Trading Standards Update - 30/07/2012

Recent scams reported to Warwickshire Trading Standards Service


Please feel free to cascade this information to whomever you feel appropriate (including using the information in your newsletters/websites etc.). 


30/07/2012 Bank Scam


A Leamington householder reported receiving an unexpected call from someone claiming that she was owed £800 by her bank. The caller offered to visit the householder to give her the money on the doorstep!


It is unclear what the actual purpose of the visit would have been.


Warwickshire Trading Standards believe the caller might have been hoping to sign the consumer up to an agreement to reclaim miss-sold payment protection insurance (consumers can do this for themselves for free) or sell her goods or services. Distraction burglary cannot be ruled out.


30/07/2012 Card Scam


A Warwick consumer reported receiving an unexpected phone call from someone to say that an attempt had been made to use his bank/credit card to purchase goods. However, the consumer did not possess a credit/debit card described by the caller!


Warwickshire Trading Standards advise that banks will sometimes contact their customers if they believe that their credit/debit cards have been used fraudulently. However, consumers must ensure that the call is genuine. Never provide your complete card details to unexpected callers or your three digit security number – banks won’t ask for complete details in order to confirm your identity.


30/07/2012 Job Search Warning


Warwickshire Trading Standards advises job hunters to check that job offers are genuine after complaints from Warwickshire residents who applied, were interviewed and offered ‘IT posts’ and then asked immediately for up-front training cost fees. Job hunters need to ensure that job offers are real and not simply ways to sell training courses.



For more information, visit our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams


Simon Cripwell
Senior Information Officer
Trading Standards Service
Communities
Warwickshire County Council
tel. 01926 414039
mob. 07771 975570
email. simoncripwell@warwickshire.gov.uk
web. www.warwickshire.gov.uk
My normal working days are Monday to Thursday