Courier Fraud - Urgent Alert
This week we have seen numerous Courier Frauds in Gravesend, Herne Bay, Romney Marsh, Maidstone, Chatham, Cuxton, Rochester, Deal, Sittingbourne and Folkestone. Two reports involved the victims being contacted by fraudsters impersonating their banks and being told that criminals were trying to access their accounts and that they needed to withdraw and send their money by same day registered post to safe addresses, where it would be deposited into a new account. Another report involved the victims being requested by criminals impersonating their bank to transfer their money to safe accounts, due to criminals trying to steal their cash. A separate report involved a victim receiving numerous calls from the fraudsters impersonating their bank who eventually persuaded the victim to send their bank card via taxi to an address in exchange
for a new card.
All these incidents were scams.
If you are ever asked to withdraw cash by the police or your bank or to handover your bank cards or assist with an investigation by buying and handing over valuable items, in particular, Gold – STOP IT’S A SCAM. The Police or your Bank will never ask you to do this.
If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040
Illegal Streaming
Illegally streaming Sky Premium content is not really a problem, is it? After all Sky earn enough, don’t they? Well, it is a crime and it also has wider ramifications. Illegal streaming services that supply entertainment and sports content via modified boxes, firesticks and subscriptions, help fund wider organised crime such as human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, drug supply and other sinister crimes. There are other risks associated with illegal streaming, including fraud, scams, exposure to inappropriate content, viruses and malware. If you have an offer of cheap streaming, then it is likely to be illegal and possibly funding serious crime.
Rogue Traders - Folkestone
We have seen several reports of Rogue Traders operating across the county but in particular the Folkestone area. Beware of cold callers offering to clean driveways for extortionate amounts of money. Additionally, people offering to carry out unnecessary roofing work.
These types of offences are not isolated to any individual locations and are taking place across the county.
Remember –
• Always obtain at least 3 written quotes and never agree to work on your
doorstep, no matter how tempting the offer.
• Ask family and friends for recommendations.
• Agree payment arrangements and start and finish dates in writing
beforehand.
• Never pay in full until you are completely satisfied with the work.
Investment Frauds
There are many different types of investment fraud. They usually involve criminals contacting people out of the blue and convincing them to invest in schemes or products that are worthless or do not exist. Once the criminals have received payment, they cease contact with the victim.
The majority of investment frauds are run out of offices known as boiler rooms. Some of the most popular scams involve shares and Fine Wines.
How to Protect Yourself from Financial Investment Fraud
Investment opportunities: Don’t be rushed into making an investment. Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into investing on the spot.
Seek advice first: Before making significant financial decisions, speak with trusted friends or family members, or seek professional independent advice.
