ScamWarningsPage

If you have any information that might assist in solving any of these crimes in our area, please contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team (Purley SNT 020 8721 2467) (Sanderstead SNT 020 8721 2470). Alternatively, you can call CRIMESTOPPERS free on 0800 555 111. You do not have to give your name and address, and you may be eligible for a reward. Crimes may be reported to any police station, either personally or by phone.

Non-urgent crimes may also be reported by calling the new Police non-emergency number 101

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 2nd February 2012

CRIME NEWS

A N/W member has reported a variation on a bank telephone scam this week. He received a call from a well spoken male who informed his that there had been several large purchases on his credit card and would he telephone their office using the phone number printed on the back of his card. Before he could make the call the male phoned back again and began to ask questions about the card. The member refused to give any details and hung up, he then phoned his bank and after the security checks asked about the calls. The bank confirmed that they had not made any such calls.

Another N/W member in Coulsdon West ward has reported the following incident: “Just yesterday, an Asian man, very well dressed and spoken, called at our door. After the usual patter about not selling anything, I asked him for identity, and he produced a card from a company purporting to be authorized to call on houses to advise us of government grants for loft insulation, and that these were coming to an end. He wanted to come in and inspect our loft and give us a quotation with no obligation. Not surprisingly, I didn’t let him in, but he was very very persistent and in the end I just shut the door”.

Overall the Croydon Borough has seen a 19% decrease in burglaries over the past two weeks, only Thornton Heath and Fairfield wards have shown slight increases, mainly during the afternoon and evenings. Two distraction burglaries this week, one in Thornton Heath where a 22 year old white male posed as a water board employee needing to check the water pressure distracted 77 year old victim while a second 40 year old white male entered and stole cash. In Addiscombe a 50 year old white male knocked on 84 year old victim’s door asking to use her phone as he had a wrong delivery address for a package, he also asked for a glass of water and stole the victim’s purse.

MESSAGE FROM THE BOROUGH COMMANDER - PICKING UP THE PACE

We are now in the home straight for this financial year. With eight weeks left until April, we must all be fully focused on our performance - in two key areas in particular; arresting offenders and reducing burglary, robbery and antisocial behaviour.

The term ‘performance management’ may make you think of senior officers picking over graphs and statistics, looking at trends and not really having much to do with the day-to-day business of policing.

However, performance management does have a very real connect with policing and can be boiled down into three basic themes;

Getting the simple things right

Arresting suspects

Treating our victims in a way you’d expect to be treated yourself in that situation

In simple terms it’s about arresting offenders and getting the evidence to convict them. It’s about us having fewer victims of crime in Croydon and making sure that the victims we deal with feel that we are doing a good job and getting a top quality service from us.

All of the things that we measure, from IMEI and NMPR checks, through to looking at the number of detections or outstanding suspects, contribute to our overall goals of reducing crime and improving confidence and satisfaction of our victims and communities in Croydon.

Arresting our outstanding offenders

In the next two months, I want everyone on the case of our wanted offenders in order to bring this number right down. This will help increase our detections, take offenders off the streets of Croydon and help to reduce crime as well.

Reducing robbery, burglary and ASB

Robbery, burglary and ASB have been priorities for some time, and it is sometimes easy to lose focus and direction when they have been an issue for as long as they have been.

What we must remember is that the impact these crimes have on the communities and the victims is extremely great - therefore we must not lose focus on dealing with them effectively.

Having the right people, in the right place, at the right time, doing the right things is something that I strongly believe in. Operational officers can expect to be briefed and tasked according to the latest intelligence in order to tackle these issues.

What I then expect is quality tasking returns from all officers showing that we are having an impact.

The real impact of performance

As many of you will know by now, I take a very personal interest in our performance and I look into the detail. You may wonder why there is such a focus on the figures, but it is all about people - the communities we serve, the offenders we arrest, the victims of crime we deal with and those we prevent from becoming victims.

Let me be clear: we are about having fewer victims of crime and making sure those who are victims get the best possible service from us. When put into that perspective, it is absolutely right that these are the areas we must focus our attention on.

David Musker
Croydon Police Borough Commander

INFORMATION FROM TRADING STANDARDS

On 19/01/2012 at 1100 hours a 69 years old female resident of ADDINGTON ROAD, SOUTH CROYDON, was cold called by two males. The spokesman was polite and told her that he had just been to check on her neighbour’s house opposite for whom he had done roof repairs last year.

Resident was told that the chimney stack on her property was coming loose and cladding coming off. She made it quite clear that she could not afford anything and he advised he could just give her a quote. Before she could really make a decision his colleague had come along and was putting up ladders and on the roof to look at the stack. She was told the stack was wobbling and that tiles were coming off. This worried her and she felt that they may have deliberately loosened the tiles and felt much pressured. He advised her that she could not leave the stack in that condition. He then gave her a flyer with the business name and telephone numbers on. He then offered to fix it for £500 if he came back later and £400 if done today. She advised him that she did not have the money and he made various suggestions including for her to save up, or to pay monthly.

She agreed and they began the work, leaving the house in a state overnight with a hole in the roof, bricks and rubble everywhere and the stack taken down. The householder did not pay them anything. They asked to come in and look inside at the loft to see the roof from the inside but she would not let them in the house. Trader said they would be back tomorrow to wash it away. Her son had to sweep and unblock the drain.

The same two men returned on 20/1/2012 together with young boy about 17 years old who walked around with wheelbarrow. She had to telephone him first on the mobile number for which there was no answer and then again on the landline. She could hear the TV (the same channel she had on) in the background together with children’s voices and yet he said they were stuck in traffic and be there in 30 minutes, they arrived two hours later. By which time she had spoken to her neighbour who advised they had not done work for her. This together with state in which they left her house overnight meant that she told them she was not happy with work and asked them to leave or would report to Police and they did leave although she was very shaken by this incident.

Customer has since reported to the local Safer Neighbourhood Team. No cancellation rights or paperwork given. Neighbour next door found also was cold called with quote of £800 for work saying he had loose tiles but did not take up or return. Householder has now had work repaired by another trader. Trading Standards have asked her to let me know if she should see them in the area again.

Description of Traders: White male F507, 35 years, short dark hair (not a crew cut but short), workman's trousers - dark colour (navy or black),brown t shirt, south London accent, no tattoos or rings, 35 yrs old – spokesperson who did all the talking but no work.

Second MALE, slim face, long dark hair, trade/workman clothes and didn’t speak very much, in his late 30s (35-38). He was on roof and up the ladder.

TRADING STANDARDS ALERT

We have received an alert regarding the sale of the following bracelets that have been on sale at the Eden Project in Cornwall and at another 36 retailers across the UK, urging customers to return the red and black bracelets made from the Jequirity bean, the deadly seed of the plant abrus precatorious. It contains the toxin abrin, a controlled substance under the Terrorism Act, that if swallowed can kill in doses of just 3 micrograms. Abrin is chemically similar to ricin, a chemical warfare agent. People who have bought the bracelets are being urged to bag them and then wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes. The Eden Project alone sold 2,800 bracelets over a year.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 26th January 2012

CRIME BRIEFING FOR RIDDLESDOWN

C/Dam Veh U500 - Dalegarth Gardens - Date From: 18/01/2012 22.00hrs. Date To: 19/01/2012 07.45hrs. All vehicle tyres slashed by unknown suspect/s. Sanderstead SNT.

Theft from MV Lower Barn Road - Date From: 16/01/2012 20.30hrs. Date To: 16/01/2012 21.45hrs. Suspect(s) unknown taking property from vehicle. Sanderstead SNT.

Theft from MV Hyde Road - Date From:16/01/2012 20.00hrs. Date To: 17/01/2012 09.30hrs. Driver side window of vehicle smashed and money taken, whilst vehicle parked outside the victims address overnight. Sanderstead SNT.

CRIME NEWS

Three Distraction/Bogus call burglaries this week, one in the Woodside area was unusual but obviously well planned. A 62 year old female victim had scaffolding erected outside her house at the start of some renovation work. A 35 year old white male wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase called and demanded a large cash sum form the victim or the work would not be completed. The victim withdrew cash from the bank and gave it to the caller.

In Brighton Rd Croham a 44 year old white male posed as a police officer gained entry to an 84 year old female victims home pointing out a Police vehicle parked across the road, this was on a routine call nearby. Soon after the victim’s son called in, he immediately went to call police from a local phone and the suspect was arrested at the scene.

In Addiscombe a 25 year old white male suspect wearing a blue jumper and trousers called at an 87 year old female victim’s home. He claimed to be checking the water supply and was let into the premises, a second male then entered while victim distracted and searched the premises.

A MESSAGE FROM THE HOME OFFICE

The national, police non-emergency telephone number ‘101’ has now been adopted by every police force in England and Wales. It provides the public with one easy to remember number for contacting local police wherever they are in the country. While 999 is a well-recognised number used to report emergencies, the 2010 British Crime Survey found only 54% of the public know how to contact their local police if they want to talk to them about policing, crime or anti-social behaviour. The introduction of the ‘101’ number will help communities keep their neighbourhoods safe by giving them one easy way to contact local police forces to report non-emergency crime and disorder or to speak to local officers.

Calls to ‘101’ cost 15 pence, no matter how long you are on the phone – this applies to both landlines and mobile phones. For the first time, everyone calling the police for non-emergency matters will know exactly how much the call will cost them and will be assured of equal access whether they are on a pay-as-you-go mobile or a home landline.

The public should continue to call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, when someone suspected of a crime is nearby, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened.

GUMTREE ROBBER SENTENCED

A 17 year old dubbed the ‘Gumtree robber’ by investigating officers has been sentenced this month to 24 months detention at a Young Offenders Institute after pleading guilty to committing an attempted armed robbery.

The 17y/o male, appeared at Croydon Crown Court on 12 January where he pleaded guilty to charges of attempted robbery and possession of an [imitation] firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.

The 17y/o trawled through the Gumtree website to identify his victim who was selling two items of jewellery valued at around £500 each. Contacting the victim using a mobile phone, he arranged to meet him at Ampere Way tram stop to purchase the items at approximately 18:30hrs on 8 July 2011.

The victim - a 22 year old man - and his friend, also 22, went to the tram stop to meet with the suspect and sell the items he had advertised on the site. The victim remained in his vehicle and was approached by the suspect, and another male. They looked at the ring, but the victim became suspicious and the suspect reached into his waist-band and pulled out what the victim believed to be a firearm.

The victim then drove away and contacted police shortly after to report the incident. Officers carried out a search of the area with the victims, but were unable to locate the two suspects.

Detectives from Croydon’s Robbery Squad took on the investigation and were able to trace the 17y/o suspect through analysis of phone and internet usage. Officers established an address for the suspect and arrested him on 28 July 2011 after he had just finished a driving test.

Officers conducted a search at his home address in Croydon and discovered the phones and computer that were used to coordinate the crime and they also recovered an imitation firearm from the address.

DC David Huzzey, from Croydon’s Robbery Squad who investigated the case said:

“Through phone and IT investigations we were able to identify the main suspect in this case and after the search of his home address it was clear that we’d found the person responsible. He made no comment throughout his interviews, but given the weight of evidence against him, pleaded guilty to the offences.”

The 17y/o was charged with attempted robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence on 11 October 2011 and was remanded in custody until he appeared at court where he pleaded guilty to both offences.

He was sentenced to 24 months detention at a Young Offenders Institute for the attempted robbery and 12 months for the firearms offence, with both sentences to be served concurrently.

The second suspect in the case is still to be identified. Anyone with information should contact Croydon’s Robbery Squad on 020 8649 1334 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR VEHICLE SAFE

The best way to protect your belongings is to lock your car whenever you leave it.

