Scams

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Microsoft Scam

Suffolk Trading Standards is warning residents to be extra vigilant following telephone calls from people falsely claiming to be Microsoft computer security engineers.

The cold callers are telling residents they are at risk of a computer security threat and go on to offer free security checks.

If this proves to be successful, the victims help the fraudsters gain remote access to their computers.

This gives them access to personal information held on the computer, including account log-in information and bank details, which can be used to commit fraud.

The scammers add authenticity by claiming to represent legitimate companies and use telephone directories to refer to their victims by name. Victims can also end up being asked to pay for the ‘fixes’ the fraudster has made to their computer.

Trading Standards is offering the following advice to consumers:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if they claim to represent a respected company
• Never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller
• Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue
• Take the caller’s information down and pass it to the authorities
• Use up-to-date versions of your operating and application software
• Make sure security updates are installed regularly
• Use a strong password and change it regularly
• Make sure the firewall is turned on and that antivirus software is installed and up to date

To help reduce the number of unsolicited calls, consumers can register for the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.

For further information or to report a call, residents can contact Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Lottery Prize Draw Scam

We have received a complaint, from a consumer that has supposedly won a lottery prize. The consumer was asked to pay a fee to organise a time when they could meet and receive a cheque for their prize. A legitimate lottery would never make you pay to receive your prize. And if you haven't entered into a lottery then you won't be eligible to win one.
If you are concerned you've been the victim of a scam contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.


Facebook Gift Card Scam

Facebook has started to warn its users about links from your friends and fan pages, for free gift cards as they are scams attempting to get your personal details.

The situation is often the same, a friend will post on your wall for an amazing free gift card offer for a company like Argos, Starbucks or Ikea. The consumer is then forwarded to a third party site, where they are asked to enter some personal details to get access to the gift card.

In some cases the "friend" that writes on your wall, has had their Facebook account hacked in to. And this is what causes these "spam" messages to appear from your friends. Do not click on unusual or suspicious links, even if they appear to come from someone you know.

Facebook is working to closing down these spam sites as quickly as possible. Facebook Security advises ""Watch out for suspicious offers for free gift cards," the site warns. "We've been removing groups and Pages that promise free gift cards but instead trick people into entering information or spamming their friends. If you come across one, report it to us immediately."

Business Directory Scam

Businesses receive a form via the post, email or fax, offering a "free" listing in a directory or an exihibiton entry form. In the small print, it states you are in fact commiting to an order. If you sign and return the form you will be invoiced for a large sum of money for ongoing entry into the directory. In some cases the firm sends debt collection letters, if payment isn't fulfilled.

Debt Scam

Consumers have been receiving telephone calls from Debit Advisory Bureaus asking for personal details such as what debt a consumer has. Do not give out personal details over the phone, especially to an unknown caller. If you are concerned about a phone call, hang up and you can report a scam to Action Fraud. If you are worried about the amount of unwanted telephone calls you are receiving you can sign up to the Telephone Prefrence Service.

Citizens Advice Bureau Scam Survey

Scams and frauds cost people millions every year, causing misery and distress. People can lose their life savings, find themselves with crippling debts.

CAB's are looking at what scams are causing the public the most concern. Visit their website to complete a short survey on your opinions of scams.

Bogus Invoices from OHIM, the European Trade Mark Agency

Users in Europe are receiving an increasing amount of unsolicited mail from companies requesting payment for trade mark and design services such as publication, registration or entry in business directories.

A list of letters from firms or registers, which users have complained are misleading, is published on the OHIM website. Please note that these services are not connected with any official trade mark or design registration services provided by public bodies within the European Union such as OHIM.

If you receive a letter or invoice please check carefully what is being offered to you, and its source. Please note that the OHIM never sends invoices to users or letters requesting direct payment for services.

If you have any doubt or detect any new case, please check with your legal advisors or contact us at +34 96 513 9100 or by e-mail at information@oami.europa.eu.

Don't let scammers con you

There are numerous scams created everyday, all designed to trick you into handing over money or personal details. The Office of Fair Trading estimates that every year around 3 million UK consumers lose a total of 3.5 billion to scams.

Scams can come in a variety of forms

Scams are received most commonly by email, post, phone call or text message. Common scams include lottery scams, fake ticketing, phishing (fake emails or pop-up websites), and online dating scams. However this list is not exhaustive. For further information, Consumer Direct provide  comprehensive information on a variety of scams.

Don't be embarrassed to report a scam

Scammers can be clever and manipulative, using tactics to target individuals from all walks of life. If you have been the victim of a scam, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. The information you provide could help to prevent the scammers from claiming further victims.

Protect your identity

If you think you have been the victim of identity theft, please  contact Suffolk Police on their non-emergency number straight away. It's also advisable to register with  CIFAS, the UK's Fraud Prevention Service. CIFAS provide a Protection Registration Service for individuals and organisations whose identity is at risk as a result of crime or the loss of personal data.

Relevant Links

Office of Fair Trading- The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is the UK's consumer and competition authority. The OFT's scams awareness campaigns provide consumers with information and advice on how to identify scams and protect themselves, and others.

Consumer Direct- Consumer Direct provides clear, practical advice to help consumers sort out problems and disagreements with suppliers of goods and services. They provide comprehensive information on a variety of scams. You should contact Consumer Direct's trained advisors to report a scam.

Money Made Clear- Money Made Clear is a website provided by the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA). They provide impartial information and tools to help you improve your financial capabilities. As part of this, they provide information on financial scams and how to avoid them.

Bank Safe Online- An initiative by the UK banking industry to help banking users stay safe online. Provides guidance on identifying scams and how to protect yourself and your money.

CIFAS - CIFAS is the UK's Fraud Prevention Service, and provides a Protection Registration Service for individuals and organisations whose identity is at risk as a result of crime or the loss of personal data.

Safe from Scams- Safe from scams is a resource to learn about all the different types of scams out there.

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