Messages sent via Devon and Cornwall Alert
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The community messaging service used by Devon & Cornwall Police, Action Fraud, Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch
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** NEW - Message issued 20th July 2018 **
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Rise In Fake Amazon Emails
These fake emails are after your Amazon login details!
We’ve had an increased number of reports about fake emails purporting to be from Amazon. The subject line and content of the emails vary, but they all contain links leading to phishing websites designed to steal your Amazon login details.
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Rise In Fake Amazon Emails
These fake emails are after your Amazon login details!
We’ve had an increased number of reports about fake emails purporting to be from Amazon. The subject line and content of the emails vary, but they all contain links leading to phishing websites designed to steal your Amazon login details.
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
** Message issued 10th May 2018 **
Message sent by Shirley Craft (Police, Community Messaging Officer, Devon & Cornwall)
Theft from Vans in Devon
Police are receiving reports of thefts of tools and equipment from vans across the Devon area.
Although sporadic we get two or three incidents at a time suggesting the offenders are targeting an area then moving on elsewhere. The offender/s target works vans as often large amounts of tools and equipment are kept inside. All makes and models are vulnerable although recent crimes have involved Ford Transit vans.
If your business or work requires you to keep tools in your van please consider upping you security especially when leaving the vehicle overnight. Whilst it's not always practical to remove everything out of the van, there are crime prevention options available such as property or DNA marking that can reduce the risk of your kit being stolen or increase the chances of it being recovered if it is. Google 'SelectaDNA' for more details.
If you have people working for you or at your property, please advise them of this risk to their vehicle and tools and for the need to be vigilant whilst on site. If you are offered tools for sale you suspect might be stolen, please contact us on 101 with any details you have. If you see anyone acting suspiciously around work sites or vehicles phone us immediately on 999 with any vehicle or descriptive details.
Message sent by Shirley Craft (Police, Community Messaging Officer, Devon & Cornwall)
Theft from Vans in Devon
Police are receiving reports of thefts of tools and equipment from vans across the Devon area.
Although sporadic we get two or three incidents at a time suggesting the offenders are targeting an area then moving on elsewhere. The offender/s target works vans as often large amounts of tools and equipment are kept inside. All makes and models are vulnerable although recent crimes have involved Ford Transit vans.
If your business or work requires you to keep tools in your van please consider upping you security especially when leaving the vehicle overnight. Whilst it's not always practical to remove everything out of the van, there are crime prevention options available such as property or DNA marking that can reduce the risk of your kit being stolen or increase the chances of it being recovered if it is. Google 'SelectaDNA' for more details.
If you have people working for you or at your property, please advise them of this risk to their vehicle and tools and for the need to be vigilant whilst on site. If you are offered tools for sale you suspect might be stolen, please contact us on 101 with any details you have. If you see anyone acting suspiciously around work sites or vehicles phone us immediately on 999 with any vehicle or descriptive details.
** Message issued 30th April 2018 **
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
TV Providers Discount Fraud
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) have noticed an increase in Action Fraud reports where fraudsters are offering a discount on Television service provider subscriptions. Fraudsters are cold-calling victims, purporting to be from a Television (TV) provider offering a discount on their monthly subscription. Victims have been told the following: their subscription needs to be renewed; that part or all, of the TV equipment has expired and they are due an upgrade on the equipment/subscription. In order to falsely process the discount, the fraudster asks victims to confirm or provide their bank account details. The scammers may also request the victim’s identification documents, such as scanned copies of passports.
The fraudsters are using the following telephone numbers: “08447111444”, “02035190197” and “08001514141”. The fraudster’s voices are reported to sound feminine and have an Asian accent.
Later victims make enquiries and then discover that their TV service provider did not call them and that the fraudster has made transactions using the victim’s bank account details.
This type of fraud is nationwide. Since the beginning of this year (2018), there have been 300 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud. From the reports received, victims aged over 66 seem to be the most targeted.
What you need to do
• Don’t assume a phone call or email is authentic: Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Criminals can exploit the names of well-known companies in order to make their scams appear genuine.
• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: a genuine company won’t force you to make a financial decisions on the spot. Always be wary if you’re pressured to purchase a product or service quickly, and don’t hesitate to question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam.
• Stay in control: Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. Always contact the company yourself using a known email or phone number, such as the one written on a bank statement or bill.
Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
TV Providers Discount Fraud
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) have noticed an increase in Action Fraud reports where fraudsters are offering a discount on Television service provider subscriptions. Fraudsters are cold-calling victims, purporting to be from a Television (TV) provider offering a discount on their monthly subscription. Victims have been told the following: their subscription needs to be renewed; that part or all, of the TV equipment has expired and they are due an upgrade on the equipment/subscription. In order to falsely process the discount, the fraudster asks victims to confirm or provide their bank account details. The scammers may also request the victim’s identification documents, such as scanned copies of passports.
The fraudsters are using the following telephone numbers: “08447111444”, “02035190197” and “08001514141”. The fraudster’s voices are reported to sound feminine and have an Asian accent.
Later victims make enquiries and then discover that their TV service provider did not call them and that the fraudster has made transactions using the victim’s bank account details.
This type of fraud is nationwide. Since the beginning of this year (2018), there have been 300 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud. From the reports received, victims aged over 66 seem to be the most targeted.
What you need to do
• Don’t assume a phone call or email is authentic: Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Criminals can exploit the names of well-known companies in order to make their scams appear genuine.
• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: a genuine company won’t force you to make a financial decisions on the spot. Always be wary if you’re pressured to purchase a product or service quickly, and don’t hesitate to question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam.
• Stay in control: Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. Always contact the company yourself using a known email or phone number, such as the one written on a bank statement or bill.
Visit Take Five (takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/) and Cyber Aware (cyberaware.gov.uk) for more information about how to protect yourself online.
** Message issued 16th March 2018 **
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
NFIB Alert - False Telephone Preference Service Calls
Fraudsters are cold-calling victims, falsely stating that they are calling from one of the well-known UK telecommunication service providers. They call victims claiming to provide a ‘Telephone Preference Service’ - an enhanced call-barring service, which includes barring international call centres.
The fraudsters ask victims to confirm/provide their bank account details, informing them that there is a one-off charge for the service. Victims instead see monthly debits deducted from their accounts, which they have not authorised. The fraudsters often target elderly victims.
In all instances, direct debits are set up without following proper procedure. The victim is not sent written confirmation of the direct debit instruction, which is supposed to be sent within three days.
On occasions when victims attempted to call back, the telephone number provided by the fraudster was either unable to be reached or the victim’s direct debit cancellation request was refused.
During 2017, there were 493 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud.
Protect yourself:
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.
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
NFIB Alert - False Telephone Preference Service Calls
Fraudsters are cold-calling victims, falsely stating that they are calling from one of the well-known UK telecommunication service providers. They call victims claiming to provide a ‘Telephone Preference Service’ - an enhanced call-barring service, which includes barring international call centres.
The fraudsters ask victims to confirm/provide their bank account details, informing them that there is a one-off charge for the service. Victims instead see monthly debits deducted from their accounts, which they have not authorised. The fraudsters often target elderly victims.
In all instances, direct debits are set up without following proper procedure. The victim is not sent written confirmation of the direct debit instruction, which is supposed to be sent within three days.
On occasions when victims attempted to call back, the telephone number provided by the fraudster was either unable to be reached or the victim’s direct debit cancellation request was refused.
During 2017, there were 493 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud.
Protect yourself:
- There is only one Telephone Preference Service (TPS). The TPS is the only official UK 'do-not-call' register for opting out of live telesales calls. It is FREE to sign-up to the register. TPS never charge for registration. You can register for this service at http://www.tpsonline.org.uk.
- You will receive postal confirmation of genuine direct debits. If you notice unauthorised payments leaving your account, you should contact your bank promptly.
- Always be wary of providing personal information, or confirming that personal information the caller already claims to hold is correct. Always be certain that you know who you talking to. If in doubt hang up immediately.
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.
** Message issued 26th February 2018 **
Message sent by Linzi Berryman (Police, Community Messaging Officer, Devon and Cornwall)
Fraud in Plymouth - Public warned after elderly lady scammed
Police are investigating an incident which happened at a property on Coverdale Place in Manadon, Plymouth, after an elderly woman was victim to a scam.
The incident happened on Monday 19 February 2018 at around 2pm. A woman in her 80s received a call from a man who said he was a police officer and persuaded the lady to withdraw £4,000 from her bank. The lady returned home with the money. Two men then turned up at the woman’s address and advised that they would courier the money for her back to the bank, however this was not done and the money remains outstanding as do the suspects.
