Update from Longlands safer neighbourhoods - MetEngage Longlands

Dear Resident,

 

We've been made aware recently there was a vulnerable resident on Longlands ward that has been scammed. two white males have approached the vulnerable resident at his home address and insisted that he needed work done on his roof. When the job was finished they asked for the agreed amount of money but has then taken the victim to a cash machine and asked for more than the agreed amount. 

 

Please see some advice below to help to prevent this happening to someone else. 

 

*Door to door scams involve criminals knocking on your door and unexpectedly offering products or services. Fraudsters convince you to pay for goods or work which is often overpriced, or of poor quality or is not even carried out. In many cases, this work isn't even necessary. They may use intimidation and pressure you to make quick decisions so that you agree to their demands. 

 

*Criminals may try to convince you that work is urgently required and the price they are charging is fair. They will put pressure on you to have the work done immediately and may ask for payment upfront. Often the work is not completed, or if it is, the work is to a poor standard. You may also be overcharged for any work done. 

 

They can use deception to convince you by:

 

*Claiming they were working on a neighbours' address and noticed you need work completing and they have left over materials.

 

*Inspecting areas you can't access, for example the loft or roof and show you photos or videos claiming they are evidence that you need the urgent repairs. Beware of these tactics as these images may not even be your property. 

 

*Throwing water down when you are not looking to indicate you have ‘damp’.

 

*They may be insistent you pay in cash immediately or put down a deposit, even offering to take you to the bank to get the money. if you do this, they may continue to find reasons for you to pay more money.

 

*Some callers will be legitimate. Gas, electricity and water companies may visit to read your meters. Charities may visit to read your meters. Charities may visit to ask for donations and council officials may contact you regarding  local issues. Always ask for identification and tell them to wait outside whilst you check this by calling the company or speaking to a relative or friend. If you are calling the company, don't use the phone number on the person's ID card.

 

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

 

*Always check their identity. If you are not happy about a person's identity, do not let them into your house under any circumstances. 

 

*Never leave your front door open/ unlocked and unattended, so a second individual can't enter without your knowledge.

 

*Take time to consider your options and research costs from other providers. If in doubt contact your local trading standards. 

 

*If you feel pressured by any cold caller, have the confidence to be firm and say no. 

 

*Legitimate builders do not call door to door. 

 

*Call the citizens advice consumer helpline following a doorstop caller on T 03454 04 05 06 or call and report this on 101 or online on the met police website below;

Report a crime | Metropolitan Police

 

REMEMBER 

*Take time to consider your options.

 *Don't be pressured into making a quick decision.

 

CAUTION

*Never pay upfront for goods or services you have not received.

 

THINK

*Are they legitimate company? why haven't they given you a written quote?

 

Kind Regards

 

Longlands Policing Team

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/410497/Update-from-Longlands-safer-neighbourhoods

Scam Alert: Don't Fall for Fake Housing Repair Calls!

Here at SCAMARAMA, we've seen a surge in reports of phone scams targeting homeowners and tenants. These fraudsters claim to be from a "housing disrepair team" and offer bogus solutions to problems like damp or mould.

Don't be fooled! Here's how to protect yourself:

The Signs of a Scam:

• Unsolicited Calls: You receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming to represent a housing disrepair team.
• Phoney Offers: They offer "free" inspections or financial assistance to fix problems you might not even have.
• Urgency Tactics: They pressure you to make a decision immediately, often using scare tactics.
• Fake Caller ID: The caller ID might show a seemingly legitimate number, like a local council office.

How to Fight Back:

• Just Say No: Don't give out personal information like your address or bank details.
• Hang Up: End the call immediately and don't engage with the scammer.
• Report the Call: Forward unwanted texts to 7726 (free) to help your mobile provider identify potential scams.
• Verify Directly: If you're concerned about repairs, contact your landlord or housing association directly using a known phone number or website.

Stay Safe & Informed:

• Register with TPS: Join the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce unwanted sales calls (https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/).
• Beware of Fake Links: Don't click on any links sent by text message.
• Use Call Blocking: Consider using a call blocking service to stop unwanted calls.

What to Do If Scammed:

• Report It: If you've been scammed, report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) or your bank (use the number on your card).

Remember: Legitimate companies won't pressure you for personal information over the phone. Be cautious, stay informed, and don't let scammers take advantage of you!

Investment scammers pocketed £13m a week

Criminal gangs flogging bogus investments and ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes stole an average of £13m a week in the past four years, according to Action Fraud data revealed by a Freedom of Information request.

It's a horrifyingly profitable crime, and victims can lose their lifetime savings. But what are the different types of investment fraud? From ‘pension liberation fraud’ to ‘Ponzi schemes’– find out the different types of fraud and how to invest safely.

