeds.

Initially the project will begin in the Warrells, Henley and Bellmount areas of Bramley. CASAC security engineers and PCSOs from West Yorkshire Police will be visiting properties to arrange a free home security assessment. If security upgrades are needed following the assessment, then these will be fitted free of charge.

Neil Goldup, Chief Executive of CASAC said: “While the dark nights linger on, it is sensible to get an expert check on how secure your home is. CASAC engineers are happy to carry this out and then follow it up with any installation of required security devices such as door and window locks. Both services are free of charge in these areas.”

Commenting on the initiative, Inspector Mark Wheeler of The West Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team said, "With the darker nights now upon us, this is a key time to reiterate our message about home security. Whilst your local officers supported by other colleagues continue to conduct both highly visible and covert patrols in the area, it is important that residents take simple steps to further minimise the risk of being the victim of crime. Your local PCSOs are happy to provide crime prevention advice and I urge residents to check their local NPT website for further details."

For a free home security assessment call CASAC on 0845 519 2122 or visit www.casac.org.uk

Watch CASAC on BBC Look North discussing the burglary problem in Leeds and recent target hardening initiatives in Bramley, Leeds.