Other things you can do include: removing everything from the car; don’t even leave a jacket where it can be seen closing the sunroof along with the windows when you leave not storing things in the boot; take them with you storing car ownership information in your home, not your car having a routine to ensure you always take the keys out of the ignition taking removable stereos and sat nav equipment with you. In addition, using secure (theft resistant) number plates can make your plates less attractive to thieves.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 19th January 2012

CRIME NEWS

Good news there has been a 25% reduction in household burglaries over the past two weeks, the only area showing an increase is Upper Norwood near Church Rd, Sylvan Hill. With several thefts of small electrical items. A black male approx 20 years old has been seen in the area, additional patrols are taking place. Mainly entry using a tool through the letter box to open the inside handle where doors have not been locked with the key.

COURTS ADOPT BURGLARY SENTENCING GUIDELINES

New sentencing guidelines on burglary have come into force in courts in England and Wales, with the effect on victims central to determining tariffs. Offences will be considered more serious if, for example, a victim is at home when a burglary takes place.

Offenders burgling homes face up to six years in jail, up to five years in non-domestic cases, and up to 13 if armed. Judges must follow the guidelines, unless it is in the interests of justice to depart from them. They state that crown and magistrates' courts must always set a custodial sentence for aggravated burglary, which means a weapon was involved.

The proposals have taken account of the views of the public and victims, who thought domestic burglary, should generally result in a custodial sentence but not in every case.

'Harm and culpability' Lord Justice Leveson, chairman of the Sentencing Council for England and Wales, said last year: "We do not recommend every single burglar in every circumstance should go to jail. "We advise, consistent with the law, that judges should consider harm and culpability: greater harm and greater culpability always jail, but lesser harm and lesser culpability, not necessarily.

"The crime of burglary is not simply a crime against property; it is a crime against the person."

The council said the lowest level of offenders, for whom a non-custodial community sentence might be appropriate, could include those with no previous convictions who did not force entry and took goods of low value. Its guidelines are the first overall advice for sentencing for the different types of burglary offences.

WHAT CAN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEMBERS DO ABOUT METAL THEFT?

This is a matter for everybody in the community, but Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch can lead the way.

Firstly, we all need to be alert to the situation and keep watch for vans and trucks driving around our streets looking for the opportunity to steal metal, and reporting the details to the local police or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111). No item of intelligence is ever too small; it might be the final piece of the jigsaw and in some cases there might even be the possibility of gaining a reward.

Secondly, be aware of workmen removing metal items in the street. The thieves are using uniforms, stolen vans etc. One witness recently reported that they did not look like real workmen - they were working too fast.

Thirdly, members also need to be on the lookout for unlicensed venues where stolen metal is cleaned up, often by burning of the covering and where the identifying marks are removed, before being taken to the licensed dealers. The police and local authorities need to know.

Finally, members who live in the vicinity of licensed and unlicensed sites must be alert to vehicles turning up outside the normal working hours. Again details should be passed to the local police.

This is a problem that affects us all and can lead to deaths.

Keep a watch out for suspicious vehicles and workmen.

Pass ALL information to the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.

Sign the online petition for a change in the legislation.

TELEPHONE PREFERENCE SERVICE

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free service. It is the official central opt out register on which you can record your preference not to receive unsolicited sales or marketing calls. It is a legal requirement that all organisations (including charities, voluntary organisations and political parties) do not make such calls to numbers registered on the TPS unless they have your consent to do so.

Organisations with which you have an ongoing relationship, for example those who regard you as a customer, (or in the case of charities - a donor) may well gather your consent during the early stages of your relationship with them and will therefore be entitled to call you even if your number is registered on TPS, unless you have previously told them specifically that you object to them calling you for marketing purposes.

The TPS can accept the registration of mobile telephone numbers, however it is important to note that this will prevent the receipt of marketing voice calls but not SMS (text) messages. If you wish to stop receiving SMS marketing messages, please send an 'opt-out' request to the company involved.

As TPS registration only prevents marketing calls, organisations will still be able to call you for the purposes of genuine market research. Unfortunately this service cannot block calls from overseas marketing companies.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY TARGETED BY CARD FRAUDSTERS AS THEY MOVE TO CUSTOMER NOT PRESENT SCAMS

Hotels and the travel business now top the list of fraud targets, according to research by FICO a provider of analytics and decision management technology. Overall, it found that counterfeit fraud fell by 60% between March 2009 and March 2011.

Analysis done on 55 million active credit cards represented in the FICO Falcon Fraud Consortium for Europe showed that card-not-present fraud accounted for 69% of all accounts victimised by fraud and 72% of all fraud losses. The top 10 merchant categories accounted for 30% of the total fraud losses, led by hotels/lodging, travel agencies and ATMs.

"Our analysis of the data shines a spotlight on the tremendous change that has occurred in Europe's fraud landscape," said Martin Warwick, FICO's fraud chief in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "Chip and PIN technology has radically driven down counterfeit and other forms of ‘card present' fraud in the UK, which just three years ago accounted for some 60% of Europe's credit card fraud. In response, criminals are operating across borders, targeting countries such as Germany that have weaker detection and prevention capabilities, and shifting their attention to card-not-present schemes such as online fraud."

"It's worth noting that in the two-year period, only about 1% of cards we studied were affected by fraud," Warwick said.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 12th January 2012

CRIME BRIEFING FOR RIDDLESDOWN

Theft from MV - Lower Barn Road Date: 08/01/2012 23.45hrs. Two unknown black male suspects smashing the front passenger window and stealing a fitted electronic compass and leveler from the dashboard. Sanderstead SNT

CRIME NEWS

Got a new mobile or other electrical item for Christmas? Help reduce crime by registering your new property at www.immobilise.com it only takes a couple of minutes and once you have registered you will have a better chance of getting your property back if it’s lost or stolen.

If any item of registered property is lost or stolen report it via your online account. This information is then made available nationally to all the UK Police services via their online systems. Remember a photograph of any unusual item will be of great help in identifying a stolen item.

CITIZEN'S ARRESTS PLUMMET FROM CRIME REDUCTION PARTNERSHIP

The number of citizen's arrests carried out has fallen five-fold in the past decade, according to official figures which show the extent of Britain's "walk-on-by" culture. In 2002, more than 14,000 citizen’s arrests were made in London. In 2010 it fell to 2,500 and is expected to drop below 2,000 for 2011, meaning the number of citizen’s arrests has declined by 85 per cent in less than 10 years.

The dramatic decrease in the number of bystanders willing to intervene when they see crimes taking place is most likely due to people fearing they will either be attacked themselves or face arrest, according to experts. The figures were released by the Metropolitan Police, Britain’s biggest force, under the Freedom of Information Act, but are likely to be replicated across the country.

They show that in 2002 there were 14,047 arrests where the suspect was ‘given into custody’. This means that the police arrived and the suspect was handed over to them by someone without the power of arrest, including members of the public, a store detective or a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

Since PCSOs do not have the power of arrest, it could have been assumed that their introduction would increase the number of citizen’s arrests as they would be forced to ‘give suspects into custody’ in every serious incident they deal with. But since 2002, the year PCSOs were introduced, the figure has dropped steadily almost every year. The Metropolitan Police said it was unaware of any specific reason for the drop and was unable to explain it. But the force confirmed the figures were correct.

A change in the law in 2006 said that members of the public should only intervene in serious cases and they must be sure that intervening is necessary and that there is no police officer available to make the arrest before they tackle criminals themselves.

Guidance issued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) warns that a person making a citizens arrest may themselves be arrested, saying: “Any force used to affect the arrest may be an assault and unlawful.”

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 5th January 2012

CRIME BRIEFING FOR RIDDLESDOWN

Burg Dwell - Riddlesdown Road - Date from: 31/12/2011 19.00hrs: Date to: 01/01/2012 02.30hrs. Unknown suspect(s) entering property via rear patio doors and stealing items. Purley SNT.

C/Dam Veh U500 - Rectory Park - Date from: 18/12/2011 23.00hrs Suspect causing criminal damage to vehicle by smashing the windscreen. Sanderstead SNT.

Burg Dwell - Westfield Avenue - Date from: 05/01/2012 07.00hrs. Date to: 05/01/2012 20.00hrs. Suspects have gained entry to rear garden and forced open conservatory window and internal door using garden tools. Property taken from within. Sanderstead SNT.

CRIME NEWS

A slight increase in residential burglary during the past two weeks, especially in the Upper Norwood and Norbury areas. Remember thieves love unlocked doors and open windows this make their entry easy. Also as we have warned before uPVC front doors are not fully secure unless locked with the key, it is very easy to open the interior door handle through the letter box.

Report from a co-ordinator in the Woodside area of residents receiving phone calls from ‘Crime Prevention Initive’ offering to install wireless monitored alarms. Any installer of these alarms must be certified by the SSAIB or NIS who are accredited certification bodies, please check this carefully before agreeing to any installation.

WANTED OFFENDERS GIVEN UNWELCOME PRESENT OVER FESTIVE SEASON

A total of 22 people wanted on various warrants by police in Croydon were arrested over the festive period as part of a seasonal crack-down to arrest people that have evaded arrest.

Officers were tasked over the Christmas and New Year period to carry out over 50 arrest enquiries for wanted people in the hope that they would appear at a known address over the festive season and these enquiries resulted in 22 arrests.

Arrest enquiries were made by officers across Croydon and as far afield as Kent in a bid to catch up with those who are wanted by police. Those arrested were either wanted on warrants issued by the courts, wanted on recall to prison or were outstanding suspects in ongoing police investigations.

Detective Superintendent Simon Messinger from Croydon police said:

“All 22 that were arrested over the Christmas period have been wanted by us for some time but enquiries up until now have been unsuccessful. However, even those wanted by the police tend to spend time with their families over Christmas, so we made sure that we were there to arrest any that did and give them a surprise that they probably didn’t want or expect.

“Our message to anyone who knows that they are wanted is that we will be relentless in our efforts to find you and if you want to avoid a knock at your door from police, then hand yourself in.”

POLICE CYCLE MARKING DAYS

Get your new Christmas bicycle marked up and help protect it against thieves at two cycle marking events that police in Croydon are holding in January.

The two events will take place;

from 12 noon until 4pm on 14 January at Halfords, 586 Wickham Road, Shirley and;

from 10am until 2pm on 21 January at Cycling Made Easy, 18 Chipstead Valley Road, Coulsdon.

Officers from Croydon’s Safer Transport Team will be on hand to mark and register bicycles free of charge.

Inspector Jason Frith from Croydon’s Safer Transport Team said:

“Anyone who got a new bike this Christmas should get it marked, because it helps to deter thieves and makes it easier for us to identify and return it if it does ever get stolen. Even if you’ve got an old bike, which isn’t marked, then come down and get it registered and marked up.”

WHAT IS THE DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER?

If you are still watching analogue TV (five channels or fewer) via an aerial on any of your sets, you will need to convert them to digital to avoid losing channels in April next year.

What do you need to do?

To help you prepare for switchover, here are three top tips:

1. Check your options for going digital.

Digital television is available via an aerial, satellite dish or cable, and both subscription and non-subscription services are available. The postcode checker on Digital UK's website (www.digitaluk.co.uk) will tell you when you switch to digital and which services are available at your address. Alternatively, call the Digital UK advice line on 08456 50 50 50. Every household in the London region will be sent a detailed guide to switchover in the new year.

Information is available on request in a variety of languages.

