Newsletters and Alerts
CCNWatch Newsletters
Download the CCRA Car Notice
Join the local Resident Association
Previous Instant Alerts
25/09/2024 - ALERT - TRADING STANDARDS
Scammers are attempting to steal personal information using a phoney 'annual living allowance' text and website. With an imitation of the government's Cost of Living Payments scheme, this scam includes a link to a very convincing copycat government website. This scam text refers to an ‘annual allowance’, which is not an official government scheme and claims that your 2023-2024 allowance hasn't been received. The message claims that you have a short window of ‘three working days’ to submit your application ‘as soon as possible’. The link in the message takes you to a copycat government website using a convincing gov.uk logo, font, and branding, and also includes genuine links to the official gov.uk website. It instructs you to register to receive a ‘£900 Cost of Living payment’ by entering your name, number, email address and home address. It also requests your financial information to receive the payment. Am I entitled to a Cost of Living payment? The government offers Cost of Living Payments to some people who were already entitled to certain benefits or tax credits on particular dates between 2022 and 2024. You don't need to apply for these – if you’re eligible you’re paid automatically. Cost of Living payments of £299, £300, £301, £324, and £326 are made to those receiving: • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) • Income Support • Pension Credit • Universal Credit • Child Tax Credit • Working Tax Credit The government has previously warned that messages asking you to apply or to contact someone about payments could be scams. Spotting and avoiding dodgy copycat websites. Four steps to check whether you're on a copycat website are:
• Checking if the URL doesn't begin with 'https’ Most websites do nowadays, but if it's a 'http' website it's not encrypted and is a good indication of a dodgy website.
• Checking for slight changes in the website address Scammers will try to mimic an official URL as closely as possible, so examine the address for small typos.
• Considering how you found the website If you were directed to it from a message, email, or online advert, you should question it.
• Reading the pages on the website carefully as it may say that it’s not officially affiliated with the actual organisation.
WHERE TO REPORT - Protect others by reporting incidents like this. Report suspicious texts you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad. Report suspicious emails you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to report@phishing.gov.uk
14/01/2024 - SCAM WARNING
There are a number of scams going the rounds in our area
- Text messages suggesting they are from a family member who has lost their phone. They encourage you to contact them using a new number, but this is a false number.
-Fake email saying they are from the bank/HMRC saying you have a tax refund and wanting you to click a link to validate the refund.
-Fake emails/texts purporting to be from Amazon saying you have a gift card pending and asking you to click a link/phone a number to activate the card.
-Cold Callers who are in fact Rogue Traders offering to do cheap repairs to your roof/path etc. Never deal with door step callers or invite them into your home.
-These are all scams.
Report suspicious emails you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to report@phishing.gov.uk
If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk
REPORTING to Trading Standards Tel. 0208 921 8223 or email: tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
10/10/2023 - ALERT - TRADING STANDARDS
Please be aware of a scam from a group calling themselves "Children's Advisory Services".They appear to be cold calling businesses and religious establishments on the phone in relation to putting books into local schools.These scammers will then send the business or religious establishment a certificate saying they are sponsoring a local school for these books and an invoice.Once this is done they will ring persistently asking for the payment.
•
•
•
Royal Greenwich Trading Standards advise all affected people NOT to respond to this scam, and NOT to pay any money.
Protect others by reporting incidents like this.
Report suspicious texts you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad
Report suspicious emails you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to report@phishing.gov.uk
If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk
27/09/2023 - ALERT - TRADING STANDARDS
A warning to landline users The digital switchover, which is expected to be completed in 2025, will involve UK telephone providers moving customers from old analogue landlines to services which use digital technology. The move is free of charge, but there have been reports of fraudsters calling vulnerable people claiming they need their bank details as part of the switchover, or their service will be disconnected. Unfortunately, these scam attempts will likely rise as the switchover date nears.
Scammers want your name, date of birth & current or previous address to commit identity theft. With it they can: • Open bank accounts • Obtain credit cards/loans & benefits • Order goods / mobile phone contracts • Take over existing accounts • Obtain a passport & driving license
WHERE TO REPORT Protect others by reporting incidents like this. Report suspicious texts you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad Report suspicious emails you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to report@phishing.gov.uk If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.u
Protect others by reporting incidents like this.
