Some good information here about preventing TSB Fraud from National NHW

Here is the Napton NHW Summary & Trading Standards info for June/July to download

Here is the April / May Southam SNT Newsletter to download

and the March/April Southam SNT Newsletter to download

45 Second Video Could save You a Bundle! New Video Extols Benefits of Online Checks for Used Car Buyers

For information, Warwickshire Trading Standards have released a new video which extols the benefits of online checks for used car buyers.

To view the video on the Warwickshire Trading Standards website, please click this link:

http://news.warwickshire.gov.uk/blog/2018/04/27/45-second-video-could-save-you-a-bundle-new-video-extols-benefits-of-online-checks-for-used-car-buyers/

Read more

The following summary information from Napton NHW will appear in the May Parish News:

Letter box thefts – South Warwickshire has seen an increase in Identity Theft where the victims have an external letterbox. Offenders are intercepting post to commit fraud by applying for a credit card and creating online banking accounts using the personal details they have stolen from letterboxes. Please report any bank cards that you are not expecting to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Please call 101 and report anyone who you believe is suspicious, making a note of their description and vehicle registration plate. The criminals commit different frauds depending on the nature of the personal information they have managed to steal. Documents and mail containing personal and financial information are particularly valuable to fraudsters, and those envelopes containing debit and credit cards can be used to fraudulently buy high-end goods or withdraw cash. Cheque books can also be stolen and used to make fraudulent transactions. Even when fraudsters fail to get their hands on documents containing financial information, there is still a treasure trove of information they can exploit. Some may steal utility bills, and these are then used to commit ID theft or to make bogus loan claims. Even the most basic of personal data can be used – for instance phone scammers who impersonate the police or bank are able to make their calls more convincing by using the information gleaned from stolen documents.

• Make sure that your letterbox, or the place where your mail is deposited, is secure and cannot be accessed by anyone else.
• Don’t leave mail uncollected for long periods of time – pick it up regularly
• If you are changing your address, please tell your bank, card issuer and other important organisations immediately.
• If you are not able to pick up your mail for a few days, ensure that someone trustworthy can collect it instead, or consider using a mail collection service.
• Know the dates you are due to receive bills and bank statements, and where possible, organise to receive these documents electronically.
• If your bank offers you the option, consider picking up new cards or chequebooks in person.
• On moving house, use a mail redirection service.
• If you suspect your mail has been stolen, contact the sender and Royal Mail immediately.

Banks themselves have measures in place to minimise the risk of key documents being intercepted – for example, by using unmarked letters or packaging envelopes so that it is not obvious a card is inside. In addition, banks work closely with the Royal Mail to identify problem hotspots, so they can deploy different strategies for sending out cards.

Fraudsters want your PIN and bank card details – residents across the area are receiving telephone calls from scammers pretending to be police officers, and requesting PIN and bank card details. The fraudsters state they are police officers and name departments, such as the Fraud Squad. Please remember that the Police or a bank would never ask for such information and would never come to your house to collect your cards or cash; and they would never ask you to transfer money to a secure account. Unfortunately an elderly lady has fallen victim to these fraudsters. These rogues often target those who are elderly or vulnerable. If you have elderly friends or relatives who may be vulnerable to this scam, please talk to them and make them aware of the likely dangers.

The Police offer the following advice to protect you from these scams:

1/ If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately, wait and ensure the line has cleared, then report the call to 101 (if possible use another phone).

2/ In an emergency, if somebody is threatening you or has come to your home to demand money or collect items such as bank cards, dial 999 immediately.

3/ If you need support from your bank/building society, visit your local branch or phone them on a verified number (not the number the mystery caller has given you).

4/ Trust your instincts – apply the same logic if a stranger with an unusual story asked for your money or your private information.

Item from Action Fraud

Action Fraud has received several reports indicating that sellers of items on online marketplace websites are falling victim to fraud by bogus buyers. Typically, the bogus buyers contact the seller wanting to purchase the item for sale and advise they will be sending the requested amount via PayPal or other electronic payment method. The seller then receives a fake, but official looking email stating they have been paid more than the asking price and to send the difference back to the buyer’s bank account. In reality, no money has ever been sent to the seller; the bogus buyer has spoofed an email and purported to be an online payment company. All contact is then severed with the seller. It is important to remember that selling anything could make you a target to these fraudsters however the NFIB has identified that those offering sofas, large furniture and homeware are particularly vulnerable. Protection Advice   • Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic. Remember criminals can imitate any email address. Stay in control. Always use a trusted payment method online, such as Paypal, and have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for payment like bank transfers. • Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision.  Always verify that you have received payment from the buyer before completing a sale. • Listen to your instincts.  Criminals will try and make unusual behaviour, like overpaying, seem like a genuine mistake. Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online. If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.