2. You don't need to buy new equipment.

Virtually any TV can be converted to digital using a set-top box – even black and white models and those without a SCART socket. Most aerials will also be fine after switchover –

there is no such thing as a ‘digital aerial’. If you get a good analogue picture now, your existing aerial should be fine for digital. Some aerials may need replacing if they are in poor condition but our advice is to wait until switchover and see. If you do need a new aerial, look for a registered digital installer. More details are available at www.digitaluk.co.uk.

3. Remember to retune.

The London TV region will switch to digital in two stages, on 4 and 18 April. Viewers with Freeview, Top Up TV or BT Vision will need to retune at both stages to receive all available channels. Advice on retuning is available from the Digital UK website (www.digitaluk.co.uk/retuning) and from our advice line. Satellite and cable services are not affected by switchover.

The Switchover Help Scheme, run by the BBC, helps older and disabled people by providing everything they need to convert one TV to digital. The Help Scheme is available to anyone who:

• is aged 75 or over, or

• has lived in a care home for six months or more, or

• gets (or could get) certain disability benefits, or

• is registered blind or partially sighted.

The scheme is available for £40 and includes easy-to-use equipment, installation and 12 months of aftercare. Help is free to eligible people on certain income-related benefits. The Help Scheme will write directly to all eligible people. If you get a letter it is very important that you reply to let the Switchover Help Scheme know whether or not you would like its help. For more information, call free on 0800 40 85 900 or visit www.helpscheme.co.uk

DOOR TO DOOR FUNDRAISING

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is currently carrying out a door-to-door fundraising campaign in the Croydon area. Fundraisers will be knocking on doors to talk to people about our work and asking them to support us with a regular gift. This type of fundraising is one of the most effective ways of recruiting supporters.

Our fundraisers will always have identification with their name and the company they work for

Our fundraisers will not under any circumstances take a cash or cheque donation from you on the door

If you have any concerns please call our fundraising team on 020 7627 7883. How do I know that the person calling at the door is legitimate? Do the fundraisers have ID?

All of our fundraisers wear Battersea Dogs & Cats Home branded clothing and carry official identification cards, which are required by law. They will also be carrying Battersea Dogs & Cats Home literature and direct debit mandates.

If you require further reassurance please contact our supporter services team on 0870 890 0000 (Mon-Fri, 9.00am- 5.00pm), who will be able to verify the legitimacy of a fundraiser.

You can also send your questions to fundraising@battersea.org.uk

What do the fundraisers ask for?

The fundraisers ask members of the public to pledge regular donations to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home by Direct Debit and are not authorised to accept any other means of payments in the way of a donation (cash, cheques etc.).

Any other questions?

If you have any other questions or queries about our door-to-door fundraising campaign, please call us on 0870 890 0000 (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm)

For any other queries regarding a fundraiser operating in your area, please email fundraising@battersea.org.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 22nd December 2011

CRIME NEWS

A N/W member has reported that one of his neighbours has received a recorded message from an international number saying that they had got their government grant for free insulation and to press one of the phone keys to proceed. They hung up!

In many cases the calling number is withheld.

If you are on the Telephone Preference Service you should not get cold called by Government departments. If you ask to speak to the supervisor they hang up
If you ask for an internet reference they don’t have one – such government initiatives are always on the internet.

If residents have any doubts or queries about any energy efficiency matters or would like to see what energy saving grants might be available to them then they can contact one of the following:

London Warm Zone - grants for insulation and central heating, regardless of your income. They will visit your home, complete the paperwork for you, and arrange for the work to be carried out by their approved contractors. Call 0800 389 7286 or visit the London Warm Zone website.

London Warm Front - National Government funded grants of up to £3,500 for insulation and heating improvements. Call 0800 316 6011 or visit the Warm Front website.

Energy Saving Trust - visit the Energy Saving Trust website to search for funding using their database.

Home Insulation Scheme - the Mayor of London is running a Cut Price Home Insulation Scheme that includes home insulation and professionally installed loft and cavity wall schemes. Call 0845 070 5059 or visit the Cut Price Insulation website.

DRUGS DEN UNCOVERED IN SANDERSTEAD

A 23 year-old man, who tried to hide from police in bubble-wrap has been given a suspended sentence of four months imprisonment and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work after Sanderstead Safer Neighbourhoods team (SNT) found a cannabis factory at his home last month (November 2011).

James SEDDON of Holmwood Avenue pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Friday 25 November 2011 to production of a class b drug (cannabis) and was sentenced on 5 December 2011, where he was also ordered to pay £85 in costs to the courts.

The Sanderstead SNT were made aware that drugs may have been being produced at the address in Holmwood Avenue, so officers carried out checks, including monitoring the address with a thermal camera for unusual heat-loss, which showed that there was a high heat signature - something that could indicate drugs are being cultivated.

The Sanderstead SNT applied for a search warrant at the address and carried this out in the early hours of 16 November. As the team entered the address, Seddon made off from the rear of the property in an attempt to evade police.

However, a Dog Unit was called in and after a short search, Seddon was found hiding in a nearby garage - unbeknown to the garage owner - hiding underneath a car, having wrapped himself in bubble wrap to try and camouflage himself.

Seddon was arrested and following a search of the property, approximately 60 cannabis plants were discovered, along with an amount of herbal cannabis.

PC Simon Parker, from the Sanderstead SNT said:

“This just goes to show that if we receive intelligence of criminal activity, then we will act quickly and decisively to deal with the problem. Very often, addresses where cannabis is grown like this one can also be the cause of other criminality and antisocial behaviour in an area, so this is good news for local residents that it has been uncovered and Seddon will now have to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work for the community as well.”

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 8th December 2011

CRIME NEWS

The N/W Chairman has reported that when Fairdene Road was being resurfaced last week a neighbour was visited by two men.

They said they were with the contractors outside his house, apologised, and said that the vibration had unfortunately damaged his water pipe and possibly his gas pipe.

They said they would need access to his house to repair the damage and they would need a deposit up front before they started work. He naturally saw them off and reported the incident to the police.

We rarely see these type of conmen round here but this type of scam when council contractors are working outside the house could seem credible to more vulnerable people.

Heathfield SNT have reported that there is a problem in the Courtwood Lane/Addington Rd areas with a youth riding an unlicensed motorcycle, the Police are aware and patrols are taking place, if any N/W members become aware of this they can report details using the new 101 number to Croydon Police.

A company called ‘First Call’ are phoning residents in the Croydon area from a call centre in South Africa and claiming that you are owed money by the banks for insurance miss-selling; they are quite insistent and claim that they have records from the government. The number they are using is 020 7060 3887 which is a known number for nuisance calls and as they are phoning from outside the UK they are not subject to the Telephone Preference Service rules to stop cold calling.

A recent increase in burglaries in the Waddon area mainly on Thursdays and Fridays with easy to carry items being taken. Additional patrols are taking place at these times.

A number of robberies have taken place near the Gravel Hill tram stop where victims have just left the tram. Suspects are mainly black youths; victims are mainly teenagers where cash or mobile phones are being stolen. Again additional police patrols are taking place at the peak times. Also a spate of robberies from pizza delivery drivers in the north of the borough, mainly at the weekends. Suspects are mainly teenage black males operating in pairs.

MOTORISTS: BEWARE OF FAKE CAR INSURANCE BROKERS (information from Action Fraud)

Up to 20,000 motorists could be driving uninsured after responding to cheap insurance offers advertised online or via small ads.
‘Ghost broking’ is seen as an emerging threat within the insurance fraud arena, with fraudsters targeting people who cannot afford to insure their car.

Importantly a new fraud unit within the police force has pledged to tackle this problem as part of a drive to combat insurance fraud, recently estimated to be costing the UK £3billion per year. The Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) will be funded by the insurance industry and run with operational independence by the City of London Police.

“Ghost brokers” profile their targets as motorists who are economising and looking for cheaper insurance deals. These motorists are likely to be young, living within communities where English is a second language and overall there is a lack of knowledge about insurance. Some of these drivers have purchased policies that are worthless.

Another scenario for carrying out the fraud involves ghost brokers applying to genuine insurance companies on behalf of the customer. In these cases personal details are changed to avoid pushing up the cost. Customers tend to live in areas where insurance premiums are particularly high. While some motorists may have agreed to some details being changed some are unaware that this has transpired until it’s too late.

One reported case is of 18-year-old female student from the Midlands, who was quoted £4,000 for insurance for a Ford Fiesta. Through her network of friends the woman was put in touch with an insurance company offering insurance at half the cost in return for a cash deposit of £700. It was a cheap deal because she would be taking advantage of a staff discount from an inside contact at the insurance company.

The woman thought better of handing over cash after a face to face meeting with the broker and trusted her instincts not to hand over any money but her friend who was also present convinced her that she could trust the broker. After parting with the £700 deposit, the woman provided her details believing that she was agreeing to further payments of £70 per month. A policy was e-mailed to her but she was surprised when more than the agreed amount was debited from her account.

In her words, “The payment came out of my bank but it was for more than the £70. I was scared to phone the insurance company in case they said: 'its fraud and you are in trouble.'"

The person the woman had done business with had been a ghost broker who had falsely submitted her details as a 48-year-old driving instructor who had a five-year no-claims bonus. The 18-year-old had only been driving for a year.

Cheap Car Insurance Lure

Steve Gaywood, head of counter-fraud at AXA, said: "We all know car insurance premiums have risen in the last couple of years, and for some motorists it is difficult to afford or find. “It seems that some unscrupulous individuals are using this as a hook to con people into buying insurance that isn't valid."

Det Supt Bob Wishart of the City of London Police said: "Ghost broking is an emerging threat within the insurance fraud arena, costing the industry millions of pounds, leaving companies exposed and meaning thousands of people are unknowingly uninsured. “This new criminality is particularly prevalent in motor insurance, with fraudsters looking to capitalise on what is a compulsory and sometimes costly product.

The Insurance Fraud Bureau offers advice to motorists shopping around for cheaper car insurance. The first step is to research any broker or company and make certain that are registered with the Financial Services Authority. In this way you can confirm that they are regulated.

Protect Yourself From Fake Insurance

The Bureau also offers tips to avoid being defrauded by an illegal insurance advisor. These are:

Do not pay money to individuals you do not definitely know are legally providing insurance policies.

Do not pay money into a personal bank account for an insurance premium.

Ensure you understand what insurance cover is required and what you are purchasing.

For peace of mind with your insurance, be safe, be sure. Check the FSA website or the ABI website.

If you or someone you know has paid money to an illegal insurance broker, report it to Action Fraud so that the incident can be passed on to the police.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 24th November 2011

REQUEST FROM TRADING STANDARDS

I’m currently examining the business practices of a number of driveway installers operating in Croydon.

Would it be possible for you to ask co-ordinators if they can put me in touch with any local residents who have recently had their driveways done and might want to talk about their experience? I am particularly interested in either ‘Groundforce Driveways’ or Marshall’s Driveways and Patios Ltd’.

Many thanks

Anthony Hartman

Fair Trading Officer

Trading Standards Service

Planning & Environment

9th Floor Taberner House

Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 3BT

Tel. 020 8407 1310

Ext. 62794 Fax 020 8633 9580 anthony.hartman@croydon.gov.uk

Message sent on behalf of James Maddan, Chair of Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network for England & Wales

Doorstep crime linked with distraction burglary is one of the most despised crimes dealt with by the police. The majority of victims are females over the age of 80 years, who live alone, and frequently the stolen property is of low resale value but high sentimental value. Many victims lose their life savings and the detrimental effect on their health is shocking. They will not go out and become isolated in their own homes. The average life expectancy of the victim of distraction burglary is 9 months.

Gloria Hunniford and the BBC are planning a programme to highlight this nasty crime and are looking to hear from victims and also wish to hear from those who have dealt with these criminals effectively. This is an opportunity for Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch members to highlight the work they are doing tackling crime in their area and making their community a safer place to live.

