Scams!
We all hear about them one way or another, and whilst we are confirming whether the Scams listed on these pages are legitimate or not, we feel that 'forewarned is forearmed'! Please feel free to contact the webmaster using the link at the bottom of the page if you have any Scams you'd like to add
Posted on 28th November 2011:
Bedfordshire Police is warning residents to be extra cautious regarding the information they give out over the telephone after receiving reports of a bogus telephone caller.
So far six reports have been received over the last two days from residents in the Dunstable and Houghton Regis areas of the county.
A man has contacted the residents posing as a police officer and told them that a warrant is out for their arrest and their house will be raided.
Although confused and concerned about the threat luckily the residents have not given out any personal details and contacted the police who have confirmed the calls are a hoax.
Officers would like to urge other residents who have received similar calls to report the matter to the force so action can be taken to trace and stop the hoax caller.
Police are taking this opportunity to remind members of the public not to give out any personal information over the telephone or to anyone who calls at their home unsolicited.
Residents are also reminded that they should always check the identification of any caller who visits their home before letting them in, and remember, a representative from any bona fide organisation, including the police, will be happy for their credentials to be checked.
Anyone with information about these calls can contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on 1 0 1 or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Posted on 14th November 2011:
A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact the m on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).
DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize .
If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £315 for the phone call.
If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655
For more information, see the Crime Stoppers website: http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
Posted 22nd September 2011:
I received a call from a 'representative' of BT, informing me that he was dis-connecting me because of an unpaid bill. He demanded payment immediately of £31.00 or it would be £118.00 to re-connect at a later date.
The guy wasn't even fazed when I told him I was with Virgin Media, allegedly VM have to pay BT a percentage for line rental!
I asked the guy's name - he gave me the very 'English' John Peacock with a very 'African' accent - & phone number - 0800 0800 152.
Obviously the fellow realized I didn't believe his story, so offered to demonstrate that he was from BT. I asked how & he told me to hang up & try phoning someone - he would dis-connect my phone to prevent this. AND HE DID !!
My phone was dead - no engaged tone, nothing - until he phoned me again.
Very pleased with himself, he asked if that was enough proof that he was with BT. I asked how the payment was to be made and he said credit card, there and then.
I said that I didn't know how he'd done it, but I had absolutely no intention of paying him, I didn't believe his name or that he worked for BT.
He hung up.
I dialed 1471 - number withheld
I phoned his fictitious 0800 number - not recognized., so I phoned the police to let them know. I wasn't the first! It's only just started apparently, but it is escalating.
Their advice was to let as many people as possible know of this scam. The fact that the phone does go off would probably convince some people it's real, so please make as many friends & family aware of this.
How is it done?
This is good but not that clever.. He gave the wrong number - it should have been 0800 800 152 which takes you through to BT Business.
The cutting off of the line is very simple, he stays on the line with the mute button on and you can't dial out - but he can hear you trying (This is because the person who initiates a call is the one to terminate it). When you stop trying he cuts off and immediately calls back.
You could almost be convinced!
The sad thing is that it is so simple that it will certainly fool the elderly and vulnerable.
By the way this is not about getting the cash as this would not get past merchant services - it is all about getting the credit card details which include the security number so that it can be used for far larger purchases.
Andy ORPIN
Police Community Support Officer