“We are warning the public to be vigilant when receiving calls from strangers. If a Police officer calls, always ask for their name and shoulder number, then hang up and call 101 to check their identity. “Fraudsters can be very convincing and persuasive. The best advice is to end the call and consult a friend or member of your family or call the police. Please take a look at the following advice to victims:
1. Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full banking password
Banks and other trusted organisations will never ask you for these in an email, on the phone, by text or in writing.
2. Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic
Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Remember, fraudsters can also make any telephone number appear on your phone handset, so even if you recognise the number or it seems authentic, do not assume they are genuine.
3. Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision
Under no circumstances would a bank or organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot; they would never ask you to transfer money into another account for fraud reasons. Remember to stop and take time to carefully consider your actions.
4. Listen to your instincts
If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. They may appear trustworthy, but they may not be who they claim to be.
5. Stay in control
Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It’s okay to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it.
“More advice on avoiding fraud can be found on the Devon and Cornwall police website - https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/prevention-and-advice/your-money/.”
Message sent by Linzi Berryman (Police, Community Messaging Officer, Devon and Cornwall)
Fraud in Plymouth - Public warned after elderly lady scammed
Police are investigating an incident which happened at a property on Coverdale Place in Manadon, Plymouth, after an elderly woman was victim to a scam.
The incident happened on Monday 19 February 2018 at around 2pm. A woman in her 80s received a call from a man who said he was a police officer and persuaded the lady to withdraw £4,000 from her bank. The lady returned home with the money. Two men then turned up at the woman’s address and advised that they would courier the money for her back to the bank, however this was not done and the money remains outstanding as do the suspects.
“We are warning the public to be vigilant when receiving calls from strangers. If a Police officer calls, always ask for their name and shoulder number, then hang up and call 101 to check their identity. “Fraudsters can be very convincing and persuasive. The best advice is to end the call and consult a friend or member of your family or call the police. Please take a look at the following advice to victims:
1. Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full banking password
Banks and other trusted organisations will never ask you for these in an email, on the phone, by text or in writing.
2. Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic
Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Remember, fraudsters can also make any telephone number appear on your phone handset, so even if you recognise the number or it seems authentic, do not assume they are genuine.
3. Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision
Under no circumstances would a bank or organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot; they would never ask you to transfer money into another account for fraud reasons. Remember to stop and take time to carefully consider your actions.
4. Listen to your instincts
If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. They may appear trustworthy, but they may not be who they claim to be.
5. Stay in control
Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It’s okay to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it.
“More advice on avoiding fraud can be found on the Devon and Cornwall police website - https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/prevention-and-advice/your-money/.”
** Message issued 31st January 2018 **
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Phantom Debt Fraud
Action Fraud has recently experienced an increase in the number of calls to members of the public by fraudsters requesting payments for a “phantom” debt. The fraud involves being cold-called by someone purporting to be a debt collector, bailiff or other type of enforcement agent. The fraudster may claim to be working under instruction of a court, business or other body and suggest they are recovering funds for a non-existent debt.
The fraudsters are requesting payment, sometimes by bank transfer and if refused, they threaten to visit homes or workplaces in order to recover the supposed debt that is owed. In some cases, the victim is also threatened with arrest. From the reports Action Fraud has received, this type of fraud is presently occurring throughout the UK.
It is important to recognise that there are key differences between the various entities who seek to settle debts or outstanding fees in England and Wales. These differences range from the type of debt they will enforce to the legal powers they possess. To learn more, please take a look at some of the helpful information and links on the Step Change Debt Charity website; https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/debt-collection/bailiffs-and-debt-collectors-differences.aspx
Protect Yourself
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Phantom Debt Fraud
Action Fraud has recently experienced an increase in the number of calls to members of the public by fraudsters requesting payments for a “phantom” debt. The fraud involves being cold-called by someone purporting to be a debt collector, bailiff or other type of enforcement agent. The fraudster may claim to be working under instruction of a court, business or other body and suggest they are recovering funds for a non-existent debt.
The fraudsters are requesting payment, sometimes by bank transfer and if refused, they threaten to visit homes or workplaces in order to recover the supposed debt that is owed. In some cases, the victim is also threatened with arrest. From the reports Action Fraud has received, this type of fraud is presently occurring throughout the UK.