You can read further details here: http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/news_and_events/news/gloria_hunniford_wants_to_ hear_your_doorstep_crime_stories/

If you are interested in being involved please contact Gloria on gloria@objectiveproductions.com or write to Gloria Hunniford, Doorstep Crime Team, Objective Productions, 3rd Floor, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 17th November 2011

WARNING ABOUT SALES CALLS

Information has been received by another Police service about a company called G 1 Security which targets the elderly and vulnerable members of society with unsolicited telephone calls.

The calls are usually from someone purporting to be from Crime Prevention UK and are offering an intruder alarm system. Sometimes there is a suggestion that the company is responding to a recent crime; at other times there is a suggestion they are working with or for the local police service.

They may then use a Police incident number to give the impression they are authorised by the local police.

Police advice:

Research any company you are planning to do business with before they arrange a sales

visit To avoid unsolicited sales calls and mail in the future members of the public should remove their personal details from any sales lists. This can be done by

Registering with the Telephone Preference Service

This is a free service. Registration can be made on line or by telephoning 0845 070 0707. www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/index.html

Registering with the Mailing Preference Service

The Mailing Preference Service supports the right to choose the mail you wish to receive. Registration to this free service can be made on line or by phone to 0845 703 4599. Further details can be obtained from www.mpsonline.org.uk or 0207 291 3310

Electoral registers

Electoral registers are updated each autumn and are lists of all the names and addresses of everyone who is eligible to vote. There are two editions of the registers; a full register which is used for elections, preventing and detecting crime and checking applications for loan or credit and the edited register which is publicly available for marketing and any other commercial activities. When renewal notices arrive, consider only registering for the full register by opting out of the edited register. This is done by entering a tick in the ‘edited register’ box. Further information can be found on: www.direct.gov.uk/en/governmentcitizensandrights

DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER 2012

Advice from Digital UK

There are always people who use clever and persuasive tactics try to make a fast buck on the back of something new, like digital switchover.

If you think you’ve been ripped off, or paid a deposit to a trader you’re now worried about, or suspect there’s a rogue trader working door-to-door in your area, call the Consumer Direct helpline (08454 04 05 06). Calls cost 4p per minute from a BT landline; from mobile and non BT lines call costs may vary.

Consumer Direct can also give you advice on your cancellation rights and getting any unsatisfactory work put right. To find out how, visit the Consumer Direct website. If you prefer face-to-face help and advice go to your local advice agency or Citizens Advice Bureau.

Some local councils have set up ‘doorstoppers’ schemes to tackle doorstep crime. Residents get stickers and mirrors for their doors, advice on fitting door chains and how to deal with cold callers.

Check on the Consumer Direct website, your local Citizens Advice Bureau, or library to see if there’s a scheme in your area.

Tips for avoiding scams

Remember that no one from Digital UK or Switchover Help scheme will call unexpectedly without an appointment.

Demand identification from uninvited callers – and call the company to check they are who they say they are.

Don’t agree to any work on the spot. Take time to think about what work (if any) you want done.

Only buy goods and services you need for switchover from reputable retailers and traders that carry the digital tick logo

If an offer seems too good to be true – in a leaflet, advert, by phone, e-mail or personal approach – it probably is. Be wary and read the details of the deal carefully.

MET POLICE WARNING

There have been several recent distraction burglaries in and around Croydon Borough. These have involved two suspects posing as Police Officers who have gained entry to properties on the pretext that they had to check all £10 and £20 notes in the premises to ensure that they were not counterfeit.

The suspects have been described as male, white, approximately 25-35 years old, one with a moustache.

MET POLICE OFFICERS WILL NOT CALL AT YOUR DOOR AND ASK TO SEE YOUR CASH, ANYONE IN PLAIN CLOTHES WHO CALLS IS LIKELY TO BE A BOGUS CALLER. The Police usually only become involved in checking cash if a member of the public takes suspicious notes to their local Police Station and asks for help in checking them.

The Bank of England has information on forged notes on its website: http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/about/counterfeits.htm where you can obtain a PDF file giving information on checking suspected notes.

Please pass on to your contacts and communities to make them aware.

Ten top burglary crime prevention tips for Londoners:

1 Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your house name.

2 Register items with a serial number at www.immobilise.com

3 Do not leave your car keys, valuables or ID documents near a door, letterbox or window.

4 Always check who's at the door and don't open it if you feel anxious.

5 Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.

6 Keep your valuables out of sight.

7 Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home.

8 Fit a mortice lock to your front door and other external doors. Consider installing a burglar alarm.

9 Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked.

10 Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away for days or weeks at a time.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 27th October 2011

POLICE APPEAL CAR THEFTS IN PURLEY

Police in Purley are appealing for witnesses following two separate incidents this week where number plates and a sat-nav have been stolen.

A pair of number plates was stolen at approximately 11:25hrs on 18 October 2011 in Kendall Avenue near the junction with Sanderstead Road, in South Croydon. The suspect is described as a white male, wearing black hooded top and beige trousers.

In a separate incident on the same day at approximately 07:00hrs, a sat-nav was stolen from a car in Montpelier Road near to the junction with Biddulph Road.

Sergeant Nicholas Tooher from the Purley Safer Neighbourhoods team said:

“These two incidents both took place on Tuesday morning, and I am hoping somebody in the area either on their way to work or out and about may have seen something to help us progress our investigations.

“Theft from motor vehicles is one of our local priorities and we’re increasing our patrols in affected areas and also advising motorists of the best way to keep their vehicles secure. Tamper-proof screws can be fitted to number plates to discourage thieves and it is best to remove all valuables and tell-tale signs like suction-pad marks on windscreens from your car when parked.”

Anyone with information about either incident should call the Purley Safer Neighbourhoods team on 020 8721 2467 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 13th October 2011

CRIME NEWS

A co-ordinator in Sanderstead has reported a white van with Moving Man UK written on the side, in Coombe Wood Hill on the afternoon of 5th October. They pulled up outside a resident’s house, blocking the road. The passenger then went round to the side of the house, and removed a table top freezer that was stored there, one of three stored there. The occupier of the house was watching them and they saw her, but this did not bother them. This incident has been reported to the Police, but please be vigilant, and report anything suspicious.

Also around Selsdon Vale another white van has been driving round the estate over the last week, taking items left out on driveways, usually two men are in the vehicle, but also a woman and a young boy have been in the van - all with eastern European accents. Again this has been reported to the local police, they are known to them, and are regular visitors to the local scrap merchants.

TIPS TO SECURE YOUR HOME

With the autumn evenings here, it is time to focus on keeping your home secure. Leaving your home during hours of darkness, without putting on lights or drawing the curtains, indicates to the opportunist criminal that there is no one at home. Unfortunately, every year sees a spate of early evening burglaries associated with the clocks going back. Please help us to help you by taking the steps outlined below:

Fit security lighting, either dusk to dawn energy efficient lighting that will come on automatically as dusk sets in, or a passive infra-red (PIR) light that will draw attention to movement.

Use an automatic time switch on an indoor light, either in a room that cannot be peered into from the road, or upstairs. Consider drawing the curtains if you are in a room with the lights switched on. Regularly change the timing on the switch.

Put a time switch on a radio that has been tuned to a chat station, this will give the impression that the house is occupied. Again, regularly change the timing on the switch.

Property mark your valuables. Some articles are unsuitable for marking so photograph them - with a ruler in view to show scale.

Secure windows, paying particular attention to those on the ground floor and above flat roof areas. Always use locks and bolts and keep all your keys, including car keys, out of sight and out of reach.

Ensure that gates or access to the rear of the house are locked and secure. Don’t forget to lock your shed; your tools can be used to break in. Trim overgrown plants - don’t give burglars a hiding place.

Intruder alarms are an effective deterrent against burglars. Before choosing a system ensure it is the one most suitable for your needs.

If you have a uPVC front door ensure that the door is double locked when you are out or at night as many burglars are now expert at inserting a tool through the letter box to lift the interior handle and open the door. Keep the keys handy at night in case of fire.

Any item with a serial number on it can be registered free at www.immobilise.com

For further advice visit the following websites: www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention or www.homeoffice.gov.uk

Trust your instincts. If you think a crime is about to happen or is in progress dial 999.

If you require any further advice contact the Crime Prevention Office on 020 8649 1414 or visit our website; www.met.police.uk/croydon

MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER

Always call 999 if you see anybody acting suspiciously in your area, giving their description and/or vehicle registration number to the operator.

Fit security lighting (either dusk to dawn energy saving lights or passive infra-red movement detector controlled lights).

Use a time switch on an indoor light and leave a radio on to give the impression that the house is occupied.

Property mark your valuables and photograph valuable items.

Secure opening windows with locks and or bolts paying particular attention to the ground floor windows and those next to flat roof areas.

Ensure that patio doors have at least three locking points fitted.

Ground floor windows should have key operated locks unless used as a fire escape.

Keep house keys and car keys away from letter boxes and keep them out of sight.

Ensure that any gates giving access to the rear of the house and locked and secure

Always keep your garden shed and garage doors locked, if open the burglars love using your tools to force entry.

Try a keep shrubs/bushes etc trimmed to that there is no hiding place for burglars and they could easily been seen.

Fitting an approved intruder alarm so that your house is not attractive to burglars.

Any item with a serial number on it can be registered free at www.immobilise.com

For further advice visit the following websites: www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention or

www.homeoffice.gov.uk

CAR NUMBERPLATE CLONING

There are an increasing number of reports of car number plate cloning fraud. This is where criminals will fit a car with a 'clone' of your number plate so that if their car is involved in an accident or offence (such as speeding), your car ends up 'taking the blame'. This could result in financial loss or criminal charges. You can read more at the This Is Money website:

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cardsloans/article-1599699/The-new-car-cloning-ID-fraud.html#ixzz1QZGwYBM2

Drivers who have number plates stolen or cloned should report the crime immediately to the police. Those who receive unexplained speeding or parking tickets should contact the issuing authority promptly. Drivers who fall victim more than once should ask the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency if they can re-register their car with a new number.

Burglary
Similarly, we are facing challenges around burglary, and we've seen an increase so far this financial year compared to last. We're working hard to tackle this, with various operations ongoing, which are targeting known offenders and the areas where most burglaries are happening. As a result, we are arresting burglary suspects on a daily basis and I'm positive that we're on the right track with this.

However, with the improved weather of late lots of people leave their windows open in the day and during the night. Their houses can be insecure even when they are in the garden or a different part of the house. Sometimes they forget to close their windows when they go out. Patio or UPVC doors can appear to be locked but have been left unlocked by accident. All these reasons enable a criminal to enter premises with ease and remove small valuable items of property without making noise or attracting attention.

Thieves are also looking for small valuable items such as laptops, iPods or smart phones etc to sell on quickly. Another way to help us is to register valuable items (www.immobilise.com) or make note of serial numbers, so that we can easily identify stolen items when we come across them. This means we can deal with the offenders handling the stolen goods, and also reunite the victims with their items as well.

Vehicles can be stolen during a burglary so we would also urge residents not to leave keys, wallets or handbags lying around near front doors or windows where they can be easily grabbed. We've also seen some recent burglaries where an object has been put through the letterbox and then the latch opened from the inside. We would ask home owners to consider how robust their locks are and replace them if they are old or worn out. If a bottom chubb lock is fitted and used this will provide additional protection

Car Number Plate Thefts

Another report from the PURLEY ward regarding theft of registration plates overnight in the quieter roads in the area. We would remind members that the stick on plates are not secure and can easily be pulled off the vehicle, the most secure are metal plates held on by anti-theft screws which can be obtained from motor accessory stores.