Invest safely

Source: Which? (08 Apr 2024)

Watch out for Jo Malone advent calendar scams

With Christmas fast approaching, advent calendars will soon be popping up everywhere. In September, scammers were quick to create fraudulent Facebook ads promoting the £350 Jo Malone advent calendar for just £30.

Always remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Here are examples of these fake ads and scam websites that we've found to help you dodge this scam.

Bogus advent calendars

Source: Which? (11 Oct 2023)

Bexley Police warn of bogus callers offering garden work

Bexley Police are warning residents to be on the lookout for bogus callers who are offering to do garden work. The callers, who have been reported to have a red truck and one of them is very overweight, have been targeting older residents with overgrown gardens.

The police are advising residents to:

• Never open the door to anyone they don't know.
• Ask for identification.
• Never feel pressured into accepting an offer of work or service. Politely refuse.
• Never accept any offer to be taken to a bank to withdraw money.

If you think you have been targeted by a bogus caller, you should contact the police immediately.

Here are some additional tips to help you protect yourself from bogus callers:

• Keep your doors and windows locked, even when you're home.
• Install a security system.
• Get to know your neighbours and watch out for each other.
• Be aware of the latest scams and frauds.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from bogus callers.

If you are not already a member of your local neighbourhood watch, we encourage you to join. Neighbourhood watch schemes are a great way to help keep your community safe. You can learn more about them on this blog.

Source: Crayford Community on facebook

Had a 'cold caller' visit?

If not already have one, get a FREE #'door sticker' from your Local Trading Standards as shown here. For more information......

'Cold Caller' door sticker

Visit https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2022/05/bexleys-what-tradesman-scheme-are.html

Warning: Impersonating Police Officers in Belvedere

The Belvedere Safer Neighbourhoods Policing Team has been made aware of a male and female who have been impersonating police officers in the area. They have been calling at properties late in the evening, which could put residents at risk of harm or theft.

If you are suspicious of a police officer calling at your property, you should in the first instance ask for and examine their identification. If you are still unsure, do not hesitate to call the non-emergency police number - 101 and ask the operator if any police officers are attending your address.

The police are taking this matter seriously and actively investigating the issue. If you see anyone suspicious, report it to the non-emergency police number. Stay safe and be vigilant.

Trading Standards launch Don’t Deal At The Door Campaign booklet

 

Trading Standards If in doubt, keep them out!

Trading Standards If in doubt, keep them out! booklet (pdf), is packed filled with information and advice on doorstep crime and how to spot and avoid rogue traders at your front door and online.

Here's also the link to download the LTS doorstep crime campaign booklet (pdf).

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Beware scam devices on ATM's recovered in Sidcup High St.

Three lebanese loops recovered from ATM's in Sidcup High St. Please be aware when using any ATM's Use the machines inside the bank if you can, failing that, always cancel your card immediately. Note the telephone number on the back of your card and save it.

https://twitter.com/MPSSidcup/status/1547199211023785987?cxt=HHwWhoCznYXf4PgqAAAA

The devices shown cover the cash dispenser of the machine and capture monies being withdrawn. The machines are being targeted out of working hours and over weekends. If your cash has not dispensed please report to your Bank and always check the card and dispensers before use.

This scam was reported previously as posted here. How to spot a scam ATM scam.

Warning about cold calling 'companies' offering to clean drive ways and roofs

Bexley Neighbourhood Watch have been contacted by two residents who would like to warn everyone about cold calling 'companies' offering to clean drive ways and roofs.  

On Monday 23^rd May a young man with an Irish accent was knocking on doors in Fairlawn Avenue, Bexleyheath.  There were two vans, one silver and one a turquoise, both had Irish number plates and displaying the name Bestway Steam Cleaning & Home Improvement.  Registration numbers 02-D-56921 and 09-MN 631.

Another outfit (Pro Star) was seen operating in Heversham Road, Bexleyheath.  Initially, they offered to clean a roof for £500, then the price jumped to £2,200.  When confronted about the price the workman became very aggressive.  The van was small, possibly a VW Caddy, registration number HJ58 XTF.

Residents are warned to be careful when dealing with seasonal door step traders.

Trading Standards’ advice is to ignore doorstep cold callers and instead check first with your insurance company whether you are covered for the cost of the works you need.

For those who are not covered by insurance, Bexley’s What Tradesman? scheme can help you find a reputable trader.

