Scams Bulletin. April 2014

(1)

Scams Bulletin

April 2014

The purpose of this scams bulletin is to enable Hampshire residents to be aware, and therefore guard against the type of scams currently being reported to the Hampshire Trading Standards Service.

Trading Standards will collate information on scams to provide information and intelligence to the public and other agencies but will normally only

intervene when the victim is vulnerable and has been financially abused.

In appropriate cases Trading Standards will also seek to take enforcement action through the courts.

If you are worried about a potential scam please contact: Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on

08454 04 05 06

or online using the

Online consumer complaint form

(2)

Scam Involving Fake Citizens Advice

Bureau Phone Calls

Hampshire Trading Standards Service is warning residents to be wary of imposters claiming to be Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) Advisers.

The fake caller will make an unsolicited phone call or send a text message pretending to offer services in an attempt to scam their intended victim out of money.

Reports from the CAB indicate that this may be in relation to help with an accident claim or that the person has appeared on a database as someone who may need extra support. On one occasion the fake caller appeared to be recommending a particular firm of solicitors who would be able to assist with a claim.

The CAB have stressed that no CAB Adviser or employee will ever text a member of the public out of the blue.

If you receive a call or text message from someone purporting to work for the CAB do not engage in conversation and hang up the phone immediately. For further information, the official website for the CAB is

www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06

Or online using the

(3)

Parking Fine Email Scam

Hampshire residents are warned to be cautious should they receive an unsolicited email alleging they owe money for a parking fine.

The email will look quite plausible and will use strong wording such as ‘REMINDER NOTICE DO NOT IGNORE’ to grab the recipients attention. The content of the email will include information about how much money is owed and that further costs may incur unless the fine is settled immediately. It may contain a warning that if the amount is not paid, further action will be taken and the consumers credit rating may be affected.

The intended victim will be invited to open an attachment where they will find alleged photographic evidence to support the claim and a form for making payment. This attachment is likely to contain a virus which will affect their computer.

DO NOT open an email or any attachments if you have any concerns about its source or content.

For further advice or to report a scam please contact;

Online consumer complaint form

Real life case study

Mr G received an email from an address that looked like a genuine government site, alleging he owed £70 for an unknown parking fine. Although the email gave a time, date and location for the alleged parking offence, Mr G did not recognise the information as correct. However, he was told that photographic evidence to support the claim was contained in a link.

Although Mr G was suspicious about the email, he was also concerned that this may be genuine, but sent in error. However, he decided not to open the link, and sought advice from Trading Standards who confirmed the email was a scam.

(4)

News Video Malware Warning

Scammers are known to take advantage of major news stories or events where there is a high level of public interest. They will use a range of tools to trick people under the guise of topical stories, such as spam emails with malicious content or seeking donations to fake charities.

Recent reports concern the disappearance of the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370. Scammers have been sending emails and social media messages at random with links purporting to be videos on the disappearance of the aeroplane. This link may take you to a website that appears to be legitimate (such as a major news channel), however it will be fake. If you click on the link, your computer could be infected and scammers may be able to gain remote access to your personal information, including on-line banking facilities.

Protect Yourself

If you receive an unsolicited email or social media message about a major news item, do not click on any links or open attachments.

If you want to access information on a major or breaking news item, use a reliable news source.

Always keep your computer security up to date with an anti-virus software and a good firewall.

Don’t let scammers taking advantage of tragedies, take advantage of you.

(5)

Investment Scams Update

Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service has continued to receive complaints about various investment scams.

Investment scams can look and sound believable, with smooth-talking salespeople, slick websites or sophisticated brochures and documentation. This can make it hard to tell them apart from genuine investment

opportunities.

Hampshire Trading Standards Service reminds all residents to be vigilant and report any concerns to;

Online consumer complaint form

Real life case study 1

Miss Y received a phone call from a man who asked if she was interested in the environment. Once the man had gained her interest, he promoted an opportunity where she could invest in a company that supported sustainable mineral mining. The man sent Miss Y a glossy brochure and then visited her in person. Miss Y was convinced by the ethics of the scheme and invested approximately £5000. Miss Y is now seeking her money back, but as yet this has not been received.

Real life case study 2

Mr E received a phone call from a scammer offering an investment opportunity with a guaranteed high financial return. The scam involved investing in diamonds, which were being marketed at a highly inflated price. Mr E requested further information, and was sent a

brochure. At this point, he became suspicious and sought advice from Trading Standards. Mr E was advised this was a scam, and did not take any further action. The scammer has continued to phone Mr E, who is now considering changing his telephone number.