Langar cum Barnstone Parish Council
by
Alex. Cessford
Scams: important web-site
We have received details of a new web-site called www.thinkjessica.com
This site is supported by the Serious Organised Crime Agency and British Gas amongst others and contains a lot of very useful information on Scam Mail fraud attempts. Please take the time to look at it, and pass on relevant information to friends, relatives and neighbours who might not have computers.
RINGMASTER MESSAGE 1484
WARNING ISSUED OVER BT PHONE SCAM
Thursday 10 September 2009
Nottinghamshire Police and BT have warned Nottinghamshire residents to be on their guard about a phone scam that tries to con people into giving their bank details out over the phone.
Fraudsters, pretending to be from various phone companies, have been calling people on the pretence that there is an outstanding bill and threatening to disconnect their line immediately if they do not pay the bill straight away by credit or debit card.
The fraudsters have been pretending to "cut off" the customer and, worried about having their line cut off, some people have been persuaded into giving the fraudsters their bank account details.
A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said: "This has been taking place in various locations across the country, and now seems to have made its way to Nottinghamshire.
A member of a Nottinghamshire Neighbourhood Watch was called but refused to give out their details, and everyone should remember that they should never give out any personal or bank details over the phone."
A BT spokesperson said: "While BT does have debt handling procedures which
may involve calling customers, BT never carries out disconnections during the call by way of proof.
We advise customers never to give out any banking details over the phone unless they are absolutely certain who they are dealing with. If there is any doubt at all, a BT employee will be able to give the customer their employee ID number and an 0800 number to call where the customer can check that they are who they say they are. The customer can also check their identity by calling 0800 800 150."
Anyone who thinks they have been the victim of this scam should call Nottinghamshire Police on 0300 3009999.
DON’T GIVE IT TO THEM
THE LATEST CREDIT CARD SCAM
This sneaky scam is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one vital piece which they really want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number as they already have it!! By understanding how this VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "MasterCard".
The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-
Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London?"
When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" When you say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says,
"I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card." These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases
to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number.
A friend was called on Wednesday and then decided to call them back within 20 minutes to ask a question. This time my friend was in contact with the REAL VISA Security Department who said it was a scam and that in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to our card. After making out a real fraud report the VISA account wasclosed and VISA reissued a new number.
What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. I didn't let him finish. I just hung up and then filed a police report, as instructed by VISA.The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening. Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.
Sent: Wednesday, 28 October, 2009 7:32:23
Subject: Keep Britain Working
This is Ringmaster 1532
There have recently been a number of incidents reported nationwide where individuals have been selling door to door offering merchandise branded with the 'Keep Britain Working' logo eg:- cloths, tea towels etc. Reports
received by Reed Recruiting who initiated this project back by a broad range of businesses and the three main political parties would indicate that these people are bogus.
Such persons claim to be young ex-offenders who are selling these items as an alternative to crime. This is untrue. The sponsors of the scheme confirm that the use of their name and logo is totally unauthorised and these individuals are in no way associated with their scheme.
Anyone selling goods for immediate delivery at the door require a Pedlars’ Certificate issued by the police, to trade without a certificate constitutes an offence. Please inform the police if you are approached by such individuals.
From: "rushcliffecommunitywatch@crime-prevention.co.uk"
Sent: Friday, 23 October, 2009 11:14:47
Subject: THINK - LOCK UP
RINGMASTER MESSAGE 1525
Despite repeated Police Warnings to Lock Up premises securely residents are failing to heed the message and are becoming avoidable victims of crime.
Over 60% of all burglaries that are occurring in Rushcliffe Borough are due to a combination of negligence and apathy on behalf of householders who despite spending many thousands of pounds on security devices are failing to use them. Why is this?
For many years Rushcliffe has consistently had the lowest rate of Burglary in the County, if we carry on as we are doing at the moment this will no longer be the case. Once an area gets a reputation for being a soft touch it is not long before the word spreads amongst criminals and they gravitate toward it. Surely this is not what we want?
