BEWARE OF THE LATEST SCAMS
MEDWAY NEIGHBOURHOOD
WATCH ASSOCIATION
A Registered Charity Working Together
For a Safer Medway
WATCH ASSOCIATION
A Registered Charity Working Together
For a Safer Medway
POLICE ADVICE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
SEEKING INFORMATION ON SECURITY COMPANIES
SEEKING INFORMATION ON SECURITY COMPANIES
To obtain information on companies who supply and install security systems such as Intruder Alarms / Personal Attack Alarms / CCTV systems etc., within your locality, we advise you contact the following Independent Inspectorate Bodies who will furnish you with the relevant details (the Police are not able to provide this information): -
NSI(National Security Inspectorate)
Sentinel House, 5 Reform Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 8BY
Tel: 01628 637512 Fax: 01628 773367
E-
1. BT SCAM -
The suspect phones victim purporting to be from BT usually on the pretence of an outstanding bill and is told if they don't pay straight away their line will be disconnected.
If the victim challenges this or becomes suspicious, the suspect tells them to put the phone down and they will then prove they are able to disconnect the line.
The suspect remains on the line so victim is led to believe they have been cut off.
The victim is then duped into providing bank account details.
During some calls the suspect states there is a problem with the card details provided and the victim then gives details of other bank cards.
If anyone receives a call it should be reported to both the Police and to the BT Malicious Calls Bureau on 0800 661 441. It is important BT are advised as they can collate evidence for the offence on our behalf. If they have provided Credit card details they should inform the relevant financial institution.
2. Unenforceable Consumer Credit Act Agreements
These are from companies who offer to challenge credit agreements using Consumer Credit Act legislation. Many now advertise in newspapers, and some are now making cold calls.
They offer to review contracts for Loans and credit cards, with a view to proving the debts are not legal, and enabling the account holder to forego any outstanding liability.
As part of the scam they will charge a fee (normally £300 per account) which they often suggest is charged to your credit card, as you will then not have to pay it back. They may also offer to purchase the liability for the account from you for a lump sum.
The fee outlined above is likely to be the first of many, and if they decide you might have a case, further demands will be made for Solicitors fees.
In addition they may advise you to cease making monthly payments on the accounts. If this advice is followed the financial institution will have the right to take legal action to recover the debt.
Whilst strictly not illegal there has been limited success with these claims, and many of the companies offering the services are malicious, and anyone who wishes to pursue such action with one of these companies should exercise extreme caution before parting with any money.
Visit
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scamnesty
Also visit TRADING STANDARDS
Kent Trading Standards have received a number of reports from Kent residents who have fallen for loan scams.
Consumers looking for an unsecured loan will often find the details on the internet. They are informed that they have been approved and must pay a one off fee to secure the loan. They are then asked to deposit this fee into a bank account or send it via a money transfer service. The destination is often outside the UK.
Some UK credit brokers will charge a fee which is known as a “broker’s fee”. Businesses who offer credit services in the UK are required to be licensed and consumers have protection under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Under Section 56, if a loan is not taken out for whatever reason, they are entitled to a refund, minus £5.
Victims of the above scam would not have the same protection. If money is sent it is highly likely it will never be seen again and no loan will be provided.
We would advise consumers to:
Ask the company for their Consumer Credit Licence number and check it on the Office of Fair Trading register via http://www2.crw.gov.uk/pr/Default.aspx
Put the lenders name into google followed by “scam” and “complaints”
Enter the web address on www.nominet.org.ukas this may give you some information such as an address
Remember even if there is a UK postal address it does not mean the business/person is in the UK!
If you are unable to run the above checks or are still in doubt, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 before you part with any money and it’s too late!
Consumers looking for an unsecured loan will often find the details on the internet. They are informed that they have been approved and must pay a one off fee to secure the loan. They are then asked to deposit this fee into a bank account or send it via a money transfer service. The destination is often outside the UK.
Some UK credit brokers will charge a fee which is known as a “broker’s fee”. Businesses who offer credit services in the UK are required to be licensed and consumers have protection under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Under Section 56, if a loan is not taken out for whatever reason, they are entitled to a refund, minus £5.
Victims of the above scam would not have the same protection. If money is sent it is highly likely it will never be seen again and no loan will be provided.
We would advise consumers to:
Ask the company for their Consumer Credit Licence number and check it on the Office of Fair Trading register via http://www2.crw.gov.uk/pr/Default.aspx
Put the lenders name into google followed by “scam” and “complaints”
Enter the web address on www.nominet.org.ukas this may give you some information such as an address
Remember even if there is a UK postal address it does not mean the business/person is in the UK!
If you are unable to run the above checks or are still in doubt, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 before you part with any money and it’s too late!