Dear Watch Member,
Here is a brief summary of some scams in circulation. Please help to raise awareness of them by alerting friends and family.
Mobile phone offers: You receive a call from someone claiming to be from your mobile phone provider offering a big discount on a new phone. They then use your account details to purchase a new phone. The phone is delivered to you but the fraudster then calls you to say the wrong phone was sent. They arrange to collect it, but they then keep it for themselves.
WhatsApp messages: You receive a WhatsApp message claiming to be from your son or daughter. They say their phone is damaged and they urgently need money transferred to a bank account to arrange a replacement.
PayPal Request Money emails: You receive an email which uses PayPal’s Request Money feature. The wording is designed to look like a payment has already been made – this is to pressure you into clicking on the payment link. If you receive a PayPal email about a payment you were not expecting, treat it as suspicious and do not click on the “Pay Now” link in the email.
Be wary when selling goods online: Criminals target people selling phones or other valuables via online selling platforms. They contact you and arrange to buy the item from you via Bank Transfer. You receive an email claiming to be from a bank confirming that funds have been received but won’t be released until you provide proof of postage. You then post the item but the payment never arrives.
Alternatively, the fraudster offers to collect the item. When they arrive, they pay you using a convincing banking app. The app can mimic apps from several banks and seems to show the funds being transferred to your account.
We urge you not to release an item you are selling until you have independently confirmed that the money is in your account.
If you believe you are a victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately, and then report it online to www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
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