SCAMS BULLETIN
December 2012
The purpose of this scams bulletin is to enable Hampshire residents to be aware, and therefore guard against, the types of scams currently being reported to Hampshire Trading Standards service.
Trading Standards will collate information on scams to provide information and intelligence to the public and other agencies but will not normally intervene unless the victim is very vulnerable and has been financially abused.
We will also seek to take enforcement action in the civil and criminal courts where it is appropriate in order to punish the offenders.
If you are worried about scams please contact :
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on
08454 04 05 06
or online using the
Online consumer complaint form
HANDLING: This bulletin may be distributed to the public

SHAREHOLDER SCAM – UPDATE
Hampshire Trading Standards Service has continued to receive complaints from concerned consumers who have been involved in a shareholding scam. The way this scam operates was outlined in last month’s bulletin but due to the severity of complaints, we felt the advice was worth repeating.
The scammers will access information on shareholders from a public register then phone them up alleging they own a percentage of a company and they want to increase this holding. They will ask to buy a percentage of the consumer’s share at a good price.
The scammers will not correspond using post, asking instead for the consumer’s email address. If the consumer does not have a email, they will suggest using the local library’s fax machine. This has particularly affected older vulnerable people. The consumer is then expected to collect the paperwork, complete it and return it with a copy of their shares certificate.
The scammers are reported as being persistent, phoning some consumers several times each day, chasing them to return the fax.
Real Life Case Study
Mr B was contacted by telephone, by a person offering to purchase her shares. She was advised not to tell anyone about the offer, until the sale had gone through, as this may affect the take over claim. She was asked to pay a legal fee of £4000 by bank transfer. She was contacted again, and was told due to the length of time she had owned her shares, she was eligible to purchase additional shares at a low price which would subsequently be resold at a much higher price. Mr B paid a further £25000. When the person returned for more money Mr B became suspicious and contacted the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. They advised him not to pay any more money and to report this matter to the police.
Hampshire Trading Standards Service reminds all residents to be vigilant and report any concerns to:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on
08454 04 05 06
Or online using the
Online consumer complaint form

BOGUS PARCEL DELIVERY SCAM
With Christmas approaching, the Trading Standards Service are warning consumers about a parcel delivery scam.
A card is put through the consumer’s door, advising that a courier service have been unable to deliver a parcel, and that the consumer needs to contact them to arrange a convenient time. There will be a telephone number to ring, normally beginning with 090. When the consumer phones this number, they will receive a recorded message. As the call has been answered, they are then charged a premium amount on their phone bill.
Real Life Case Study
Mrs C received a card through her door advising her that a company had been unable to deliver a parcel. Although she was not expecting a parcel, she thought, in the run up to Christmas, this may be genuine. She phoned the phone number which began with 090 and received a recorded message advising her they would attempt to delivery the parcel again. When Mrs C received her telephone bill, she had been charged £315 for this call. She contacted the Citizens Advice Consumer Service who advised her this was a scam and to report it to PhonepayPlus on 0800 500 212, who give guidance on the use of premium rate numbers.
The Trading Standards Service advise consumers to treat any unsolicited post relating to parcel deliveries with caution and DO NOT phone any phone number beginning with 090.
For further advice please contact:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on
08454 04 05 06
Or online using the
Online consumer complaint form

CENSUS RECORD SCAM
The Trading Standards Service has received a report of a scam concerning an individual who was contacted by someone purporting to be from Hampshire County Council and acting on behalf of the Office of National Statistics.
The caller suggested that the individual’s Census form was completed incorrectly and they had a fine to pay. The caller asked for basic identification details which they said was to confirm the Census record and the individual’s bank details so they could process the fine. The Office of National Statistics are aware of similar scams in other parts of the country where money has been taken from an individual’s bank account.
The Office of National Statistics have warned that they would never ask for this type of personal information and advised that Hampshire County Council is not acting as an agent for them.
There are reports of a similar scam where information is sent by an email containing a link. The Office of National Statistics have warned that by clicking the link, malware may be downloaded onto the recipient’s computer, putting their personal data, including financial information, at risk.
Hampshire residents are advised to be alert for similar unsolicited phone calls or emails from anyone purporting to be from an official body, and to check the callers identity with the genuine organisation before talking with them. In addition;
DO NOT disclose any personal information over the phone or in an email
DO NOT pay any money to unsolicited callers
DO NOT click any links in an email if you are not sure of the source.
For further advice please contact:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on
08454 04 05 06
Or online using the
Online consumer complaint form