DOORSTEP SELLING

The Doorstep selling campaign aims to help older consumers deal with high-pressure sales tactics on the doorstep.

This summer, the Office of Fair Trading is warning people, particularly those in later life, the vulnerable and their friends and family, to be wary of rogue doorstep traders offering home improvement services.

What is doorstep selling?

Doorstep selling is when someone sells you goods or services, such as roofing, in your home or on your doorstep. There are legitimate doorstep traders – but there is a risk you may be pressured into buying something you do not want or that is not good value for money from rogue salespeople.

This guide helps you shop more safely with a trader at your home, and explains some of your legal rights.

Think twice before you buy. Doorstep traders often use a range of high-pressure tactics to persuade you to buy. If you feel under pressure to make a purchase, have the confidence to say:

• you do not buy goods or services at the door

• you’d like more time to think about it

• you want to shop around and get other quotes

• you have to discuss it with someone else

(for example, your partner or son/daughter

If the trader tells you you’ll miss an exclusive offer, that’s just another high-pressure tactic.

Double-check the facts

• do you fully understand the total costs of the transaction including estimates, delivery and installation?

• do you understand your rights if you sign a contract?

• do you know the arrangements for after-sales servicing, such as the guarantees or warranties? Only once you are satisfied that the transaction is entirely acceptable, should you agree to make a purchase.

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Buy wisely

• don’t sign on the spot, consider carefully whether you want the goods or service

• always shop around for the best price

• be wary of special offers or warnings about your home

• don’t hand over a cash deposit

• don’t agree to a trader starting any work straight away

• talk to someone you trust for a second opinion

• if in doubt, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Trade Associations If the trader claims to be a member of a trade association; you should get in contact with: www.membershipdsa.org.uk or the association directly to confirm their membership.

Your rights: If you spend more than £35 with a trader in your home or on your doorstep, you usually have seven days to change your mind and cancel and get back any money you have paid.

Be wary of traders who try and get you to agree to begin work before the end of the cooling off period. Your right to cancel should also be given to you in writing by the trader. If you are not given this information, the trader can’t hold you to anything in the contract and you don’t have to pay anything.

If you decide to cancel and you have not agreed to anything in writing or you have not consumed any goods, advise the trader in writing within seven days of being told of your right to cancel. Keep a copy of your letter or email as proof of cancellation.

However, if you agree in writing to work started or consume goods within the seven day period and then cancel, you may have to pay something. This is the only circumstance in which you can’t get all your money back. If the trader has started work early and you didn’t agree to it in writing, and then you don’t have to pay anything if you cancel.

LATEST SCAMS ISSUED BY THE CBNWA

EMAIL SCAMS

The old scam Microsoft phone calls claiming that your computer is running slow continue with a N/W member receiving a call from 01585 7629938, the caller spoke with a pronounced Indian accent. This is a bogus number as the 01585 exchange has not yet been used by BT.

Another Fed Ex email that a shipment notification can be tracked using the attached file 547835.zip, Do not click on this file as it contains a virus.

Both Santander and Lloyds TSB targeted this week with phishing emails warning of fraudulent activity on your accounts. The Santander message has a link to a website in Pakistan, owned by a Russian national, with an exact copy of the usual log in page. The Lloyds message leads to a website in the Czech Republic.

EMAIL SCAMS

An old email scam we warned about in 2009 is being re-circulated; the message warns that BT and Virgin customers are being warned that they are being disconnected because of an unpaid bill. The caller asks for credit card details or you will be cut off, the line then goes dead but all that happens is that the caller has put the call on mute stopping you making any further calls until he hangs up.

According to the message, a scammer calls a potential victim and identifies himself as a BT staff member before demanding that a supposed unpaid bill be paid immediately lest the phone be disconnected. If the potential victim seems doubtful, the scammer offers to "prove" he is really from BT by temporarily disconnecting the phone. The scammer then uses a simple trick to make the victim think that the phone has really been cut off before calling back to demand an immediate payment. The scammer asks the victim to hang up and try calling someone else but simply stays on the line which restricts outgoing calls. Because the outgoing call cannot be made, some users may then assume that their phone has really been disconnected and pay up as requested to avoid a hefty reconnection fee.

The information in the warning email is factual. Such scams have indeed been occurring in the UK and a number of UK residents have already lost money to these fraudsters. BT has published the following notice on its website warning customers about the scam:

“Please be very careful as criminals have been phoning some of our customers and trying to trick them into giving out their bank details. During the calls they'll claim you owe money on your bill and threaten to disconnect your phone line immediately if you don't pay them over the phone.

Unfortunately some customers have given out bank account details because they've been worried about having their phone line cut off.

A number of phone companies have been targeted and the police are investigating. BT Security is also looking into the incidents.

BT may have to call you about a debt, but we'll never disconnect a phone line during the call.

Don't give out any banking details over the phone unless you're absolutely certain who you're talking to”.

Please remember that you can check your account online to see if there are any problems at www.bt.com/mybt

EMAIL SCAMS

A new scam this week with a message from Amazon warning that your account has been closed because of too many failed log in attempts, the attachment logs into a known phishing site in Taiwan which has an Amazon log in page copy which asks for your credit card details!

An old hoax email from 2008 is being re-circulated which warns that a man offered to help female put petrol into her car (the original email stated this was in Texas) and gave her is business card, shortly after wards she began to feel ill due to the fumes of a toxic drug called Burnidanga which was on the card. The message has been adapted and tries to look official by quoting that it is from a Detective Constable Simon Lofting from Essex Police, he denies all knowledge of this message and it did not come from him

FREE PHONE APPS

Free apps on the Google Android marketplace are being posted by scammers which install a fraudulent permission on your phone that sends premium rate texts at £3 a go.

Examples of applications with package names are Ranzy LLC: Twilight, Puss in Boots, Corelly LLC: Horoscope, Astrolog LLC, Need for Speed, Shift FREE.

For a full list of affected Apps go to:

http://blog.mylookout.com/blog/2011/12/11/european-premium-sms-fraud/

Be careful when selecting an app, try to check it out on the web first, compare reviews and check web security websites if in doubt.

EMAIL SCAMS

A series of emails this week claiming to be from Santander warning that there is irregular activity on your account or that a recent update of their system has caused difficulties and you must click on the attachment which leads to different anonymous websites in Singapore and Germany. The sites are identical with a copy of the Santander log in page to capture your personal details.

PHISHING CAMPAIGN USING SPOOFED US-CERT EMAIL ADDRESSES

Copies of this email are circulating in the Croydon area, please be aware of the virus included in the attachment.

US-CERT is the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team which runs the National Cyber Alert System to warn of new and current computer security attacks in the USA.

On January 10, 2012, US-CERT received reports of a phishing campaign that is spoofing US-CERT email to deliver a variant of the Zeus/Zbot Trojan known as Ice-IX. This campaign appears to be targeting a large number of private sector organizations as well as federal, state, and local governments.

US-CERT advises that users do not open the email or any of the attachments and promptly delete the email from their inboxes.

Reports indicate that SOC@US-CERT.GOV is the primary email address being spoofed but other invalid email addresses are also being used.

The subject of the phishing email is: "Phishing incident report call number: PH000000XXXXXXX" with the "X" containing an incident report number that varies.

The attached zip filed is titled "US-CERT Operation Center Report XXXXXXX.zip", with "X" indicating a random value or string. The zip attachment contains an executable file with the name "US-CERT Operation CENTER Reports.eml.exe", which is a variant of the Zeus/Zbot Trojan known as Ice-IX.

US-CERT encourages users to do the following to reduce the risks associated with this and other phishing campaigns.

Do not open the attachments in email messages from unknown sources.

Install anti-virus software and keep virus signatures files up to date.

EMAIL SCAMS

Email from Santander claiming that you have two unread secured messages waiting on the website, there is an attachment which logs you into a copy of the genuine Santander login page but with additional boxes to obtain your full personal details so that the spammers can not only clear your account but set up other accounts in your name, the website is hosted in Germany and has been reported to Santander to get it closed down. There is a similar message warning that your credit card has been blocked due to irregular activity, this link leads to ‘formbuddy.com’ in Mumbai.

Another very elaborate scam message with a headed letter claiming to be from Special Agent Christopher Kelly of the FBI Emergency Response Network. He claims that over two million US dollars are payable to you via the IMF and there is a Master Card in your name awaiting collection for which you have to contact a Noah Hanft on a free Yahoo Canada email address. He requires £280 for the delivery of the card! No doubt the card will be forged and you would never see the £280 again.

Another message attempts to obtain email addresses for spamming with a message from Vodafone Ltd with a link to validate your address, this leads to a website in France.

CRIME NEWS

WARNING FROM TRADING STANDARDS: PHONE FRAUDSTERS TARGET THE ELDERLY

An elderly Croydon resident has been targeted by telephone fraudsters in recent weeks.

In this instance, an old lady with dementia received a call to say that she had won a large sum of money and that someone would be calling around with the cheque. They required an administrative charge for this of £1,600 in cash.

The telephone number given, although appearing to be a London number, was routed abroad. When the lady’s son turned up, they called to say that they would be cancelling the appointment. The caller gave his name as Mr Ashcroft and a number 020 3318 6746. The importance of watching out for vulnerable relatives, neighbours and friends can’t be over-emphasised in these instances.

If you have any concerns about a close relative or neighbour, the nominated neighbour scheme is an excellent method for dealing with unwanted callers. Details can be found in the Croydon Doorstep pack or by calling trading standards on 020 8407 1311.

DELI PARADISE – CHRISTMAS FOOD AND PENSIONS SCAM

Residents are being warned of scam mailings that have been circulated recently. One such mailing offers a selection of French Christmas foods from Deli Paradise at discount

prices, with a variety of discounts, money-off vouchers and prizes offered for those who place orders.

More worryingly, the envelope in which it arrives is marked Personal & Confidential and the rear of the envelope carries the warning:

“Please read this letter carefully, because if you fail to reply before the deadline we will have to take the necessary steps, namely, the final cancellation of your eligibility for the Additional Pension Benefit.”

This worrying aspect of the scam seeks to intimidate people into opening and responding to the mailing. Be aware that it has nothing to do with the Department for Work and Pensions. Failure to open or respond to the letter will not affect legitimate pension benefits. Residents are warned to be vigilant and not to fall victim to such false, scare mongering claims.

OLYMPIC LOTTERY SCAM

This latest version of the online lottery scam claims association with both the UK national lottery and the International Olympic Committee in order to trick people into thinking they have won an online lottery prize.

Using the organisations’ distinctive logos, the email tells recipients that they have won an

online lottery prize of £1 million, out of a prize fund of £18 million.

The prize is said to be held by the UK Treasury Department, and recipients are asked to call a mobile phone number or pass personal details such as bank accounts and passport numbers by email. These details can be used by criminals to commit fraud.

Highlighted as a scam on the official London 2012 website, recipients of this email are warned not to provide any personal details or pay any money.

Protect yourself from lottery fraud:

• Never respond to these emails. If you haven’t entered a lottery, you can’t have won it.

• Lotteries abroad work in a similar way to those in this country. No official lotteries that we know of contact people to tell them that they have won.

• We don’t know of any official lottery operators who ask for fees to collect winnings – a request for a payment is a good indicator that someone is trying to defraud you.

• Never disclose your bank details or pay fees in advance.

• Be very suspicious if asked to respond to email addresses such as ‘@hotmail.com’

or ‘@yahoo.com’ – they are free and easy to set up; likewise, telephone numbers that begin with ‘07’.

• Genuine lotteries live on publicity, so would not request wins be kept secret.

Any that do are likely to be frauds.

