Scammers Targeting Motorists in Pinner

Dear Watch Member,

Scammers are targeting motorists in Pinner.

They approach elderly motorists and convince them they must pay for parking or a fine by inserting a credit / debit card into a parking machine, some of which have a card-sized slot. After the motorist enters their PIN on the alphanumeric keypad, the scammers then use a distraction or sleight of hand technique to remove the card. They then tell the motorist the machine has retained the card, which is then used to swiftly make contactless payments and/or withdraw money from a nearby ATM.

One of the scammers was reported to be wearing a camera to give the appearance of being a genuine parking enforcement officer. Other scammers approach motorists about to use a parking machine, to offer their assistance, when their real purpose is to confuse the motorist and steal their card.

Although the method can change (such as using an ATM instead of a parking machine) the intended result is the same.

Please note that Harrow Council parking machines only allow two types of payment; either with coins or by calling paybyphone, using their website (www.paybyphone.co.uk) or smartphone app, and no genuine parking enforcement officer will ask you to pay a fine in the street.

If you fall victim to these scammers it’s important to cancel any stolen card(s) at the earliest opportunity, so ensure that your card issuer’s phone number, found on the reverse of your card, is in your mobile phone’s contact list.

Please share this message on WhatsApp groups and social media feeds, and speak to elderly family, friends and neighbours to help prevent them becoming victims of this crime.

 

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If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: [email protected]

Regards,
Lee O’Brien
Pinner Safer Neighbourhood Team
Email: [email protected]

‘Amazon’ Test Club Scam Letters

Dear Watch Member,

You may receive in the post a letter claiming to be from Amazon. The letter invites you to join a “Test Club” where you are given the opportunity to test new Amazon products in exchange for free items and commission. You are asked to submit your details to register your interest in joining the test club.

Amazon have been contacted, and they have confirmed that they are not sending these letters, therefore this is likely to be a scam.

As always, please be suspicious of unexpected correspondence of any type, particularly if it asks you to provide your personal details.

If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: [email protected]

Regards,
Lee O’Brien
Pinner Safer Neighbourhood Team
Email: [email protected]

Nominations Open for Harrow’s Heroes Awards 2022

Harrow Council Logo Dear Watch Member,

Harrow Council’s community awards, Harrow’s Heroes returns again this September – and in person again following the coronavirus pandemic. The awards capture how great the borough is and nominations are open to everyone in the community who is or has made a significant difference to Harrow and its residents.

As you know, in Harrow, there are thousands of people who work behind the scenes to make it such a special place to live and work. Their huge contribution often goes without the recognition they truly deserve.

Each year the awards attract hundreds of moving and inspirational nominations, and this year will be no different – if not better! With your support Harrow Council can hear more about the fantastic work and achievements of both volunteers and members of the community.

Please help spread the word about these awards and submit your nominations for this year. Whether they be from a business or a community group, you may know an individual or team who has made a positive difference to the lives of others and their neighbourhood. We want to hear their stories and encourage you to nominate them for this year’s awards.

The deadline for nominations is Sunday 24th July 2022. Winners will be announced at a grand event in September where awards and certificates will be given.

Attached is a copy of the nomination form and further details are available on www.harrow.gov.uk/HarrowsHeroes. If you’re on social media please use the hashtag #HarrowsHeroes.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the awards, please email [email protected].

 

Download Associated Documents
Documents accompanying this message are linked below. Click to download and open a file which use the popular PDF format. If you experience problems downloading or viewing a file please visit this help page.

If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: [email protected]

Regards,
Lee O’Brien
Pinner Safer Neighbourhood Team
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 8721 2775