I have received A message from Honor Ryan at Trading Standards, to say, NORMAL SCAMS AND FRAUDS ARE STILL OUT THERE, SO BE ON YOUR GUARD. I have set out her email below.
I have been asked to circulate the information below, to residents in Holyport, from Demelza:
Hi
In response to your recent email about shopping scams, please can I share this information for residents in Holyport?
A community group of volunteers has set up to help people in the village in isolation with a central number to call for assistance.
Villagers are encouraged to join the Facebook page Holyport Cares
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HolyportCares/?ref=share but if they don’t have access to Facebook, please follow the instructions on the set out below.
Many thanks
I have also been asked to circulate this message for Maidenhead:
Hi
Can you do a media appeal please.
Someone has called us, to let us know that he had stolen money from a bag in the town. The person then felt guilty and dumped it outside the Helen Douglas charity shop, High Street, Maidenhead.
We do not have any details of the victim.
Could you put something out, to ask if someone had lost their belongings stolen while in The Bear in Maidenhead, on 10th or 11th March ?
Regards,
PC Laura Childs 1785
COMMENTS:
Just because of the current situation, it doesn’t mean that our ordinary everyday scams and frauds will not continue. Many more people will be self isolating at home and making more use of the internet !
This has just come in from Vivienne:
Hi
Today, we received a letter (by post) with an email response address. It was the usual scam that a friend of ours is stranded abroad and wants me to send money to CTBC Shengjing Bank.
Obviously we are ignoring it, but I thought I should let somebody know.
Vivienne
With borders locked, hotels closed and flights grounded, there may be a lot more of these coming
FROM HONOR RYAN:
Nationally, there have been reports of frauds relating to the supply of face masks, primarily online; fraudsters trying to persuade people to disclose personal information by posing as legitimate bank, police or health officials over the phone or through emails. Some claim to provide medical guidance, investment opportunities or a safe place to which to transfer money. Victims then hand over financial details or click links that may contain dangerous malware.
Other frauds include emails asking people to visit a fake website bearing an HM Revenue and Customs logo, with the promise of a tax refund. An associated website claims that, as a precaution against coronavirus, the government has set up a new tax refund programme.
Phishing emails
Fraudsters are contacting potential coronavirus victims over email claiming to be from research organisations affiliated with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), according to Action Fraud.
They claim to be able to provide the person with a list of coronavirus infected people in their area.
But when the victim clicks on a link, it leads them to a malicious website, or they are asked to make a payment in Bitcoin.
Do not click on links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details.
Even if you know the sender, don’t reply if an email looks odd with spelling mistakes and a messy layout.
Do not reply to unsolicited emails.
Bank scams
People are using the coronavirus outbreak as an opportunity to try to scam others by claiming to be their bank.
Banks will never ask you for your full PIN or password, or request you move money from your accounts.
Shopping online
Fraudsters are using online marketplaces to sell goods like face masks and hand sanitisers that don’t exist, or even self-isolation boxes.
Before you buy anything online, it’s best to do some research and check reviews to make sure a seller is genuine.
Ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase.
If you go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one, as most major credit card providers insure online purchases.
HMRC fake emails
Taxpayers have been targeted by a HM Revenue & Customs coronavirus scam.
Researchers at cyber-security firm Mimecast found consumers were being sent messages from scammers promising a tax refund.
The texts or emails contain a link directing recipients to a fake website bearing an HMRC logo.
The website encourages victims to share their name, address, phone number, mother’s maiden name and bank card number — details that would equip a fraudster with enough information to access a victim’s bank account or purchase a financial product in their name.
“If someone emails or calls you claiming to be from HMRC saying that you are owed a tax refund, and asks you to click on a link or to give information such as your name, credit card or bank details, it’s a scam,” said HMRC.
Fraudsters use a range of techniques, including emailing or phoning taxpayers and offering a bogus tax refund, or threatening them with arrest if they don’t immediately pay tax owed.”
Loan Sharks/Illegal Money Lending
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) recognise that this period may be one of increased financial pressure for some people. The Team is fully committed to ensuring that illegal money lenders (loan sharks) do not take advantage and profit from other people’s hardship.
