Recently a member posted a grumble about a scam. As Neighbourhood Watch for the Gateway, (Ray does the footwork and I do the computer) we have information about all the current scams known, so I thought, if members would like it, I could keep you all up to date as and when I get information.
Just to get started, lately leaflets are being put through doors with black bin liners purporting to come from the RNLI. These, despite bearing the correct phone number, are bogus. RNLI do collect at the door, but they provide sacks with all the information about pickup times, etc, printed on the sack.
The next one that has been reported lately is a scam involving sale of on-line tickets for upcoming concerts, festivals, and sporting events. They advise that you put the name of the business into an Internet search engine, although if it is a new site, it may not come up with adverse comments. The best idea is only to used reputable ticket agencies. It seems that a co.uk address is not a guarantee that a business is based in the UK.
If forum members think this a waste of time and/or not necessary be gentle with me, I am old and frail!!
Sounds good to me Diana, thanks. As for reputable ticket agencies, I used Keith Prowse until I discovered him moonlighting on tv advertising the Green Cross Code. Worse still, he even masqueraded as Darth Vader in Star Wars where he stole the voice of James Earl Ray who of course shot JR!!
Would you believe it?
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
you never know who you could be conversing with.
Terry Nunn
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,316
Found this in my door yesterday:-
DON'T give them anything, it's a Scam.
http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/s/2038323_clothing_collections_not_for_charity
Just one of many such scams I'm afraid.
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Sorry, I meant to post the numbers for reporting scams: 0854 040506 or consumerdirect.gov.uk.
A Company has been cold calling in Charing, and may broaden their area, offering to tarmac driveways or paths, claiming to have sorked for Kent Highway Services. This is not true. Associated with this is a silver pick-up type van, reg. WL03.... and a white estate with a yellow stripe, reg RA55... Police would be interested in description of associated persons. It is worth checking with the Buy with Confidence good trader scheme, on tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent.
Traders are going door to door offering to purchase gold, silver, war medals, play stations, etc. Whilst this is not illegal they may offer prices substantially lower than market price. Traders should be registered with KCC and have the certificate of registration with them and if buying precious metal must use commercial scales.
The latest report is that there is cold calling going in Elms Vale. They are targetting vulnerable people with offers of building work etc. We are asked to keep an eye open for our elderly neighbours. It is preferable not to engage with the people doing the cold calling. Police would be pleased to get any further information on 01622 690690.
Just received this in my e-mail in box! Now what's all this about?
Pastor Edwin Cole
show details 4:11 PM (5 minutes ago)
INTENT TO BOOK FOR ACCOMMODATION
I am public relation consultant rendering services to clients' in areas of tourism,immigration and customs requirement,conference and exhibition planning,trade fair and allied services.
I am in the process of rounding up a concept paper for a client who is willing to underwrite the cost of accommodation for a delegation of eminent African personalities who will be traveling on a visiting tour of certain countries for conference on charity work.Consequently,i may be booking for accommodation in your hotel if you will confirm to me,availability of rooms for a minimum of ten (10) guests for a two weeks stay in your hotel from 10 July to 24 July 2010.
Please,furnish me urgently with your room specification together with price per each specification.Please also indicate if credit card will be acceptable for payment in advance.
Thank you in anticipation of your urgent response.
Regards,
Edwin P Cole.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
A number of guest houses have received those emails Bob; in fact I had one a month or two back as I still have the same email address as we did 8 years ago.
Just delete them - not sure exactly where the catch is.
Roger
Roger, I am not and have never been a guest house!
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
never thought of hiring out the chinese room bob?
could be lucrative, you never know until you try.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
I appreciate that Bob, but there's hundreds/thousands of email lists "out there", your email address could be on one of them.
They get sold on time after time.
Roger
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
On top of these scams there are also people dressed in company colours(to the quick look) with badges looking like they work for major companies, when they are not, just trying to give your house the once over.
So even if they have a badge and picture doesn't mean they are above board.
it takes 2 mins to phone the company if your expecting them) to ask if this person is from that company.
It might sound harsh, but those 2 mins could save a lot of hassles later.
Most people/companies/friends you know when they are calling so there not a prob. anyone else keep them outside until your certain they are who they say they are.
Hope this is helpful advice
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Yes it is Keith - very helpful, especially for older people.
Roger
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
ROGER
Won't go into detail, but i'm aware of flats that had warden controlled number pad, but it only takes one person to let someone in and they have access to all the flats.
I know a gent who let people in who had 3 people, one a lookout, one to distract him, the other to steal £2,000 from him which he was to pay ito bank that day.
So for those 2 mins for a quick call its worth it.
(ie gas etc)phone the company, to get them identified.
Anyone else wanting to fix your drive, sell you goods, usually aint that helpful, so my advice is, is you want your drive done go to a person you know, not someone who calls at your door.
If you want house hold goods go buy them at supermarker/shops, dont buy them off someone on your doorstep, you have no idea who these people are, whether there violent or not. best advice dont entertain them.
Sounds glum, but it's in your interests to get it right.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
it is usually old people that fall for the scams, it is best if you have an elderly neighbour to get them to put a note on their front door telling callers to knock on your door first to be verified.
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
HOWARD
You are correct, the elderly are used to the old days when you could leave your front door open and people popped in and out(how many times have i heard that story lol)
and of course for some elderly they welcome ANYONE knocking on there door as its probably for some the only people they see.
Sadly some people take advantage of this and rip them off.
MY MOTTO
IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT !!!!! (got a ring to it lol)