• Fraudulent lotteries often have bad spelling and grammar. Take this as a warning that fraudsters are at work.

If you have been a victim of fraud, or suspect a fraud of any sort, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online via www.actionfraud.org.uk

EMAIL SCAMS

An email from BT ebilling this week claiming that they were unable to process your latest phone bill. You are requested to update your billing information by clicking on the link provided; this leads to a bogus website in Poland.

A N/W member has reported an email from ‘Cash Sorted’ which offers loans until payday, he was amazed at the interest rates quoted which is 1737%!! The link provided leads to a website registered in the UK.

ENERGY SCAM WARNING (SEE ALSO THE RRA HOMEPAGE ABOUT THIS SCAM)

The Trading Standards Institute is urging consumers to be aware of rogue telephone cold callers offering energy saving devices after trading standards up and down the country reported hundreds of complaints.

Trading standards are currently dealing with more than 200 complaints about people claiming to be their energy supplier or working in partnership with them, offering a plug in device which they say can save them 40 per cent off their energy bills.

Trading standards have had a number of the items tested which not only failed to satisfy electrical safety standards but do not deliver any tangible energy savings.

Ron Gainsford, Trading Standards Institute chief executive, said: “Consumers are warned not to use the product as they pose a risk of fire and electrocution and a safety recall has been issued for the items traced so far. Unscrupulous criminals are using the rising energy prices as an opportunity to lure in cash strapped consumers – elderly people seem to have been deliberately targeted. The number of complaints we are currently dealing with is bound to be only the tip of the iceberg.”

Westminster trading standards have been investigating the scam as the caller gives a London W1 Oxford Street address for the company. Sue Jones from Westminster trading standards said: “The address they give is that of a virtual office provider, the companies involved in these scams are not actually situated there - we believe the call centre they use is based abroad and the appliances appear to be distributed by a number of individuals in the UK.

“We know that these fraudsters have been duping consumers across the country into paying £99 for the energy saving device and have been told the caller always appears to be very credible by already knowing the consumers’ details, their energy supplier and sometimes some or all of the digits of their credit/debit card.

“Often consumers do not realize that they have been defrauded until they receive the dodgy looking device with instructions in broken English and the accompanying invoice which names an unknown supplier and often gives an American address.” So far four different suppliers have been named, 1 Stop Marketing Solutions, ITC Development Corp, Power Saver and Athico Ltd. but the fraudsters could be operating under other names too. Some of these names could be very similar to genuine companies – for example Power Saver Ltd, based in Tonbridge, Kent is not involved in this fraud. The director of Athico Ltd appears to have been a victim of the scam himself. He fully cooperated with trading standards and the company has now ceased trading.

Advice to consumers.

If consumers have responded to one of these cold calls they should report the matter to Action Fraud on www.actionfraud.org.uk 0300 123 2040 or Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506. They should also contact their bank to stop their debit/ credit card. If a device has been received they should not use it and dispose of it carefully.

Consumers should be cautious about giving out any personal or financial information. They should independently verify a caller’s identity before agreeing to purchase any goods or services.

CRIME NEWS

On the 17th November we warned about bogus callers claiming to be working for the Digital TV switchover next year, reports have now been received that scammers are working in the Westminster and Ealing boroughs where they are charging elderly residents for the changeover.

Mr Dan Nichols the Regional Project Co-ordinator for Carillion the Switchover Help scheme for Digital TV has asked if anyone in the Croydon area who has already had work carried out by Carillion for the changeover and is happy with the service could contact him for publicity in the local press. He would be happy to give further information if you phone him on 07908 932 757 or email daniel.nichols@carillionplc.com if you are interested.

On the 20th October we reported on scam phone calls claiming to be from Dyson offering to overhaul your Dyson cleaner. Dyson have confirmed that they do not make such calls. We are still receiving reports that these calls are being made in the Croydon area. Also continuing are the calls claiming to be from Microsoft or some other computer service company claiming that your computer is running slowly. These calls will ask to charge your credit card and they will download a virus onto your machine. Do not allow them to gain access to your computer but refuse their offer.

EMAIL SCAMS

A nasty scam email claiming to be from Barclays Bank with asks you to open an attachment to restore your account. The attachment logs into a website called ‘evrenbacak.com’ in Turkey contains a page headed Barclays which asks not only for your banking log in details, but your credit card details, phone numbers, email address and personal details such as date of birth etc. These details would then be used not only to clear your bank account but to use your credit card and probably set up false accounts in your name!

Another scam reported this week from Norton Antivirus Services which requires you to secure your email due to identity theft. The link leads to a website in the USA called ‘yourdesign.nl’ which was registered in Holland by an anonymous owner. This site attempts to collect your email account details so that it can be used for further spamming messages.

NATIONAL FRAUD INTELLIGENCE BUREAU WARNING

We have reported on this scam before and now the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has issued the following warning:

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has become aware of a recent increase in a fraud type whereby the over-60s have been persuaded to part with their bank card and PIN number.

The specific Modus Operandi is that victims are “cold-called” by someone pretending to be from their bank and informed that their bank card is no longer working, is out of date or has been subject of a suspicious transaction. Victims are informed that someone will be in touch and will arrange to exchange their inoperable card for a new one. On occasions, the PIN is obtained at this stage, either by the suspect asking the victim to tell them it, or by the suspect asking the victim to use their telephone keypad to input their PIN.

On the day of the crime, the victim receives a phone call from a suspect stating that a courier is en route to their home. The courier arrives and provides the victim with a card which resembles a real one (but is in fact counterfeit or stolen), then takes possession of the victims card, requesting their PIN at the same time (if this has not already been obtained). On occasion the courier arrives by taxi to collect the PIN.

Suspects then use the card and associated PIN to withdraw money from the victim’s bank account or spend on the card.

Risks

 Unnecessary stress to the victims. Reputational risk to financial institutions.

Advice

Do not honour the requests of anyone requesting to collect your bank card, as banks do not engage in the services of courier companies to collect customer cards.

 If you receive a call from someone stating that they work for your bank and want to tell you that your card is inoperable, never give any details. Politely ask them for their name and the department they work in, and then end the call. Following this, contact your card issuer and tell them about the phone call.

 Never give your PIN to anyone including the Police or someone from your bank or card issuer. No reputable person will ever ask you for your PIN.

 If you are in any doubt about the identity of a visitor, don’t open the door to them, and ask them to come back at another time, when a friend or relative can support you. If they do not represent a reputable company, they are unlikely to return.

POLICE WARNING OVER LAPTOP SCAM

Police in Croydon are issuing a warning to members of the public who may be on the lookout for a bargain laptop or i-Pad this Christmas, after a number of people have been conned into parting money for what has turned out to be a bag full of water bottles.

Since September this year, police have identified 9 similar incidents, where a member of the public has been approached by two men in Croydon offering to sell them laptops or i-Pads.

The victim has been shown the item in a bag, and after agreeing to buy the computer and handing over the cash - between £150 and £500 they have been given what they believed to be the item in the bag.

However, when they have gone to check the item later, they have discovered that it has been switched - often with two water bottles, which are roughly the same weight as the original item.

Acting Detective Inspector Tim Hammond, from Croydon CID said:

“We’ve identified a few of these offences now, which are all similar in that the suspects have shown the victim the item in a bag, but then managed to switch the item or bag without the victim realizing.

“In the run-up to Christmas, lots of people will be on the lookout for a bargain, and might consider buying items like this. Our advice is don’t - it could well be a scam as in these cases, or you could be buying stolen goods, in which case it could mean that they will be seized by police and you even could be arrested for handling stolen goods.”

Officers from Croydon CID continue to investigate the incidents and are appealing to anyone who may have been approached by two men with a similar offer to contact them and help them with their enquiries.

Anyone with information in relation to these incidents should contact Croydon CID on 020 8649 0100 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

EMAIL SCAMS

Many new variations on the old scams this week. One email claims to be from Mercedes Benz offering a new Maybach 62 car if you send them your personal details, no doubt a scam to obtain your email address etc for future spamming.

A well copied message from the Co-op bank, which claims there is difficulty logging you into your account. For some unexplained reason this would be corrected if you update your phone number! The link provided is to obtain your personal and login details for your account.

A new phishing message from ‘Direct Gov’ warns that due to a recent upgrade you must update your student finance profile; the link leads to a website called ‘nfoke.net’ registered in Spain with a server in France. Beware this site also has a drive by auto download of a phishing file.

There is also an email from ‘Natasha Raymond’ who claims that she was owed money by a Nigerian contractor and an attorney Mr Napoleon Udeh managed to get her outstanding cash for her, she gives his email address and recommends that your contact him to obtain the money that is also due to you. He only charges $270 dollars for his services! No doubt this would have to be paid in advance and he would then disappear.

EMAIL SCAMS

Several emails this week claiming to be from PayPal claiming that you need to click on the link to activate your account. These emails are addressed to ‘Dear Customer’ any genuine email would be addressed to you by name. The link leads to a website in the USA which has an exact copy of the genuine login page to obtain your personal details so that the spammers can access your account.

Another bank phishing email claims to be from the Co-operative bank and requires you to click on the link to claim your refund; it does not say what the refund is for. The link leads to a bogus site in Washington, USA.

BT customers have been receiving an email from lucy.pinney@bt connect.com; this is a normal BT customer address and is not an official BT staff address. The message asks you to download a free desktop help tool, the link leads to a website in Australia and no doubt the file contains a keylogger to return your passwords etc to the scammer.

CRIME NEWS

A N/W co-ordinator reported a scam phone call last week to 101, but has given the details as he had serious concerns for the elderly folk of Croydon:-

He took a phone call on 17th November from the Ministry Of Justice; a foreign sounding gentleman told him that as he was a good citizen, he was one of 110 pensioners living in the Purley area that was going to get back £3420 from the government. To get this money he had to ring 0705 4657298 and give the code TU 7901.

He played along and rang the number, and spoke to another Asian sounding gentleman called Martin Bolter. The co-ordinator gave him the code, and Mr Bolter identified the name and address, and told him he had won £2500 (money going down now), and to obtain this he was to go one of three shops in Kenley/Purley - either the wine shop or Co-op on the Godstone Road or the Spa Grocer in Purley and purchase a Ucash voucher for £100, and somebody would come to his house and collect it from him, and give him a cheque. No doubt the cheque would be bogus and the £100 voucher would be long gone. Trading Standards have been informed as this scam may be repeated.

EMAIL SCAMS

Several scam emails claiming to be from BT asking you to confirm your btinternet account on line due to excessive emails, these are bogus and an attempt to obtain your log in details so that the spammers can use your account. Another message is regarding a free desktop help programme and warns that your mailbox has exceeded the limits. If you do not click on the link your account will be deactivated. The link leads to a website in Malaysia where again they attempt to obtain your log in details.

EMAIL SCAMS

An email from ‘Ronald Hosko’ asking for office assistance he wants you to help with his bill collection and debt recover service. You will be asked to receive and cash bank drafts and cheques on his behalf and then send the cash to him from your account. Unfortunately you will also receive a visit from the Police for money laundering offences and will probably find that some of the bank drafts are bogus and be out of pocket for a large sum of cash. Steer well clear of any of these emailed offers!

EMAIL SCAMS

An old email that has been circulating from 2005 has re appeared this week; the following statement was issued by Phonepay Plus last year:

Postal scam chain email – PhonepayPlus’ statement 17/11/2010

PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, is aware that a chain e-mail about an alleged postal scam (PDS) is being circulated on the internet. The email refers to the Royal Mail, Trading Standards and ICSTIS (PhonepayPlus' former name).