Being a burglary victim is a traumatic experience even if you ignore the financial loss. It affects people in different ways, some feel violated, some insecure, some angry, all find it disturbing.
Please help us to keep crime rates in Rushcliffe low - THINK - LOCK UP TO KEEP BURGLARS OUT!
Sent: Wednesday, 21 October, 2009 10:05:54
Subject: Halloween Oct 09
This is Ringmaster Message 1523
HAPPY HALLOWEEN 31 OCT 09.
It's the time of year when children dig out their scary Halloween costumes and have fun dressing up visiting friends and family to offer them the choice of 'Trick or Treat', whilst it is should be a night of harmless fun, that stays within reasonable limits and doesn't cause anyone any trouble or concern. When older children participate in this, it may cause distress and intimidation to those who do not welcome getting a knock at the door on a dark night. Many people, particularly the elderly, dread this time of year and feel anxious and frightened as it approaches.
The police ask anyone wishing to trick or treat to follow a few simple rules:-
- Children should always go trick or treating with an adult
- Keep to an area that is well lit, alternatively take a torch.
- Stay with your friends - don't split in to smaller groups unless with an adult.
- Chose a costume which does not restrict a child's movement or sight.
- Consider using face paint as an alternative to a face mask as masks can limit a child's vision, which could pose a danger when crossing roads.
- Reiterate the importance of good behaviour to children to avoid a nuisance to residents.
- Don't knock on doors where there is a 'No Trick or Treat' sign.
- Don't enter any house - stay on the doorstep.
- Be careful not to frighten vulnerable people, especially the elderly.
- Never throw items like eggs and flour. This is not a trick and can cause a great deal of damage and misery. In addition it can be classed as criminal damage, or even assault, and a night of 'fun' could end up with you in trouble with the police.
By thinking about the consequences of actions and working together with communities, we can aim to achieve a positive and trouble free approach to these celebrations.Finally, anyone who does not want to be 'trick or treated' should put a clear sign where it can be easily seen. These signs are available at your local police station.
Subject: Dark Nights
RINGMASTER MESSAGE 1526
Now that the darker evenings are upon us and the days are shortening, we should be thinking about increasing our security during the winter months. Recent research undertaken by the Insurance Companies across the U.K. has
shown that more burglaries occur on Bonfire Night than at any other time throughout the year. This is undoubtedly due to a combination of factors; house doors being left ajar due to increased access being required to and from gardens, general lack of awareness due to festivities taking place. Significant noise increase masking other activities and sounds. Homes being unoccupied for lengthy periods of time.
Remember to protect your domestic animals from fireworks. Such things can cause significant trauma, if necessary seek advice from your Vet.
Criminologists often interview Offenders who are serving custodial sentences. Two out of every three Offenders questioned stated they would much prefer to attack a property that looked unoccupied. These statements from Criminals themselves give the homeowner a significant indicator on how to make their home less attractive to the burglar.
By taking these simple steps to make your home look occupied, even if you are out; you can deter the majority of opportunist burglars.
1. Draw the curtains in rooms normally occupied at night.
2. Using timers leave lights on in rooms that you normally occupy. Do not leave only hall lights on, burglars will quickly realise you are not at home.
3. Leave a radio playing on a "talking" channel. Voices indicate occupancy to a burglar; they will not want to confront an occupier.
4. Securely lock all doors and windows before you go out, also set your alarm if you have one. If your home is blacked out, burglars will look for the repeater flashing on any fitted alarm box to see if it's armed. No flashing repeater normally indicates the alarm is not set, upon seeing this the Offender may try to break into your home. Fit an intruder alarm if you don't have one, it's the single best thing you can have (Association of British Insurers) to protect your home.
5. Don't leave spare keys under plant pots, bushes or loose bricks. They will know where to look and find them. Hide any unused car keys.