It is important to recognise that there are key differences between the various entities who seek to settle debts or outstanding fees in England and Wales. These differences range from the type of debt they will enforce to the legal powers they possess. To learn more, please take a look at some of the helpful information and links on the Step Change Debt Charity website; https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/debt-collection/bailiffs-and-debt-collectors-differences.aspx
Protect Yourself
- Make vigorous checks if you ever get a cold call. Bailiffs for example, should always be able to provide you with a case number and warrant number, along with their name and the court they are calling from; make a note of all details provided to you.
- If you receive a visit from a bailiff, they must always identify themselves as a Court Bailiff at the earliest possible opportunity. Ask to see their identity card which they must carry to prove who they are, this card shows their photograph and identity number. They will also carry the physical warrant showing the debt and endorsed with a court seal.
- If you work for a business and receive a call or visit, be sure to speak with your manager or business owner first. Never pay the debts yourself on behalf of the business you work for; some fraudsters have suggested employees make payment suggesting they can then be reimbursed by their employer when in reality the debt is non-existent.
- Exercise caution believing someone is genuine because you’ve found something on the internet; fraudsters could easily create fake online profiles to make you believe them.
- Double check with the court, company or public body they claim to work for to confirm whether the call is legitimate; if you use a landline make sure you hear the dialling tone prior to dialling as the caller could still be on the line and you could potentially speak to the fraudster(s) to confirm the non-existent debt. Also be sure to independently search for a telephone number to call; never use a number provided by the caller without carrying out your own research.
- Do not feel rushed or intimidated to make a decision based on a phone call. Take five and listen to your instincts.
- If you know you have a debt, keep in regular contact with your creditor and be sure to establish the debt type at the earliest opportunity if you are not aware. This will help you to understand who might be in contact with you regarding any repayments or arrears.
** Message issued 22nd January 2018 **
Message sent by Natasha Radford (Police, Community Messaging Officer, Devon and Cornwall)
Scam Alert - Fraudulent HMRC Callers
Police would like to warn the public in the South West about a phone scam that is conning vulnerable and elderly people out of thousands of pounds.
The scammers prey on victims by cold calling them and impersonating an HMRC member of staff. They tell them that they owe large amounts of tax which they can only pay off through digital vouchers and gift cards, including those used for Apple’s iTunes Store. Recent calls to residents in the Torbay and Teignmouth areas apparently originate from a Manchester area code (01618).
Victims are told to go to a local shop, buy these vouchers and then read out the redemption code to the scammer who has kept them on the phone the whole time. The conmen then sell on the codes or purchase high-value products, all at the victim’s expense.
The scammers frequently use intimidation to get what they want, threatening to seize the victim’s property or involve the police. One caller stated that if the victim hung up then the amount payable would go up to £90,000.
HMRC would never request the settling of debt through such a method.
What can you do:
Action Fraud has previously issued advice about this fraud here.
Message sent by Natasha Radford (Police, Community Messaging Officer, Devon and Cornwall)
Scam Alert - Fraudulent HMRC Callers
Police would like to warn the public in the South West about a phone scam that is conning vulnerable and elderly people out of thousands of pounds.
The scammers prey on victims by cold calling them and impersonating an HMRC member of staff. They tell them that they owe large amounts of tax which they can only pay off through digital vouchers and gift cards, including those used for Apple’s iTunes Store. Recent calls to residents in the Torbay and Teignmouth areas apparently originate from a Manchester area code (01618).
Victims are told to go to a local shop, buy these vouchers and then read out the redemption code to the scammer who has kept them on the phone the whole time. The conmen then sell on the codes or purchase high-value products, all at the victim’s expense.
The scammers frequently use intimidation to get what they want, threatening to seize the victim’s property or involve the police. One caller stated that if the victim hung up then the amount payable would go up to £90,000.
HMRC would never request the settling of debt through such a method.
What can you do:
- Share this information and TALK to potential victims who are not on social media.
- If you suspect that you or a vulnerable or elderly relative has been the victim of this scam or a similar one, report it immediately to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use their online fraud reporting tool.
- Check GOV.UK for information here on how to avoid and report scams and how to recognise genuine HMRC contact here.
- If you think you have received an HMRC related phishing/bogus email or text message, you can check it against the examples shown in this guide.
- Apple provides a support page reminding customers that iTunes Gift Cards can be used ONLY to purchase goods and services on the iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, or for an Apple Music membership, and providing tips to avoid becoming the victim of a scam. More information is available here.
Action Fraud has previously issued advice about this fraud here.