PhonepayPlus appreciates that recipients of the email may want to find out more information about the alleged scam and has therefore issued the following statement:

The chain email refers to a service (operating on 0906 6611911) that was shut down by PhonepayPlus (then ICSTIS) in December 2005.

PhonepayPlus subsequently fined the company that was operating the service, Studio Telecom (based in Belize), £10,000.

The service is NO LONGER running and has NOT been running since December 2005.

You do NOT need to contact PhonepayPlus, or the Royal Mail, about the PDS service as it was stopped almost four years ago.

If you receive a copy of the email warning you about the alleged scam, please do NOT forward it to others. Instead, please forward this statement from PhonepayPlus.

EMAIL SCAMS

A new scam email for Virgin Mobile customers this week. The message claims that your last payment requires validation and you must click on the link or your account will be closed. The link leads to a known phishing website in the USA.

EMAIL SCAMS

Another BT scam this week with an email claiming to be from ‘customer.support@bt.com’ warning that your account has had a software update and you must click on the link provided to confirm your account. The link leads to a website called Ofees.net based in Guangdong, China and has an exact copy of the normal BT login page so that the scammers can obtain your password and account details.

EMAIL SCAMS

PCeU - Police Central e-crime Unit: Fake Antivirus

A new and prevalent scam is Fake Antivirus or FakeAV. Also known as Rogues Antivirus or Rogues of Scare Ware, this malware displays false alert messages to the victim concerning threats to their computer that do not really exist. The screen displays a warning ‘Attention illegal Activity was revealed’ and displays the Union flag together with the Met Police logo at the top of the page. The victim is prompted to visit a website where they are asked to pay for the non-existent threats to be removed. In some cases telephone contact is made from the scammers requesting remote access to machines to “clean the system up”. Access of this nature can result in full computer compromise that only wiping the hard drive and re-installation of the operating system can rectify. The FakeAV will continue to send annoying and intrusive alerts until a payment is made.

It is highly recommended that only Antivirus products from recognised vendors are used to protect systems and for re-assurance run a full scan with your current AV software.

How to report a cyber crime

PayPal or eBay related issues should be sent to spoof@paypal.co.uk or spoof@ebay.co.uk respectively

Send all banking related "phishing" emails to: reports@banksafeonline.org.uk

For issues relating to Social Networking Sites: The law regarding social network site accounts

CRIME NEWS

A scam to be aware of in Central Croydon, this week a lady was shopping in the Whitgift Centre and saw two female Asian suspects, one of who appeared to have been taken ill, when the victim approached to help one of the two Asian females dipped into her bag and stole her purse.

EMAIL SCAMS

An email claiming to be from First Direct this week warning that they need you to update your information due to enhancements in their Sign in Protection feature. They claim to need to install a new cookie onto your PC and supply three links for you to log into the website, unfortunately the links do not work! This would appear to be yet another attempt to obtain customers log in details so that they can access your account, no bank would need you to update your information, any new security measures would be shown on the normal log in page when you access the genuine site.

Another BT scam message warning that they have completed your monthly upgrade of your email account and you need to verify your identity by clicking on the link which leads to a website called freecpanelhost.co. in Virginia USA.

EMAIL SCAMS

In addition to the usual Nigerian 419 scam emails claiming that you have been left a large sum by someone with the same surname as you a N/W member has received a letter in the post from a Mrs Pamela Guan who claims to be a private investment manger who has a large sum in US dollars left by client who has since disappeared. She is willing to split the money with you to stop the money being taken by the Chinese state authorities and you need to keep this matter secret! The only contact address given is an email pguan7@ymail.com and no doubt she will require you to send her cash to enable the release of the funds, if you send money you will never hear from her again.

Last June and again on the 28th July we mentioned an email scam where a message claiming to be from a friend states that they have been robbed while on holiday abroad. The message asks you to send them money by Western Union so that they can pay their bills. A N/W member has reported receiving yet another of these messages this week. . It would seem that this type of scam is still being used so please be aware of any similar messages you might receive and check with the sender by phone or email before making any reply.

EMAIL SCAMS

An email from waltm@ptd.net which has been spoofed as no_reply@hmrc.gov.uk containing an attachment called HM Revenue & Customs.htm which has a message claimed to be from HM Revenue and Customs informing you that you have a tax refund due, the link provided leads to a website in Washington USA where they will try and obtain your credit card details.

A very old hoax email from 1999 being re-circulated this week warning that a screen saver with the Budweiser Frogs on it will destroy your computer. This is false, please do not distribute this rubbish but delete it.

BANK CARD SCAM

Following on our report of the courier scam to obtain your bank card and pin number last week a N/W member has reported the following:

About ten days ago one of my neighbours had a call from someone saying he was ringing from his own Bank (Barclays), was very well spoken and completely fooled him into parting with his pin number. He was asked if he had received his new card yet and of course hadn't, so was told because of recent fraud and for added security his old card would be collected by a courier at a time to be arranged later that day and a new card would be delivered also by a courier the following morning.

Fortunately his wife came home in time to answer the call to make this arrangement and told the caller to get lost, the caller hung up. The Bank was then contacted, the card was destroyed and a new card and pin number was issued in the normal way by post under separate cover.

The neighbour is in his late seventies so fits the pattern but the caller was so well spoken, knew his 'phone number and which Bank he used and sounded so genuine that he was believed, luckily no harm was done on this occasion.

DO NOT GIVE YOUR PIN NUMBER TO ANYONE EVEN YOUR BANK OR THE POLICE!

EMAIL SCAMS

FAKE TECHNICAL SUPPORT PHONE SCAM

We have reported on this scam before but please beware of a phone scam doing the rounds again. This week people living in the Coulsdon area have received phone calls from an Asian sounding computer technician calling from Global Tech on 0091208099752 claiming a virus is on their home computer which needs to be removed.

The route the phonecall takes is usually as follows :

1. The caller asks whether there is a computer in the house.
2. If a "yes" is received, the caller explains (s)he works for Microsoft, Global Tech, ClickClick, NerdSoft or some other technical sounding company.
3. To add authenticity, the address being phoned is read out along with the phone number (this infomation is read from the phone book).
4. The caller then explains that there is a virus on the computer spewing out personal information.
5. Householders may then be guided to a web page showing a list of "problems" on the PC or the event viewer which will show errors.
6. If questioned, the caller may start to get quite aggressive and insist the virus has to be removed.
7. Remote control software is then used to "remove" the problems.
8. Householders are charged up to £180 for the removal of the problem.

Neither Microsoft nor any respectible support company will cold call people offering techical support in this way. This is a scam. Please hang up if you're unlucky enough to receive this type of call.

BANK CARD SCAM

City of London Police have reported a number of incidents where fraudsters are approaching elderly victims at their homes claiming to work for a courier company that delivers plastic bank cards on behalf of banks. The fraudsters tell the victims that the bank has issued them a new bank card, and that they need to collect their old card and pin number. Fraudsters then leave the victim’s with heavily sellotaped envelopes that surprisingly do not contain a replacement card. Most victims are aged 80+ plus years and live in the London area or surrounding counties.

Two cases in Croydon this week where elderly cardholders have been called by a scammer claiming to be their bank saying that they needed to collect their credit cards and that a courier would call for them shortly, this fraud has been spreading recently and the following advice has been given by Financial Fraud Action UK.

Scam can be stopped easily, provided cardholders:

Never share their PIN with anyone (including the police or their bank)

Be wary when receiving unsolicited phone calls from people claiming to be from their bank or card company. If in doubt, call the bank or card company back on a number you know to be correct.

Give cold-callers a cold reception!

Financial Fraud Action UK, the voice of the industry for financial fraud matters, has advised about the recent rise in popularity of an old-style phone scam. The fraudsters dupe unsuspecting cardholders into handing over their card and revealing their PIN by pretending to be from either their bank, Card Company, or even the police.

The scam begins with the fraudster phoning up, typically claiming to be from the security or fraud department of the prospective victim’s bank, saying that their records have flagged up a fraudulent transaction on their card. By seeming to offer assistance, the fraudster hopes to gain the victim’s trust.

The fraudster then asks the victim to write down their PIN – and place it in an envelope with their card – and advises the victim that they will send a courier to collect it. The fraudster then hires a genuine courier to collect the envelope that contains the victim’s card and PIN. The courier, who is an unwitting pawn in the scam, then hands over the envelope to the fraudster, who uses the card and PIN to withdraw cash from cash machines.

Katy Worobec, Head of Fraud Control, Financial Fraud Action UK said: “Fraudsters have been targeting particular groups of cardholders. So far some of the victims have included pensioners and members of the Asian community. However, what is now clear is that the scam is becoming more widespread.”

“You should never disclose your PIN or any personal financial information as a result of someone cold-calling you over the phone – wherever they claim to be from. If you have any doubts when approached in this way you should hang up the phone and call the organisation back on a number that you know is correct. If you think you have already been a victim of this scam, contact your bank or card company immediately.”

BEWARE - DISTRACTION BURGLARS WATER *EXPLOSION* MO

Thieves are operating outside London at present and are claiming to be working for the WATERBOARD.

They claim that there has been an EXPLOSION whilst work is being undertaken on local waterworks, and that they need to enter your house in order to CHECK THE WATER.

Upon entry they will attempt to distract you by asking you to check / monitor the water flow from taps, toilets, etc - Whilst you are distracted they will steal valuables.

As a general rule, persons working for Water companies will NOT need to enter your home. Please, do not let anybody claiming to be working for the Water companies enter your home without confirming their identity.

If you have any suspicions about whether the caller is legitimate, please call your provider, using the number stated in your water bills.

If you suspect that the caller may be a fraud, please contact your local Police station immediately, or alternatively call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111

EMAIL SCAMS

An old email that has been circulating from 2008 has re appeared this week. It claims that a visitor to John Lewis at Bluewater had her handbag stolen from the customer toilets. John Lewis claims no knowledge of the incident but the claim in the email is that the victim received a call from John Lewis shortly after asking her to collect her bag which had been found. When she went to the store they had no knowledge of the bag and upon retuning home she found that her house had been burgled using her keys from the handbag. While this theft would be possible it really is a warning to be careful with your property when in a public place and not to let any bags out of your sight.

EMAIL SCAMS

A very clever scam email this week targeting Halifax customers with a message claiming that you’re new monthly Halifax Access Notification is available via an attachment. Clicking on this leads to a website with an exact copy of a Halifax log in page asking for your banking details. The page has large boxes claiming that this is a secure site and welcomes you to the new log in page, unfortunately this site if in Mumbai and owned by a company called Formbuddy.com. There is a similar email claiming to be from Northern Rock but in this case the link leads to a website in Brazil.

Another HM Revenue & Customs scam message claiming that you have a tax refund and you should click on the link; this leads to a website in Spain which in turn claims to be the Bank of Jordan! Seems the scammers got confused as to who they were claming to be.

Another attempt to scam email customers of Clara Net with a message asking them to click on a link to obtain an upgrade on your email account. The scammer used a cloud based link on Google.com but Google have now found out about the scam and closed the link which tried to obtain your log in details so that the spammer can use your account.

EMAIL MESSAGES

Customers to Talk Talk broadband receiving an email this week claiming that their last payment failed and they should click on the link provided to avoid interruption of their service, this leads to a website in France which asked for log on details so that your account can be taken over for sending out spam messages.

EMAIL NEWS

On the 16th June last we reported a new scam email from a known friend received by a N/W member claiming that the friend had been robbed while on holiday abroad and asking for emergency cash to be sent immediately. There have been two reports from N/W members this week who have received a similar scam message, the wording of each message is different but both claim to have been robbed of all their belongings and urgently require cash to be sent via Western Union. It would seem that this type of scam is spreading so please be aware of any similar messages you might receive and check with the sender by phone or email before making any reply.