6. If you have a dog don't lock it in a small room; allow it access to at least the ground floor. It's barking may well deter anyone creeping about outside. Be aware however that your dog may trip your alarm. To overcome this have Pet Sensors fitted by your alarm provider.
7. Ensure that external lights are working correctly. Replace any broken filaments. If the lamps are not working replace them with low consumption units, over time you will save a lot of money.
8. Permanently mark your valuable items with your postcode or one of the high tech marking fluids such as Smartwater. Don't leave valuable items on display.
9. Should you go away ensure you leave a contact number or address with a trusted acquaintance, so that you may be contacted in an emergency?
Sent: Wednesday, 18 November, 2009 10:13:12
Subject: Tarmacers
This is Ringmaster Message 1553
Recently residents in the Stragglethorpe area have been approached by workmen purporting to be offering to tarmac driveways with surplus materials from the A46 road widening project.
Neither the main contractors for the project or their sub-contractors are or will be engaged in such activity.
The story put about by these persons is totally untrue and have no connection to the project whatsoever.
Should you be approached by these people please inform the police, try to gain as much information about them as possible - descriptions, names, trading title and details of any vehicles seen or documentation offered.
Should they be in the vicinity of your home ring the '999' system. If they have left please call the new police non - emergency number 0300 300 99 99.
There is every posibility that these workmen will widen their area of activity. Please be on your guard.
This is the end of Ringmaster Message 1553
Sent: Wednesday, 13 January, 2010 11:27:36
Subject: Council Tax Scam
This is Ringmaster Message 1596
Bogus callers posing as council staff are luring homeowners into a council tax scam.
Residents are asked for banking details by people who claim they have paid too much or too little council tax.
Trading standards officers are now warning everyone to be on their guard and report any calls or e-mails to their council or police immediately.
During the scam, people are contacted over the telephone or on their doorsteps and asked for bank details so a council tax refund can be made or avoid a fine for late payment. Residents have been told that they were due a refund because their property had been rebanded.
The Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services, warned that the scam was growing across the country. They say that no council would ever contact a resident in this manner on such issues. Homeowners must remain vigilant and if possible, keep a close eye on vulnerable older family members or neighbours.
This is the end of Ringmaster Message 1596
From: rushcliffecommunitywatch@crime-prevention.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, 4 February, 2010 10:14:06
Subject: Thefts From Vehicles 4/2
This is Ringmaster Message 1636
Please be aware that during the last few weeks' thieves that steal from motorcars across the South Nottinghamshire Police Division (Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe Boroughs) have changed their method of operation.
They are now concentrating on vehicles that are parked on driveways and in the street.
POLICE ADVICE:
1. Remove everything of value when you leave your vehicle unattended even an old coat may attract a thief.
2. Motorcars are not designed to be thief proof. Should you regularly carry high value items consider having a security safe fitted into the boot.
3. If you have a garage at home, throw out all the rubbish and keep your car locked inside when not in use, apply the security and empty items of value.
4. Should you be forced to park in the street, try to park where you can see your car and apply all security fitted. If you don't have any security devices buy some!
5. A security alarm will not stop someone breaking into your car, but it will attract attention when it activates.
6. Never leave your keys on display at home, hide them. High value cars need a self-activating Tracker device.
7. Most Insurance proposal forms ask if you keep your car in a secure garage when not in use? Most people answer Yes to this question, should you claim and the Insurer's become aware that this is not so, this may cause problems with your pay out.
8. Please heed this advice it could well prevent you becoming a victim.
This is the end of Ringmaster Message 1636
Anti-Social Behaviour - Who To Contact
Rushcliffe Borough Council have responsibility for anti-social behaviour in our parish. If incidents occur, there are several ways to report them. Our clerk or any member of the parish council will be pleased to pass on information for you,
or you can report it direct to:
Rushcliffe Borough Council - Admin Team on: 0115 9148 322
Or online at the Borough Council’s website - click the link below
https://eservice.rushcliffe.gov.uk/formsmaster/demopublic/S howForm.asp?fm_fid=189
