Thursday 28 December 2017

Friday 15 December 2017

Fake Government Grant Fraud Alert

This message was sent via the Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association mailing service. 
​If you wish to contact us, e-mail:  info@bromleynwa.org.uk

​Individuals and businesses are being warned to watch out for cold calls and online contact from fraudsters who are offering victims the opportunity to apply for Government grants for an advance fee.
To make the grants look legitimate, fraudsters have set up bogus companies and convincing looking websites that claim to be operating on behalf of the UK Government. Fraudsters cold call businesses and individuals offering the grant. If they’re interested they direct them to fill out an online application form with their personal information. Once the fraudsters have that information they’ll contact the victims and congratulate them on being accepted onto the grant programme.  

Pre-paid credit cards
Applicants are then asked to provide identification and are instructed to get a pre-paid credit card to deposit their own contribution to the fake Government grant scheme. Fraudsters will then contact victims on the phone or are emailed and asked for the details of their pre-paid credit card and copies of statements to in order for them to add the grant funds. Of course the grant funds are never given by the fraudsters and the money that’s been loaded by the victim onto the card is stolen.
If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately and report it to us. We’ve already taken down one website fraudsters have been using to commit this fraud and are working with Companies House to combat this issue.

How to protect yourself:
Be wary of unsolicited callers implying that you can apply for grants. You should never have to pay to receive a government grant, and they definitely won’t instruct you to obtain a pre-paid credit card. The government should have all the information they need if a genuine grant application was submitted, therefore any requests for personal or banking information either over the phone or online should be refused.

What to do if you’re a victim:
* If you think your bank or personal details have been compromised or if you believe you have been defrauded contact your bank immediately.
* Stop all communication with the ‘agency’ but make a note of their details and report it to Action Fraud.
* If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk <http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/>  or by calling 0300 123 2040.

The information contained within this alert is based on information from gathered by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB).  The purpose of this alert is to increase awareness of this type of fraud. The alert is aimed at members of the public, local police forces, businesses and governmental agencies.  <https://www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/179931343/email.gif>

Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association ​
 Find us on the Web at: www.bnwa.co.uk <http://www.bnwa.co.uk/>

Saturday 9 December 2017

Door to Door Sellers

Many of you will be aware of persons going door-to-door trying to sell goods, informing the occupant they are just out of prison or on probation and trying to turn their lives around.  This is usually a scam, the goods are of an inferior quality and they may try to talk their way into your home.  They can be intimidating toward the elderly and vulnerable when things don’t go their way and often revert to abuse or threats.  In short, these are not genuine street traders; they work in groups and carry out their illegal activity in one area at a time.  To sell door to door, it is a legal requirement to hold a pedlar’s licence.  There are strict rules around obtaining a licence and they can only be obtained by applying to the Police.

The Chief  Police Officer  will grant the certificate on being satisfied that the applicant:
•           Is over 17 years of age;
•           Is a person of good character;
•           Intends in good faith to carry on the trade of a pedlar.

So, if they do not hold a certificate that has been duly authorised by the Police, it looks fake, belongs to another person, or is simply out of date - do not buy from them.  They will often state they do not need a certificate or 'hawker’s' licence to show you items for you to order.  This is a ruse; a certificate is required whatever they claim. 

Remember:

·       politely refuse to buy from them and close the door;
·       do not become involved in any verbal altercation with them;
·       do not let them into your address for any reason;
·       never give out any personal information.

Call the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) if you are subjected to verbal abuse or intimidation, or simply to let your Safer Neighbourhood Team know they are in the area.