Computer Software Stores London On Bank Statement

[Kusi Bertoldo]

Watchout for emails claiming to be from online payment syten PayPal saying you have bought a high value item such as an iPhone. The messages ask you to call a specific number if you did not make the purchase. But, once dialled, it will put you through to a scammer who will try to gather your personal information. Never give out any personal information or bank details to anyone you are not 100% sure about. If you think your account has been comprimised, change your password and security questions.

As households continue to face high energy bills, scammers are targeting vulnerable people with dodgy, non-existent insulation and costly offers, according to Which? magazine. For example, one elderly victim paid more than 3,000 for dodgy spray foam insulation, which he later had to pay over 2,000 to remove before he could sell his house. Spray foam insulation has several disadvantages, including high cost and safety concerns, and it could even reduce your property's value.To minimise your risk of falling victim to this scam, here are five signs that a trader may be dodgy, according to Which? magazine.

This is the most common type of scam in the UK this year, accounting for 49 per cent of all scams, according to Citizens Advice research. Almost half of those targeted by scammers were involved in a malicious parcel delivery scam, with fraudsters seeking personal information or bank details.

Citizens Advice said several common scams involved a 'quite sophisticated' impersonation of official organisations. People targeted by parcel delivery scams received texts or emails from criminals claiming to be from a delivery company to reschedule or pay extra delivery fees. Others received false tracking information for items that never arrived after being purchased online.

This is a version of a previous scam. Individuals are sent text messages claiming they have been 'in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for the Omicron BA-5 variant and that they are 'eligible for a free test'. Do not click the link. People have been duped into giving personal information, with some divulging bank details as they are asked to pay for postage and packaging.

There are always scams to match the times, according to the latest update from the local Safer Neighbourhood team. Watch out for HMRC tax rebate emails for working from home during Covid as well as promises of any type of rebate such as Council Tax and fuel, and parcel delivery emails and texts. Professional scammers now seem to know that we are expecting rebates and parcels making us more susceptible. Always be cautious if in doubt do not click on any link, do your own search and contact the agency or company directly.

There are a number of signs this is a scam. Firstly, it is unlikely for a price comparison website to call. Secondly, it is unlikely that there will be offers just available for the first few people who sign up - they do offers for everyone and not for the few. Never give any of your details over the phone to the caller.

Peope have been receiving an email from the energy company E.ON, allegedly offering a refund. It is a convincing email but it is fake. If unsure never click on any link but go to the website via your own search.

Scammers have been impersonating the NHS and sending texts claiming that the recipient has been in close contact with someone with Covid-19 and demanding they order a PCR test. The aim of this is to steal your personal data and bank details. Do not click on the link.

People are phoned up and told they they might be entitled to a free medical alert button from Medical Alert Systems. The caller knows the name of the person and says that the offer is for vulnerable adults who are at risk of falls. This is a potential scam. Never give out personal details whether on the phone, or email, or text.

Criminals are using the NHS Covid Pass as a way to target the public by convincing them to hand over money, financial details and personal information. They are sending imitation text messages, emails and making phone calls pretending to be from the NHS, and offering fake vaccine certificates for sale online and through social media.

A message is sent to mobiles, often via WhatsApp, by someone pretending to be their son or daughter and claiming they've lost their phone. Once the new number is saved, scammers then say they need money after an incident, hoping that the victim will trustingly hand over thousands of pounds and their financial details.

* If you are away from your home, do lock up well, use timer switches and set house alarms. Also let a neighbour know your home is empty and give them your contact details in case of any issues.* Never give out personal details whether on the phone, or email, or text.* Never click on any link in an email or text - contact the company/bank directly if you wish to check the validity of any messages. * And do check the small print on various special offers. Often you can be signing up for a repeat service which you will be charged monthly. If it seems too good then . . .

Because people now have the option to release their retirement savings, scammers no longer need to access the money directly from a pension scheme. Increasingly, scammers are persuading people to transfer their savings from the safety of established pension schemes into inappropriate or even non-existent investments.

* Check the FCA's Financial Services Register to make sure that anyone offering you advice or other financial services is authorised by the FCA. And only use the details provided on the FCA Register - not details a firm gives you, in case they are pretending to be an FCA authorised firm.

We have recently had reports of people stating they are gardeners charging elderly residents large sums of money for very basic work. Please be vigilant and aware and report suspicious behaviour on 101.

The East Fichley Safe Neighbourhood Team told us about one person who was charged 600 for some basic gardening work and was taken to the bank to withdraw the money. The 'gardeners' returned to the home address again the following day asking if the victim wanted further work for even more money. The victim felt pressured and set off his alarm so the 'gardeners' left.

A fake text has been circulating telling people they're eligible to apply for the Covid-19 vaccine. The wording is as follows: 'we have identified that your are eligible to apply for your vaccine'. It then advises you to follow a link to get more information and 'apply'.

A new telephone scam is coming to light .... callers contact residents saying they are from NHS Track & Trace, telling the resident that they have been in contact with someone suffering from Covid 19 and need to have a test sent out to them. This is swiftly followed with a request for the resident's bank details; the caller states that the test and results cost 500.

Anyone being offered "kindness" by cold callers by way of running errands, collecting prescriptions and doing shopping should not accept services from STRAN who may ask for cash up front, a credit card and its PIN, or gain trust simply to execute a more elaborate scam.

Since February 2020, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has identified a growing number of reports of fraud where Coronavirus was mentioned, with victim losses totalling over 800k. Ten of these reports were made by victims that attempted to purchase protective face masks from fraudulent sellers. Reporting numbers are expected to rise as the virus continues to spread across the world.

One of our clients has received a convincing letter, on headed paper, from Aviva, with whom she has a policy, which made it more believable. She was asked to call the number shown to identify herself as they had information about her products with them. They also said that they wanted to check any other existing addresses she may have. Luckily, she went online and checked out the 0800 number first which she then found out was linked to a scam. Always check out phone numbers independently, and do not pass on any personal or bank details on the spot. Please report any suspicious contact which appears to be from Aviva to their Fraud Hub. Click here for the link which also has plenty of tips to help protect yourself from fraud.

This is a group email sent to you and your contacts. It will say something along the lines of: 'Where are you presently? I need your help for something very urgent so please get back to me via email as soon as you get this message.' DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL It is a scam, a request for money for someone getting through the coronavirus

From September 2020, homeowners will be able to apply for vouchers of up to 5,000 for energy efficient home improvements - beware of letters or cold calls from someone claiming to be able to help you with the new government grant. To get the voucher, you'll need to complete an online application for a recommended home improvement, get a quote from a listed supplier and have the quote approved. This new scheme fits in with a popular scam where consumers are contacted by phone and mail to explain that they can help consumers with applying for a grant, find suppliers and get the work done for them for a fee. Once the fee has been paid, no work is ever carried out and the money is gone!

Action Fraud has seen a significant increase in romance fraud this year as the coronavirus outbreak has led to more people trying to find love online. In these scams, a criminal creates a fake profile on an online dating or social media platform and targets individuals in an attempt to gain their trust. This eventually leads to requests of money for investments, legal fees, travel or a new project, for instance. Early requests for money and a reluctance to talk about their work or life may be red flags. If you experience anything suspicious, please talk to someone you trust for help. If you think you've been scammed, report it straight to your bank and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

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