Police Connect Message May 2020

Police Connect Message

 

 Please see below this week’s Consumer & scam alerts from Norfolk Trading Standards…….

 

Scam Alert – Text messages claiming to be from PayPal stating ‘Your account has been restricted due to a failed payment’ – 07 May 2020

With many more people ordering items online we are warning residents about scam text messages circulating claiming to be from PayPal. One example states that ‘your account has been restricted due to a failed payment’. The message then provides a link to ‘Login’ and ‘remove any pending restrictions’.

These text messages are not genuine and are not connected with PayPal in any way.

If you receive this or a similar text message delete it without clicking on any links.

If you are concerned about the security of an online account contact the provider directly via their genuine website or app. Never use links or details provided in a text message.You can report suspected text message scams to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

Scam Alert – Social Media messages offering free chocolate hampers – 06 May 2020

Watch out for social media messages claiming that ‘Cadbury has announced that everyone who shares this link will receive Chocolate Hampers’. Again, sadly, it’s a scam!

If you get a message like this do not interact with the message in any way and do not like or share on your social media profile.

Scam Alert – Online scammers selling Pets during lockdown – 06 May 2020

Criminals continue to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to commit fraud, as a scam involving the purchase of pets, such as puppies and kittens, continues to be reported to Action Fraud.

They report that so far, 669 people have lost a combined total of £282,686 in March and April, after putting down deposits for pets they have seen advertised online. The adverts that victims have responded to were posted on social media, general online selling platforms and specific pet selling platforms.

The criminals posting these ads never have any animals to sell and will ask victims to put down a deposit for the pet to secure the purchase. They use the outbreak of COVID-19 and the current lockdown restrictions as a reason why the victim cannot come and see the animal first or pick it up. After the initial payment more and more funds will be requested to cover insurance, vaccinations and even delivery of the pet.

To help protect yourself from scams like this:

  • Do your research – Before purchasing anything online, including pets, look up reviews for the site, or person, you are buying from. If you’re still not sure, ask a trusted friend or family member for their advice
  • Trust your instinct – If you can’t physically go to see the animal in person, ask for a video call. If the seller declines, challenge them on why. If you have any suspicions, don’t go ahead with the purchase
  • Choose your payment method wisely – If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, avoid paying by bank transfer as that offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or a payment service such as PayPal

More information is available on the Action Fraud Website.

Scam Alert – Telephone Cold Calls claiming ‘wearing a Face Mask is now obligatory’ – 04 May 2020

Our colleagues at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute have received reports of telephone cold calls claiming that ‘wearing a face mask whilst outdoors is now obligatory’.

Reports have included both recorded message and live voice calls making these claims, with the cold callers then attempting to gather personal details and take a payment of £29 for two masks, hand gel and gloves.

Our advice is always be very wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call and NEVER give or confirm any personal or financial details if approached in this manner

You can report suspicious telephone cold calls to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on freephone 0808 223 1133.

 

 

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