EMAIL MESSAGES

An old scare email from 2006 has been re-circulated by Wiltshire Police this warns of a scam phone call claiming to be from Visa or Mastercard warning that there may fraudulent activity on your card, the caller may then give your card number or address and ask if you still have the card in your possession, then asks you to confirm the three digit security number on the back. Hoax-slayer.com has the following information on their website:

Although the specific CVV2/CVC2 scam described may not occur as often as implied, the advice in the message is nevertheless worth heeding. You should never provide account information to anyone claiming to be from a credit card provider, the financial institution that issued the card or any other company, without first effectively verifying the identity of the caller. Credit card companies or banks are unlikely to request sensitive financial information over the phone unless you were the one who initiated the call.

If you do receive such an unsolicited call, the safest course of action is to:

1. Ask for the caller's name and department details and then terminate the call.

2. Find a legitimate contact number for the company either in a bill or other official documentation or a telephone directory. (Don't use a contact number provided by the caller).

3. Call the company and ask to speak to the original caller by name.

This strategy should effectively derail any scam attempts and also allow you to deal with the issue in the event that the call was actually legitimate.

A key factor regarding this scheme is that it can only work if the scammer already has your credit card number and contact details. In other words, regardless of the success or failure of the scheme, your financial security has already been compromised. Thus, if you do receive a security code scam call like the one described, recognizing it as a scam and terminating the call is only part of the solution. Naturally, you should also immediately inform your credit card issuer that the security of your card may have been compromised and take any other steps necessary to protect yourself from credit card fraud and identity theft.

CRIME NEWS

Report from the co-ordinator at SHIRLEY that they had a "scam" car theft during the last weekend in Shirley. A resident went to a friend's home and parked across her shared driveway entrance. Her friend was in the car when a woman with a European accent tapped on her passenger window. The driver thought she needed access to the driveway, so re-started her car and moved it forward and stopped. The woman tapped on the window again and said there was an oil leak and her father was a mechanic. Driver got out leaving engine running and went to back of the car, passenger also got out to look. Quick as a flash, a young man jumped into the driving seat and drove off with the two ladies handbags inside.

The other woman walked quickly off the in opposite direction. The car was found by police the following day, in a small cul-de-sac close by, the following day. Handbags had gone and a full tank of petrol was down to nothing.

Police advised that this can happen and the thieves watch to see if the stolen car is noticed and will then take the car again. Both were described as being in their late 20's/30's.

This type of scam has occurred at intervals throughout the Croydon area and you are advised not to get out of your vehicle but drive to a safe place and then check if there are any faults.

EMAIL MESSAGES

More bank phishing emails with both Natwest and Halifax being targeted with emails claiming that new security procedures require you to log onto your account or that there is unusual activity taking place on your account. The links provided in the messages lead to bogus login pages on websites in France, Norway and the USA.

There has also been an email from a ‘Valery Wyatkin’ using a college email address claiming that she works for the Euro Lottery and has over four million pounds of lottery winnings to share with you! She asks you to reply to her gmail.com address where no doubt you will be asked to forward a release fee in advance to her.

Further emails targeting Talktalk customers warning that their account details have changed and they need to click on a link which leads to an overseas website which tries to obtain your log-in details so that the spammers can use your account to send their messages.

Yet another Halifax Bank scam message claiming that there has been unusual activity on your account and you must click on the link, this leads to a website in Columbia. As always these scam emails are not addressed to you by name as these messages are sent out in their thousands to random email addresses, the absence of your name is an immediate give away that this is a scam message.

EMAIL MESSAGES

A N/W member has reported receiving a scam email from a known and correct email address claiming that a friend had been mugged while on holiday in Spain. Her mobile phone and all her cash and credit cards had been stolen. Her bank was sending a replacement card to her home address and she then asked for emergency cash to be sent to her via Western Union Money Transfer. When checked it was not true and the friend was at home and not on holiday. It appears that her email account had been taken over and used to send the scam messages. The account has now been closed and you are advised that if you should ever receive any similar message please check first before sending any cash as once money is sent by Western Union and it has been collect there is no chance of ever getting the money back.

Another lottery scam email this week sent by a ‘Mrs Eve Wagner’ from Brussels using a university email address in Holland. This message claims that you have won 2.5 million Euros on the Super Lotto Email Sweepstake and you should send your personal details by email to another email address at luckymail.com, this is a known 419 scamming website which has been set up especially to scam anyone who falls for the message and obtain personal details and possibly advance fees to release your winnings. Beware!

TOP UP SAFE CAMPAIGN GUIDE TO PREPAYMENT METER FRAUD

About prepayment meters

Electricity prepayment meters (PPMs) allow customers to pay in advance for their energy, using a special key with their electricity meter. The key is “topped up” with credit every time the customer pays for electricity at an official outlet. The customer then returns home puts the key in their meter and continues to use electricity. There are a range of official outlets where you can purchase “top-ups” legally – such as shops or garages offering PayPoint or Payzone facilities and at the Post Office.

Paying for electricity in advance in this way can help customers to budget and is a popular way for many customers to pay for their energy.

What is prepayment meter fraud?

Energy companies have become aware that criminals are offering illegal top-ups to people who use prepayment electricity meters. This is a serious, organised crime with gangs operating on the doorstep, selling illegal credit. The criminals often claim to be offering a discount, but anyone who buys electricity top-ups this way will end up paying for their electricity twice. They have paid a criminal, and will still have to pay their electricity company who can detect when the fraud has taken place. That is why Energy UK and all of Britain’s major energy companies are urging customers to steer clear of the criminals involved in this crime, and to always buy their electricity top-up through the proper, legal means.

This risk only applies to people with electricity prepayment meters. There are over 3.7 million of these meters in homes across the country. Most people don’t have prepayment meters – they have a standard credit meter instead, and pay for their electricity after they’ve used it, whether online, by cheque or direct debit. All these customers will be unaffected by the fraud.

Who is affected?

More than 127,000 customers have already been involved, and in theory 3.7 million people are at risk. The fraud is estimated to have cost customers more than £7million already.

What is the Top-up Safe campaign?

The Top-up Safe campaign is run by Energy UK with the aim of raising awareness of prepayment meter fraud. The key messages of the campaign are:

1. Only buy credit for your pre-pay electricity meter from official outlets such as the Post

Office, PayPoint or Payzone, or you’ll end up paying twice

2. If anyone offers you energy top-ups on the doorstep, they are trying to involve you in

criminal activity

3. Don’t be fooled. Energy companies can identify homes using electricity but not paying for it

4. Energy UK is offering a reward of up to £10,000 in partnership with Crimestoppers, for

information that leads to an arrest and conviction of one of these criminals

What action has been taken to date?

Industry has been working with the Police, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), Consumer Focus and Crimestoppers to stop the crime and stamp it out. Once the prepayment meter fraud came to the attention of energy companies, a team of security and prepayment meter experts was immediately put together to investigate technical solutions. Companies also begun a huge programme to contact customers individually, not just those affected directly, but all prepayment meter customers, to warn them that the fraud may be taking place in their area and not to get involved.

EMAIL MESSAGES

Yet further emails targeting Talktalk customers warning that their account details have changed and they need to click on a link which leads to an overseas website in France which tries to obtain your log-in details so that the spammers can use your account to send their messages.

No large organization would ever send such a message as it would be admitting that they were unable to keep your account details secure and they would be at risk of being investigated by the regulators.

A similar scam with a message claiming to be from Lloyds TSB bank warning that your online account has an error and you need to click on the link which lead to a website in Spain which has now been closed down. As mention above no large organization would every send such an email. Any genuine message from the bank would be addressed to you personally and not ‘Dear valued customer’ etc.

EMAIL NEWS

A new scam message this week which claims to be from the FBI in Washington the message confirms that the FBI have checked your recent win on the lottery and they have arranged for a cheque to be sent to you from the Bank of America for 8 million dollars. They only require you to send a cheque to an agent called Adewale Philbert for the sum of 250 dollars so that you cheque can be released!! If you do you will never here from Mr Philbert again as this is an African based scam

We recently reported on a flood of emails trying to obtain login details from customers of TalkTalk and have now received a report from an N/W member of a scam phone call also targeted at TalkTalk customers. The caller knew the members name and offered a discount if the contract was renewed for a further two years. The caller asked for personal details such as address, telephone numbers etc (TalkTalk would already have this information on file) the member became suspicious and hung up before calling TalkTalk who confirmed that they had not made any such call to him.

EMAIL NEWS

Santander has sent out the following information to all their online banking customers this week in a new initive to improve online banking security.

“We want you to recognise a fraudulent email if you receive one. Santander will always greet you personally using your title, surname and the last three characters of your postcode: e.g 3ZF, at the top of any marketing email we send you.

Dear Mr. Smith,

At Santander we know protecting your identity is important, that’s why we’re always looking at ways to guard you from identity theft and fraud. We’re also committed to help you use our online service securely. So here’s what we’re doing to make sure your personal information stays safe.

Our promise to you, we will;

Never ask you for your security passwords (such as logon details) or PINs via email or when we call you.

Always address emails to you personally using your title and surname.

As an added security measure, we will always include the last three characters of your postcode on any marketing email we send you or quote the last four digits of your account number in order to identify ourselves to you.

Provide you with free security software to help you stay safe online.

Don’t forget that when you want to access Santander Online Banking, never click on links or pictures in emails, and avoid setting santander.co.uk as a favourite in your browser.”

It is to be hoped that other banks will follow this lead. As always any bank email addressed to ‘Dear customer’ etc is one of thousands sent out by spammers in the hope that someone will click on the link and give them their bank login details.

Following on from the above a N/W member has reported receiving an email from @info.paypal.co.uk addressed to her by name and warning that her credit card details need updating by clicking onto the link provided. As the member was unsure she contacted PayPal and they have confirmed that this is a scam. There are reports of this type of message on the internet and it appears that some PayPal member’s details have been obtained by scammers. If anyone has a PayPal account do not click on any links in emails but contact the company by typing the address into your browser, any suspect emails can be forwarded to spoof@paypal.com for checking.

CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE FROM ACTION FRAUD

Do not give personal details including banking details to anyone either in the street, on the doorstep, over the telephone or on the internet as these details can be used to steal your identity

Consider registering with the Telephone Preference Service to stop unsolicited telephone calls. This is a free service. Further details can be obtained from www.tpsonline.org.uk or 020 7291 3320. Registration can be made on line or by phone 0845 070 0707

Consider registering with the Mailing Preference Service as this supports the right to choose the mail you wish to receive. Further details can be obtained from www.mpsonline.org.uk or 020 7291 3310. Registration can be made on line or by phone 0845 703 4599. This is a free service.

Consider only registering for the full register when renewing electoral registrations. Electoral registers are updated every autumn and are lists of all the names and addresses of everyone who is eligible to vote. The full register is used for elections, preventing and detecting crime and checking applications for loans or credit. To ensure your name only appears on the full register you must opt out of appearing on the edited register. To do this you should enter a in the ‘edited register’ box. This will prevent personal information being made available for marketing and any other commercial activities. Further information can be found on www.direct.gov.uk/en/governmentcitizensandrights

If you are a victim of fraudulent activity this can be reported to Action on Fraud at www.actionfraud.org.uk or telephone 0300 123 2040

Refunds on services received (Council tax or Inland Revenue etc) will generally be made by the billing authority

Beware of cold calls even when the caller appears to have personal information such as your address or bank account details. Legitimate callers will never be offended if you ask to call back in order to confirm their identity; when doing so always use a phone number that you’ve obtained from previous correspondence or an independent source such as phone book or an official website.