To report a rogue trader operating in the area, or if you need advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Bexley's Beware of ROGUE TRADERS-gif

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Bexley’s What Tradesman Scheme are vetted by Trading Standards

Bexley's What Tradesman Scheme - click image to view enlarged

Residents are reminded of Bexley's What Tradesman Scheme https://whattradesman.org.uk/ where, all the traders are local and have been vetted by Trading Standards.

FIND A TRADER AND RATE THEIR SERVICES

Need a reliable trader? The Bexley The London Borough of Bexley “What Tradesman Scheme” will help take the headache out of finding someone by using the Trader Register to find a local trader, leave and see feedback.

JOIN THE TRADER REGISTER SCHEME

Traders registering with the scheme demonstrate their commitment to fair and honest trading practices and agree to work with Trading Standards to resolve problems if they should occur.

Beware Doorstep Crime

• Doorstep Crime
• LTS doorstep crime campaign booklet

Bexley's What Tradesman Scheme-gif

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Trading Standards launch Don’t Deal At The Door Campaign booklet

click image to view enlarged

Here's the link to download the LTS doorstep crime campaign booklet (pdf) OR open the booklet to view in new window.

It's filled with information and advice on how to spot and avoid rogue traders at your front door and online.

Source: London Trading Standards (18-05-2022)

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Beware fake ads for keto diet pills

Which? found a messy trail of dodgy adverts for keto diet pills making misleading claims all over the internet, posted via search engines, online news outlets and various social media platforms.

Adverts for keto diet pills falsely imply they’re endorsed by celebrities and public figures to lure and deceive shoppers. Here are some examples of the dodgy adverts they found all over the internet.

Bogus and misleading ads

Scam victim and advice

Scams come in many forms and are always evolving; uninvited contact is received by email, letter, and telephone or in person making false promises to con victims out of money.

Generally, official organisations would never contact you out of the blue or cold call you. If it is uninvited, assume it is a scam. Just hang up! Do not click on any links, or calls asking you to click or press any digit that you receive uninvited. The scammer is after your personal details in doing so to con or scam you.

Hide your pin number wherever you may be required to use it and never let anyone see it or share it. If you are in a restaurant, keep sight of your card and never let the waiter take it away if you pay for your meal that way. If you tap to scan your card to pay, place the long number facing down to avoid your card number being read by any hidden cameras or from public gaze to prevent being scammed. At an ATM, if your card jams in a machine don’t leave that spot call your bank from there and stop your card.

If you have been scammed:-

1) Call your bank (the number is on the back of the card)

2) Remove any software the scammer used to install for remote access, or ask the help of someone you know or trust who can help

3) Change your passwords if the above has happened or your account has been compromised. Always use a different strong password for each account.

4) Report the crime to Action Fraud or call them on 0300 123 2040

5) Ask for a hard copy in the post if the scammer called to put them off. [Beware what details you divulge to get a copy this way - in fact do not do so as you may be sharing them with the scammer].

Be smart - Stay safe and vigilant!

Beware of distraction thefts in Sidcup High Street

It appears a number of different suspects have been targeting the area and the ATM's at our banks, including the ATM's outside Morrisons.

Bexley Neighbourhood Watch are asking you to be extra vigilant when using any ATM in the High Street or outside the supermarket. Be observant and make sure there is no one loitering near the machine (hiding near or behind post boxes, telephone boxes, on junctions etc). Also check across the road opposite to make sure no one is paying attention to these machines.

It appears one of their favourite methods of distraction is inserting a piece of paper in the card slot before victims approach and place their card in the slot. This then blocks the ATM and makes the ATM redundant. Suspects at this point usually approach their victim to notify them that it's not working and advise them to inform someone or try another card in another machine. Whilst engaging with the victim the suspects have usually managed to remove your card without the victims knowledge. 

Please be aware of this and please pass on the message to friends and family. The suspects do tend to target the most vulnerable people such as the elderly. 

If your bank card does become lodged in the machine then please raise awareness with the bank immediately so they can remove the card. If the card is missing then the bank should cancel the card immediately. So if your card jams in a machine don’t leave that spot call your bank from there and stop your card.

On ATM withdrawals you can set limits for Barclays but not for self service. You can also set a spend limit on card via the bank app and can stop card straight away through the app as well. 

Furthermore if at all possible then please use the ATM's inside the bank themselves.

 

The Sidcup police team have been carrying out plain clothed operations in the High Street this week. Along with our colleagues from Longlands SNT and St Marys & St Johns SNT  they have managed to arrest two suspects who were loitering near the Barclays bank, one of whom was in possession of equipment that’s usually linked to distraction thefts (Lebanese loop, plastic, metal tools, bank cards etc). 

