Crime across the LPA is well down as you would expect, with so many people working from home and few people travelling or leaving cars unattended.
COMMENTS:
FIRST: A very important message from Rob:
Good Afternoon
I’ve just had an official electric meter reading guy to my address to read my electric meter.
Of course I refused him entry and he went on his merry way. He did confirm the meter serial number, so I’m in no doubt he is who he says he is.
He gave me his office number and I rang them, to ask what madness they are up to. The lady was very apologetic and explained that they are classed as key workers, because they work for the Utility companies, they are ok to visit people’s houses.
I asked her had she not heard of lockdown and the corona virus that is killing people world wide in the thousands.
What if an elderly person had answered the door. They should be told now and closed until further notice.
She apologised again.
If I’m obeying Boris and not going out. No-one should be letting strangers into their homes, particularly if they are elderly, self-isolating or working from home !
Rob
Excellent advice Rob - something we should all be following. Just because someone knocks at the door, does not mean we have to answer it !
NEXT: TV Licence Scam.
Hi
Not sure where to report this, but I am sure it is a scam.
I have received an email from ‘TV.Licensing’. It is addressed to my correct email address.
It goes on to say that the automatic renewal standing order failed. Could I please click on the link and re-enter my bank details !!!
I didn’t fall for it, because my licence fee is paid up until 2021, but others may !
Regards,
David
AND from Nina:
Hello
Another TVP Licence Scam
Just to let you know, I have received a scam email saying my TV License has expired.
The account on this is NOT my account number , but it is is addressed to my correct email.
I am concerned there are many vulnerable people will click on the link from the way it’s worded.
People my want to pay, being isolated in their homes as not to get into arrears with their TV licence ??
Just a thought .
Kind regards
Nina
Many thanks David & Nina. With everything else going on, people could so easily be distracted.
AND - from Duncan
Hi
I hope you are well – thanks for all the updates.
As we are all at our computers, you should be aware of this scam.
I keep getting a message from Norton antivirus, telling me my subscription has expired and my computer is now infected with viruses and malware and all files will be wiped in 5 minutes.
If you try to remove the message, it sends you to a site offering ‘a free test’ of antivirus software. I do not use Norton.
I have used my McAfee virus scan, which tells me the computer is clean. This is obviously a scam and a bit worrying at a time when computers are being used a lot.
Duncan
DON’T LET IT BE YOU - BIN IT.
NEXT from Liz - who is always receiving scam emails !!!
Hi
I nearly fell for an excellent fraud today.
I received a text from O2 - who I am with - saying that my payment had failed and to avoid fees, I was to visit their website, which was in the text.
I did, as I slightly panicked. They asked for a ‘sign on’ and then had another screen, asking for name, address, mother’s maiden name, date of birth etc. All my security information.
The next screen, asked for credit card and bank account details. Having put in my credit card details, I thought it strange that they were asking for my bank account details - surely they would know them ??
I then checked the website and it was obviously just a front, as none of the links worked.
I phoned O2, with an hours wait, who confirmed it was a scam.
The website looks exactly like the O2 one and it is very plausible.
Regards
Liz
Well done Liz - a near miss - it can happen to anyone,
as the text / email; / phone call always panics you,
makes a threat - your account will be closed etc. and then
sets a time limit. If all three are present -
IT’S A SCAM !
NEXT: From Richard re his Gas Bill. This scam email, is one of the worst and most frightening for elderly people, I have seen
Hi
Have just received this email and will be deleting.
It is an email - addressed to Richard’s email address - it lets him know that his gas bill is overdue. They had sent him a bill for £18.41 and had not received payment. To check the details, CLICK ON THE LINK !
Then the threat - if they have to visit the property to collect the debt, there will be an additional charge of £540 !!! If there are court proceeding there will be an additional charge of £402 and if there is non payment, the disconnection fee will be another £750 !
We pay by standing order and our bank records show last payment on 18 March, therefore this is a scam.
Regards
Richard
This would be terrifying for an elderly or vulnerable person ! Please let everyone know that if they get an email like this to:
BIN IT
NEXT : from Lori
Hello
I have just received this scam on my phone.
It says I have a refund on my Vehicle tax ! Please CLICK ON THE LINK to process.
I didn’t !!
Thank you for the great work you do.
Lori
Thanks Lori
FINALLY from the Trading Standards team:
RBWM have produced a residents newsletter - worth signing up to if you haven't already. Share with others please.
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Residents--Newsletter.html?soid=1113371546802&aid=qi_hNWt1ieA Please remember, I can no longer insert hyperlinks into messages. You will have to copy and paste the above address into your search engine.
