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LATEST INFORMATION FROM
TRADING STANDARDS |
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Update - 26th February 2008
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REMEMBER: PLEASE DO NOT DEAL AT THE DOOR
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Dont' get caught by scams
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WEST SUSSEX Trading Standards is warning local residents about four scams that are running in West Sussex.
They are:
An award is waiting your collection: Have you received a card through your door giving the impression there's a parcel witing your collection because it appears to come from a reputable company? If you're not expecting a parcel - watch out.
Different types of cards are being sent to householders who are asked to call a number. But there's no parcel for you to collect.
The number is a premium rate one - and at best you will be entered into a draw for a prize. There is information on the card about how much the call will cost. So the moral is as always: read the small print!
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Scratch cards: Recently, millions of scratch cards have been dropping onto doormats throughout the country, encouraging you to call to claim your prize when you scratch off and reveal the right symbols.
Again, the number to call is a premium rate one. Be aware - although you may well receive a prize, it is likely to be of low value and may entail you buying something else before you can take advantage of it.
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Investment opportunities:
A business is making unsolicited phone calls to people's mobile phones offering them investment opportunities for a considerable sum of money.
These are followed up with letters claiming a company is about to be floated on the stock exchange and this is an impressive opportunity to buy several thousand pounds worth of shares.
The shares have not been received and the business is proving difficult to trace.
Margaret Butler, principal fair trading officer with the trading standards service, said the scams seem to be the flavour of the month. But they are just a sample of what you need to look out for.
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- Always read the small print.
- Never pay money to receive money.
- Don't send money to any recipient unless you can verify they are a genuine company making a genuine offer.
- If you are in doubt about a business offering you investments, check with the Financial Services Authority to see if they are regulated (0845 606 1234). Its website contains a lot of information about financial scams: www.fsa.gov.uk
- If you believe a premium rate number is being misused, report it to ICSTIS (the Regulator): 0800 500 212
- When in doubt - don't respond!
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Earlier
Information |
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Trading Standards have received several reports about cold-callers in the Worthing area. They are described as being Mid-European/Polish and have been seeking work, begging or doorstep selling.
We would reiterate our warnings to say NO to doorstep callers. Use the doorstoppers code - STOP - Are you expecting anyone? CHAIN - Fit a sturdy chain and always engage before opening the door. CHECK - Ask for and double -check any identification details offered. If in doubt, keep callers out.
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Trading Standards have been notified of a possible e-mail scam currently circulating purporting to be from a company providing services to American citizens living in Europe and is asking that recipients receive packages and then re-direct each package onwards as directed. The email asks for full personal details of the recipient, and states that they should be able to receive packages during the day and have the ability to check e-mails regularly. There is an indication of potential earnings of up to $2000 a week.
As previously outlined - it is never advisable to give out personal details to unknown sources. If an offer sounds too good to be true - it probably is! Never be tempted to reply to correspondence of this nature.
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SCAMS AWARENESS
Scams are Scheming Crafty Agressive Malicious
10 Key Scam Facts
- 28 million people in Britain have been targeted by scams.
- 5 million have been a victim.
- Premium phone line scams are the most wide-reaching scam in Britain, approximately 2 million people in the UK have responded to a scam by phone.
- 8 million of adults in Britain have received mailings promoting a foreign lottery.
- Even if you don’t send any money, you could still be a victim by simply confirming your name, address, telephone number and in certain circumstances your bank details. You may be providing information that can be used to carry out identity fraud.
- Western Union has joined forces with the police and OFT to warn consumers of scams: before wiring money, customers have to sign a form confirming they are sure they’re not being defrauded.
- If you are targeted by a scam, no matter how small the amount of money you send to claim your 'winnings’, you will always be asked to send more money.
- If the company is legitimate you will not even have to pay the postage stamp to claim your winnings.
- If you are unsure you are doing the right thing, before you send off money contact us
- The Office of Fair Trading has a dedicated Scambusters teams cracking down on mass marketing scams.
Don't get caught yourself and protect others who are vulnerable.
Look at our consumer scams page for more details.
Read our press releases for the latest news
Read the OFT leaflet
Download the OFT poster and put it where other can see it
During research for our Scams Press Release a recent Canadian Lottery Scam victim was identified in the Worthing area. The lady concerned had parted with £4,000 in the belief that see had won £250,000. She agreed to record her story in the County Hall radio studio. Listen to this interview on the scam.mp3 file attachment below. Please note you will need to save this file and then access it using a suitable mp3 player on your pc.
File Attachments
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Bogus council workmen
The owners of a property in Langley Green were approached by a man
and a woman, who used a white van saying they had come to Hassocks &
Haywards Heath.
Trading Standards have been made aware of salesmen in the above areas
trying to persuade homeowners to switch their energy suppliers. In some
cases they were using very aggressive selling tactics.
We would advise that consumers do NOT enter into or sign contracts unless
all their questions have been answered and never to be pressurised into
doing so at the request of commission-driven doorstep salesmen.
Consumers worried by harassing sales tactics may contact Energywatch on
0845 9060708 and report full details of their concerns.
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Dishonest antiques dealer
Trading Standards received a call from a resident in Washington advising
that they received a leaflet drop very early this morning notifying
householders that a trader would be calling back later today wishing to
purchase Gold, Silver, Jewellery and antique furniture, amongst other
items.
As outlined in previous bulletins, it is not recommended that householders
admit unknown visitors into their homes to look around at items.
If wishing to sell articles, use recommended traceable dealers only and try
to obtain more than one valuation. Ideally take the item(s) to the trading
premises - if a home visit is absolutely necessary, try to arrange to have
a friend or neighbour with you when the trader calls. Do not be pressurised
or tempted to sell items to unknown callers.
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Contact West Sussex Trading Standards
on 01243 642125 |