The Stop Loan Sharks helpline service (0300 555 2222) remains open and fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage not only victims but friends, family members and the wider community to come forward if they suspect someone is suffering at the hands of a loan shark.
General scams
Fraudsters come in all shapes and sizes and can contact you at the door, by phone, post or online.
Be aware of people offering miracle cures for coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19). Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms until you recover
The council DO NOT need to enter your house to do a deep clean
Bogus healthcare workers claiming to be offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus – this is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy.
Emails saying that you can get a refund on taxes, utilities or similar are usually bogus and they are just after your personal and bank details.
There are lots of fake products available to buy online that say they can protect you or cure coronavirus. These will not help and are designed to just take your money
There are new mobile phone apps that claim to give you updates on the virus, instead they lock your phone and demand a ransom
Your bank or the police will NEVER ask for your bank details over the phone
People offering to do your shopping and ask for money upfront and then disappear
Top Tips from RBWM Trading Standards
Do not let uninvited callers into your home Not to deal with cold callers at any time, either by phone or at the door, but particularly those who may seek to exploit the current situation.
If you receive a leaflet through your door with offers of help please check to see if the person is indeed a local neighbour and that it is a genuine offer. If you are unsure then ask the advice of a family member, friend or neighbour first. Firstly try and engage with people you already know, like and trust for help. Not a stranger
Do not give away too much personal information
Do not hand over bank cards or give out any PIN numbers either on the doorstep or over the telephone.
Don’t let yourself become lonely. Age Concern, Slough and Berkshire East, have set up ‘Hear for You’ – a call service for the elderly which will offer emotional support and help organise help and practical support if needed. Call them on 01753 497888.
Be vigilant – for yourself and your neighbours - keep an eye on each other. Join your local neighbourhood watch scheme
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/news/community-action-response-launched Our team of RBWM Community Wardens are still out there working in your community. They can be contacted on 01628 685636 and
wardens@rbwm.gov.ukReport concerns about doorstep callers to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service Helpline on 0808 223 1133, and in urgent cases to the police on 999.
Report concerns about fake products or false claims made about products, contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline on 0808 223 1133 or via their chat service online.
FROM DEMELZA
HOLYPORT CARES
Hello If you are Self -Isolating or need support, we can help.
We can help with
Picking up shopping
Posting Mail
A friendly telephone call
Urgent supplies
We have a team of volunteers from the village who would like to help you. Just call or text and leave your name, phone number and the road you live in and we will match you to a local neighbour
07380 203679 Or leave your details at Londis
We will care and do our best to help you - for FREE
Coronavirus is contagious. Please take every precaution to ensure you are spreading only kindness. Avoid physical contact and wash your hands regularly.
Items should be left on your doorstep.
Organised by the Holyport Community Facebook Page
www.facebook.co./groups/holyportcares
List of community groups so far - more to add:
Group
Jubilee Community Church
Maidenheadi magyarok
Holyport Community Board
C19 Support - Holyport Cares
Maidenhead Community Service Group
SARA (Stafferton Way Residents Asscoiation)
Oldfield Residents Group
Maidenhead Gossip Girls
Maidenhead Gossip Girls
Maidenhead Gossip Girls
Malvern Road Whatsapp group
Waltham St Lawrence Link
West Windsor Residents' Asscoiation
Fifield Craft cabin
Cookham SOS Group
Fiennes Park FB Group
Covid Mutual Aid
Littlewick Evening Belles WI
Windsor & Ascot |NHW Association
Maidenhead NHW Association
Sunningdale Baptist Church
Windsor (UK) Community Emergency plan Volunteers
Datchet Corona Volunteers
AGG Good Neighbours
Wraysbury News
Ascot People
Clewer Village WindsorCoronavirus comm. Response
Holyport Cares
Duke Street Community Group
Windsor Street Angels
Plastic Free Windsor Group
Maidenhead Volunteer Group
Portlock Road Whatsapp Group
Boyn Hill Baptist Church
