Author Topic: Consumer news and scams  (Read 230589 times)

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Offline SteveH

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Re: Consumer news and scams..Play Station 5 Facebook scam warning
« Reply #645 on: December 23, 2020, 02:45:40 pm »
Play Station 5 Facebook scam warning issued after North Wales victims fleeced by fraudsters
Police say people have handed over money for the sought-after console but been left empty-handed

People trying to get hold of a sought-after games console have been left out of pocket after being fleeced by online scammers.

North Wales Police said they had been contacted by multiple people in Gwynedd and Anglesey who have reported a scam involving the PS5 console.

They told police that they had handed over money after seeing adverts on Facebook for the console ahead of Christmas.

Police said they had "several complaints" after money was transferred "in anticipation of delivery of PlayStation 5 consoles", before people were left empty handed.

The force said: "We understand that there has been a shortage of PlayStation 5 consoles in the UK, and nationally there have been reports of scammers trying to take advantage of this high demand."

Gwynedd North inspector Trystan Bevan said: “Please don’t buy pay for goods in advance if you have any concerns whatsoever about the credibility of the individual/firm concerned.

"Our messages is clear...take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information that could keep you safe.

"Challenge. Could it be fake? It's OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests.   ref DP


Offline SteveH

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #646 on: December 27, 2020, 09:53:26 am »
A bit late for the Xmas rush, but worth noting.......

North Wales Police has warned Christmas shoppers about a parcel delivery scam that has already netted almost quarter of a millions pounds across the UK.

Fraudsters have been sending out fake DPD emails claiming the delivery company has tried but failed to deliver a parcel at a property

The message gives instructions on how to arrange another delivery.
This involves the recipient clicking through links which then request a small payment to rearrange delivery.

If the victim makes a payment, the scam then escalates.
They’ll receive a phone call from a person claiming to be from their bank to inform them their bank account may be compromised.

Victims are told to transfer their money to a “more secure” account to prevent further losses. This account will be controlled by criminals.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/online-shoppers-put-high-alert-19519299


Offline SteveH

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #647 on: December 29, 2020, 03:11:37 pm »
LOCAL reports of a puppy-related scam have prompted a police warning.

North Wales Police's Community Safety Central team - covering Conwy and Denbighshire, is warning of the scam that is "still catching people out" - with a couple of local cases reported.

It sees perpetrators advertise puppies for sale and request a deposit, typically around £300. Once they have the money, they break all contact, with there never being a puppy for sale.

Variations on this scam include the victim paying for shipping costs, vet's fees and insurance, and police say scammers are increasingly using the Covid-19 pandemic as a reason why the puppies can't be viewed before sale.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18974063.police-warning-puppy-scams-reported-denbighshire-conwy/



Offline Dave

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #648 on: December 29, 2020, 04:35:42 pm »
To be honest anyone who buys a puppy, particularly a pedigree breed, without seeing it along with it's mother is asking for trouble. You need to have information about the sire too. So many hereditary faults to look out for as well as temperament issues too. Stick to a recognised breeder not someone who has bred from their pet, or worse still, a puppy farmer who are in it purely for the money.

Offline SteveH

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #649 on: December 29, 2020, 04:57:06 pm »
To be honest anyone who buys a puppy, particularly a pedigree breed, without seeing it along with it's mother is asking for trouble. You need to have information about the sire too. So many hereditary faults to look out for as well as temperament issues too. Stick to a recognised breeder not someone who has bred from their pet, or worse still, a puppy farmer who are in it purely for the money.

Talking of puppies, the BBC programme  " Will My Puppies Make Me Rich?" is coming in for a lot of criticism from many quarters, and I totally agree with the comment that it is irresponsible.

RSPCA 'concerned' over BBC's 'irresponsible' puppy-breeding show

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-55243532

Offline snowcap

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #650 on: January 11, 2021, 09:42:07 pm »
I received this message this morning
  Warning to all friends
   From BBC radio this AM, WhatsApp, Be advised that a video comes out tomorrow from WhatsApp called Martinellie. Do not open it - it hacks your phone and nothing will fix it ,spread the word
 Also if you receive a message to update the WhatsApp to WhatsApp Gold do not Click!!!!
  Please inform all contacts from your list not to open a video Called Dance of the Pope its a virus that formats your mobile. Beware it is very dangerous.
  They announced it today on BBC radio. Fwd this message to as many as you can

Offline SteveH

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #651 on: January 15, 2021, 09:52:00 am »
A fake email, claiming to be from Tesco is doing the rounds across the UK.

The email states it's a Tesco customer satisfaction questionnaire, and baits people into completing it for the chance to win free items.

However, the supermarket giant warns this is a scam, and anyone who receives the email should delete it, and report it directly to Action Fraud.

cont 
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tesco-urges-customers-report-questionnaire-19627773

Offline SteveH

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #652 on: January 25, 2021, 10:00:29 am »
An insurance company has warned customers over a scam that could see your bank account drained.

People have been receiving text messages which appear to come from their insurer - but which lead to sites where you will give away your bank details.

In a message to it's own customers, Admiral insurance wrote: "You may have seen in the media this week that a number of large brands have become the subject of phishing attacks with scammers trying to obtain personal information.

"We’re aware that a small number of customers have received a fraudulent text message claiming to be from Admiral.
"It asks customers to click a link that leads to a fake website where they’re asked to enter information including their bank details.

