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Computer virus scam scam Trading Standards Officers have issued a renewed warning to computer users to be on their guard against unsolicited telephone calls from phoney computer support personnel. In 2008 Officers issued a warning about the practices of a company known as supportonclick who were cold calling computer users and claiming to be representing Microsoft (see here). Their tactic is to convince the user that something is wrong with their PC and purchase software that they do not actually need. The fraudsters use leading, generalised questioning techniques that often have the effect of convincing the user that their individual circumstances are known to the calling company. Callers often know the user’s name, giving them greater plausibility. The Service has continued to receive complaints about the Indian-based company and are advising computer users to remain vigilant. Officers advise that effective online security is crucial, and users should ensure that their PCs are running up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. However, good security need not be complicated or expensive – many security vendors provide free versions of their software for personal use. Officers advise PC users to read up on online security via www.getsafeonline.org. They also advise turning off any ‘auto-preview’ features in their email software, and encourage all email users to observe their tips for avoiding email spam (Avoiding Spam). If you think you may have been contact by supportonclick, please report this to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. |
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Email scam Trading Standards have today been informed of a scam email claiming to be from Interswitch Nigeria. The email states that new security measures have been introduced to make transactions more secure. The scammer telephoned an 80 year old woman stating he worked for BT and made the claim that for a one off payment of £10 she would no longer receive cold calls. He then asked how she paid her bill and when she said direct debit he asked for her bank details to take the payment. The woman then ended the call. You are advised to not engage in conversation with cold callers and to end the call immediately. Trading Standards advise you to never give out personal details over the telephone. To prevent cold callers you can register with the telephone preference service free of charge by calling 0845 703 4599. To prevent silent calls you can call silent call guard on 0844 372 2325. You are advised to register every 12 months. |
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Mobility companies scam Trading Standards Officers are warning about mobility companies operating in the Staffordshire area. They may cold call to your home, use high pressure sales techniques and may not provide you any cancellation rights. They may even say they are from Social Services. You are advised not to make any rushed decision and not to buy at the door. If you require any mobility equipment you should get at least three quotes and if possible ask family, friends, neighbours or your carer for advice. You should be aware that you have cancellation rights which companies must provide for most contracts over £35 that you enter into when at your home or otherwise away from the trader's usual place of business. The regulations apply whether you invite the trader to your home or if their visit is unsolicited. At the time the contract is made, the trader must provide you with a written notice explaining your rights to cancel. This will then give you 7 days to cancel the contract starting the day the cancellation notice is received. If you do cancel, you will be entitled to recover any deposit made. If you have any concerns regarding the sales or contracts of mobility equipment you can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. |
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Cold call scam Trading Standards have today been informed of a cold calling scammer who claims for £10 he can stop all telephone cold calls. The scammer telephoned an 80 year old woman stating he worked for BT and made the claim that for a one off payment of £10 she would no longer receive cold calls. He then asked how she paid her bill and when she said direct debit he asked for her bank details to take the payment. The woman then ended the call. You are advised to not engage in conversation with cold callers and to end the call immediately. Trading Standards advise you to never give out personal details over the telephone. To prevent cold callers you can register with the telephone preference service free of charge by calling 0845 703 4599. To prevent silent calls you can call silent call guard on 0844 372 2325. You are advised to register every 12 months. |
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Warning on community alarms There have been recent reports of a company cold calling the elderly to sell alarm packages at a significantly higher cost than the local authority schemes. There are lots of companies selling personal alarm packages and you are advised not to buy over the phone or at the door from cold callers. Always shop around to get the best price and ask friends, family and neighbours if there are any companies they could recommend. You can also contact Age Concern for advice on 0800 00 99 66. |
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Burglary Symbols Following a recent distraction burglary in Stafford two crosses were found scratched into the brickwork either side of the front door. Intelligence suggests that this symbol is used by the travelling fraternity to indicate the house is a good target for burglary. There have also been various reports of different symbols on other properties across the County. The symbols can be painted or scratched onto a fence, floor, door or other surrounding areas to the property. If you notice a symbol on your property please try to remove it and inform the police. |
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Bogus callers As the summer draws on and the current economic climate remains poor there have been increased reports of bogus callers operating across the County. The reports include both lone and teams of bogus callers gaining access to homes and carrying out distraction burglaries. These callers have told householders a variety of stories to gain access such as needing to turn off the water supply, checking the electricity and calling to repair a wheel chair. The Police are advising residents to never open the door to callers they do not know. They also advise you to always put your door chain on before answering the door and to ask the caller for ID. If in doubt dial 999 immediately. |