For info on Lebanese loops click on the link   https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/lebanese-loop-cash-machine-scam and at https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2021/11/cash-machine-scam.html

 

Distraction robbery warning

Residents are being asked to be extra careful when using cash points.  

Recently, an 86 year old man was using the ATM at Morrisons Supermarket in Welling when a man and woman started talking to him.  They distracted him and managed to grab £250 and the bank card, before running off.  

The elderly man had his 82 year old wife in a wheelchair close by.  The bank card was quickly used fraudulently in Tesco opposite, and Asda in Swanley.  In total, the couple stole £850 from the pensioners.

Citizens Advice have produced a useful leaflet (PDF) on What is distraction burglary?.

The Crime Prevention website also give advice on Bogus Callers (Distraction burglary) that you may find useful.

Fighting Doorstep Crime leaflet (PDF) on Distraction Burglary gives useful tips and advice in preventing this crime.

Call the police 999 if you feel at risk or are concerned for a neighbour.

🚫🙅> No Cold Caller Door Sticker <🚫🙅

Display this notice, or contact your local Trading Standards team to receive your sticker.

Faith Watch and Neighbourhood Watch

It has been recently reported that thieves have target churches and Storm Eunice aftermath could give an opportunity for the crime including scams as warned by Bexley Trading Standards.

https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2022/02/be-wary-of-rogue-traders.html

Neighbouhood Watch is helping to keep you area safe, is your road represented yet? If not why not join us now for FREE.

If you wish to become involved please download and complete a BBNWA Application Form and post or email it to us at the address shown.

• Vandalism, anti-social behaviour and hate crime - all issues that can affect religious communities.

Calling all Faith Watch members please keep us informed of any criminal issues around your places of worship.

Be wary of rogue traders

Bexley Trading Standards are warning residents that rogue traders could use the aftermath of Storm Eunice as an opportunity to defraud consumers.

Trading Standards advise residents to be wary of rogue traders offering to carry out property repairs, such as damaged roofing, fencing and the removal of fallen trees.

Scammers often claim unnecessary repairs need to be carried out or charge exorbitant prices for poor-quality work. Some rogue traders will take money for materials and then disappear without doing any work at all. Others may quote low prices but demand more money later.

Trading Standards’ advice is to ignore doorstep cold callers and instead check first with your insurance company whether you are covered for the cost of the works you need.

For those who are not covered by insurance, Bexley’s What Tradesman? scheme can help you find a reputable trader.

To report a rogue trader operating in the area, or if you need advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Source: https://www.bexley.gov.uk/news/be-wary-rogue-traders

Rogue traders masquerading as 'Cedar Tree Care' Scam

The Blackfen and Lamorbey Safer Neighbourhoods Policing team are asking residents to take care when employing garden services, especially if the company has cold called.   

Checkatrade member - Cedar Tree Care recently sold one of their vehicles (similar to the one pictured),

however at least two unaffiliated males are now trading off the reputable company's name and scamming customers.  One local resident was scammed for £400.  

Please be cautious and reject any offers of work by cold callers.  If in doubt, please contact Cedar Tree Care directly  on tel: 01708983265 quoting the vehicle registration number.  If the vehicle does not belong to the genuine company, please report to the police immediately.

Watch the useful video at https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2022/01/doorstep-selling-scams-and-how-to.html

Beware Fraudulent Bogus E-Scooter Scam websites

 

Action Fraud received over 350 reports in 2021 about scam websites selling e-scooters.

Victims have reported buying e-scooters online only for the e-scooter to not be delivered. By this point, they’re unable to contact the company as the website they made the purchase from has been closed down by its owners. Victims have reported losing over £145,000 to this type of online shopping fraud.

Action Fraud has also received reports of individual sellers offering e-scooters via online marketplaces and social media platforms and failing to deliver them once payment has been made.

We would like to remind the public that whilst the sale of e-scooters is legal, private e-scooters cannot be used in public places or on public roads. They should only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. Those who disregard the law could face fines, seizure of their e-scooter, and points on their driving licence.

What you need to do

• When it's time to pay for your items, use a credit card if you have one. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases. You can also use online payment providers such as PayPal.
• If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a product listing, arrange to meet the seller in person to inspect the item yourself. We recommend that you meet during the day in a busy, public location like a coffee shop.
• Be cautious if a seller asks you for details that are not required for your purchase, such as your mother’s maiden name or the name of your primary school.
• If you have visited a website you think is trying to scam you, report it to the National Cyber Security Centre: Report a suspicious website - NCSC.GOV.UK
• If you've lost money to an online shopping scam, tell your bank and report it as a crime to Action Fraud (for England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland (for Scotland).

Source: Action Fraud (26-01-2022)