"We want you to know we’ll never ask you for your payment details or bank account information by text message or email.
"If you receive one of these messages or you’re suspicious of any communication claiming to be from Admiral, please don't:

• Click any links
• Open any attachments
• Log in to MyAccount or share your password
• Share any personal information or payment details

"And please contact us as soon as possible by emailing: report@admiralgroup.co.uk with the details of what you have received, and a copy of the message if possible.

"A crucial part of staying safe online is knowing how to spot phishing scams. In particular, check that the main website address is legitimate – for example admiral.com or myaccount.admiral.com.

"Fraudulent websites will often contain misspellings or use special characters to pretend to be authentic when they are not.

"We will always take steps to have any fake websites reported to us taken down. If you would like more advice you can visit Admiral.com and search for “phishing”."

Offline Hugo

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #653 on: February 04, 2021, 03:16:39 pm »
Scam vaccine email warning over bid to steal people's personal details

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/coronavirus-scam-vaccine-email-covid-19769374

Offline SteveH

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #654 on: February 05, 2021, 12:21:57 pm »
Dog-owners are being warned to be on alert after several reports of thefts in Wales.

Owners have reportedly been left "scared" to walk their animals alone after organised groups have been reportedly targeting people in isolated locations.

And it has even been claimed that thieves are posing as RSPCA workers, while others are said to be using dog whistles in order for pets to bark or look out the window so they know which properties to target.

In one incident, Lisa Mallia said she was left terrified after people claiming to be RSPCA officers knocked on her door.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dog-theft-warning-issued-after-19775905

Offline Hugo

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #655 on: February 11, 2021, 05:19:27 pm »
Fraudsters steal over £7k from woman after sickening phone trick
The woman was tricked into giving remote access to her computer


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fraudsters-steal-over-7k-woman-19818206

Offline SteveH

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #656 on: February 28, 2021, 09:57:31 am »
RESIDENTS are being urged to remain vigilant and beware of phone scams related to council tax refunds.

Conwy County Borough Council said residents should not give bank details over the phone in response to calls or messages that claim residents are entitled to a refund.

Residents have also been urged to inform elderly relatives and friends who may be vulnerable to a scam.

A council spokesperson said: "If you receive a telephone call or text message claiming your council tax account is in arrears, or that you’re entitled to a council tax refund, please do not give your bank details.

"As with any cold call, if you’re in any doubt, take the caller's number and check that it is valid. Anyone working in a professional capacity won't mind you doing this.

"It’s also worth regularly reminding elderly relatives and friends to be cautious with their personal and bank details."

Conwy residents can get free help and advice on council tax and benefits direct from the council by calling 01492 576607 or emailing counciltax@conwy.gov.uk.
 

Offline SteveH

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #657 on: March 24, 2021, 02:58:39 pm »
An actor has taken to Twitter to warn others of a Royal Mail scam which saw her bank account wiped clean by fraudsters.

Emmeline Hartley, 28, warned other social media users in a tweet which has gone viral as others shared their support.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19183346.royal-mail-scam-leaves-victim-penniless---need-know/

click on photo to enlarge.......

Offline Ian

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Re: Consumer news and scams
« Reply #658 on: March 24, 2021, 06:48:04 pm »
It seems to have been a genuine scam but, for the life of me, I can't find it in any of the big papers.  I also suspect some aspects of the story.

I wonder why did she not ring her own bank immediately after being contacted by them? Number spoofing is common and, contrary to what she claims, there is as yet no defence against it. If you're ever contacted by your 'bank', always, always ring them back on another handset, if possible.

Why, for heaven's sake,  did she enter any bank details at all? If you have to pay something, always, always use a credit card. Royal Mail accept credit cards.

Why did she not immediately check after the 'bank' imposter asked her to transfer all her cash to another account? This is perhaps the single most common scam.

Sadly, there are evil people out there, and any requests to share bank details should be treated in the same way you'd welcome a rabid leper.
Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.  ― Michel de Montaigne

Si hoc legere scis, nimis eruditionis habes.

Offline SteveH

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Re: Consumer news and scams...Report rogue traders
« Reply #659 on: April 08, 2021, 10:03:06 am »
RESIDENTS and businesses are being urged to report rogue traders who target their community.

Trading Standards Wales and the charity Crimestoppers have joined forces to provide a service that enables members of the public to anonymously provide valuable information to help keep communities safe.

Helen Picton, chair of Trading Standards Wales, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Crimestoppers and giving members of the public a way to report these crimes anonymously. Doorstep crime can affect anyone but often it is the elderly and vulnerable people that are targeted by rogue traders offering home improvement services.

“Such callers may offer services including window/gutter cleaning, path and driveway repairs, roofing or building work, gardening and tree lopping or even persuade residents that they must come inside their homes to 'check something'.

“They can be very persuasive and convincing in their approach and in what they say – it is easy to be taken. These people are unqualified scammers who charge extortionate amounts of money for little or no work.”

Residents and businesses should be aware of the following signs if a rogue trader is operating in their community:

Unfinished or poor-quality services
Increased prices and urgent work required
Pressure to agree there and then
Upfront cash payments
No paperwork and/or cancellation rights given
No traders details provided
Flyers stating Statutory Cooling off period
Ignoring signs or stickers asking the trader to leave and not return
Selling goods from a van following an unsolicited doorstep call
Sold from unusual places e.g. car boot sales
Mrs Picton added: “If you think a rogue trader is operating in your community or someone you know has become a doorstep crime victim then report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit http://crimestoppers-uk.org and tell them what you know. Your information can help keep communities across Wales safe."
 
If it is an emergency or a rogue trader is at the property contact 999, or if you need advice to help with a dispute, concern or suspicion call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.