UNSECURED LOAN FRAUD
The Police and Trading Standards have become aware of a scam where people are being cold called on their home or mobile number by people offering quick, easy and unsecured loans.
This may be a result of a consumer carrying out an internet search for a small loan and entering their contact details on a website. However, it may also be a randomly made unsolicited call.
When the fraudsters phone up, they claim to be from a legitimate company offering a loan. They may sound professional and believable. Before the loan can be given, they will ask for a one off fee to be paid by cash vouchers (such as UKASH). When they have taken this payment, they may request more money for an additional payment to cover tax or a legal fee. The fraudster will continue to demand payment by cash vouchers until the victim refuses to make further payments.
Real Life Case Study
Mr G who is 82, was contacted by a fraudster offering him a cash loan of £1000. Mr G was asked to pay £250 by UKASH vouchers in advance. The fraudster gave him directions to his local convenience store where he could purchase the vouchers. Once they had taken this payment they asked him to purchase a further voucher for £125 to cover the tax on the loan. When Mr G made this payment, they requested a further £150 so they could arrange for a solicitor to deliver his money. At this stage, Mr G suspected this was a scam and he reported the matter to the Police and Trading Standards. Mr G has since received support and changed his phone number so the fraudster can no longer contact him.
If you are considering taking out a loan then speak with your bank or a trusted financial advisor. NEVER send money up front in order to receive a loan and be particularly cautious if you are asked to use cash vouchers.
For further advice please contact:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on
08454 04 05 06
Or online using the
Online consumer complaint form

BEWARE INTERNET SHOPPING SCAMS
During the first two weeks of December 2012, UK shoppers are expected to spend £4.6bn when buying goods online. The number of consumers choosing the internet to buy their presents, is rising every year. Whilst it is convenient and easy to shop from the comfort of home, Christmas is a prime opportunity for fraudsters waiting to relieve consumers of their hard earned cash.
By following some simple tips, consumers can help keep fraudsters at bay, when shopping online this Christmas.
1. Trust your instincts – if an offer looks too good to be believed then there may be a catch. Legitimate popular technology and designer items are rarely discounted.
2. Check the URL in the web browser. Don’t be fooled by fake websites where the fraudster slightly changes the web address.
3. Ensure the website address begins with ‘https’ at the payment stage. This should indicate a secure payment page.
4. Don’t access links in unsolicited emails. Always type in a web address or use a recognised search engine to find a site.
5. Only deal with reputable sellers and sites you know, or have been personally recommended to you.
6. Avoid paying by money transfers as they aren’t secure. Use an online payment option such as PayPal, which helps to protect you.
7. Watch out for pop-ups appearing asking you to confirm your card details before you are at the payment stage. Never enter your PIN number online.
8. If your bid for an online auction is unsuccessful don’t be tempted to trade off-site if another seller approaches you with a similar item. This is likely to be a scam and you won’t be covered.
9. Keep security software and firewalls up to date. Regularly update your internet browser when a new patch is released.
10. Keep receipts and check these against your bank statement. If you spot a transaction you did not authorise speak to your card company immediately. You should not suffer financial loss for any fraudulent transactions.
Remember shopping online is convenient, but remain vigilant at all times. Always safeguard your personal details, especially passwords and pin numbers, and only shop from internet sites you know and trust.

   Leave a comment