Publow with Pensford Parish 

 

 

31st October 2011

FRAUD WARNING

The following message from Trading Standards is being circulated by Avon & Somerset Police:-

Bath and North East Somerset Public Protection service receive a number of calls about scams which appear to be globally-run and regularly target local residents. One of the latest is a postal scam email from Parcel Delivery Service. A card is posted through the door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number). Trading Standards would advise that you DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize. If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £315 for the phone call.

Almost all of these scams are criminal offences. Most come from abroad and are difficult for UK Agencies to control. The only way to stop them is by not responding. If you do it is impossible to get your money back.

Trading Standards advice for dealing with scams is:

bulletCheck out the company. Ask for written information or a number to call back. Check the internet or with local Trading Standards Department if you're not sure.
bulletDo not give out your personal bank account or credit card details to someone you don't know.
bulletDon't be pressured into signing anything or sending any money.
bulletIf it's a genuine offer they have nothing to hide and it will be there tomorrow.
bulletIt's not always easy to spot scams as new ones are invented every day. If you suspect you have been a target of a scam don't be embarrassed - you're not alone.
bulletIf you have been taken in, don't be ashamed - you've done nothing wrong. It is professional and manipulative conmen that have broken the law. Report it and help to prevent anyone else from feeling the same.
bullet

Trust your instincts - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

Environmental Services, Public Protection

Bath and North East Somerset Council

Telephone No:(01225) 396753

Facsimile No: (01225) 396142

Website: www.bathnes.gov.uk

If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 101 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website.

webmaster@publow-with-pensford-pc.gov.uk