Report suspicious texts you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad
Report suspicious emails you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to report@phishing.gov.uk
If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk
09/08/2022 - ALERT - TRADING STANDARDS
Top tips to avoid falling victim to holiday fraud
• Stay safe online: check the web address is legitimate and has not been altered by slight changes to a domain name – such as going from .co.uk to .org
•
•
•
•
•
For a full list of tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, please visit: www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/how-avoid-travel-related-fraud
WHERE TO REPORT:
Protect others by reporting incidents like this.
Report suspicious texts you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad
Report suspicious emails you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to report@phishing.gov.uk
If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk
15/12/2021 - Alert - Trading Standards
A common advance fee scamm is Inheritance Fraud, Usually the letter tells you someone very rich has died and your're in-line to recieve a huge inheritance.
Re-gift your scam email to Friends Against Scams for investigation! Find out how to do this on the Friends website: www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/scamnesty
If you, or someone you know is in receipt of scam or nuisance mail, the NTS Scams Team's Investigators want to see it! They already use the mail that they receive from Scam Marshals to great effect through their disruption techniques but the team would like to see more and put a stop to these mailings landing on consumers' doorsteps.
The NTS Scams Team estimate that only 5% of these crimes are reported; this can be due to a number of reasons, including shame or embarrassment, or even that victims don't know who to report scams to. Victims of these crimes shouldn't feel ashamed at all - these criminals are experts at what they do and know exactly how to commit their fraud.
Send mail (no need for a stamp) to: NTSST, FREEPOST, MAIL MARSHALS
WHERE TO REPORT
Protect others by reporting incidents like this.
Report suspicious texts you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad.
Report suspicious emails you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to: report@phishing.gov.uk
If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting: www.actionfraud.police.uk
17/03/2021 - Warning from the Health Safety Executive - Scam Email
Please be aware of a bogus email that is being
circulated about HSE COVID spot checks and inspections. The spam email comes
from a non HSE email address and the signatory is Mark J Burrows (this is
not a member of HSE staff).
If you receive one of these emails, please do not open attachments or click on any links, and delete the email.
•
•
•
Scammers want your name, date of birth & current or previous address to commit identity theft.
With it they can:
•
•
•
•
•
WHERE TO REPORT:
Protect others by reporting incidents like this. If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk
17/03/2021 - Warning from the Health Safety Executive - Scam Email
Please be aware of a bogus email that is being
circulated about HSE COVID spot checks and inspections. The spam email comes
from a non HSE email address and the signatory is Mark J Burrows (this is
not a member of HSE staff).
If you receive one of these emails, please do not open attachments or click on any links, and delete the email.
•
•
•
Scammers want your name, date of birth & current or previous address to commit identity theft.
With it they can:
•
•
•
•
•
WHERE TO REPORT:
Protect others by reporting incidents like this. If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk
30/11/2020 - Appeal after man takes ‘upskirt’ photos in Charlton supermarket
Police have released an image of a man they would like to speak to after "upskirt" images were taken of a woman in south east London.
The victim, 22, was in Charlton when the man pointed a camera up towards her skirt after following her into the store and through the aisles.
She turned round and saw that he was holding his phone with the camera on.
He left the shop and the young woman called her mother to pick her up, and the police were alerted. Footage obtained from the store captures the man following the victim before pointing his mobile phone up towards the victim's skirt. The incident happened in a supermarket in Charlton Church Lane at around 12.20pm on Sunday.
Police said in a statement: “Officers would like to speak to the man pictured.” Please see the newspaper article here.
28/11/2020 - Scam Emails
We would like to bring to your attention a scam that is going on in our area NOW. If you get a phone call from someone purporting to be from Thames Water, please be advised this is a scam. They are very convincing as they start the conversation with your name and address. They are seeking to arrange a visit to your home to inspect your water efficiency. They are offering free meters and advice on saving water. Basically these scammers are seeking entry to your property. We have been advised by Thames Water themselves that they are not making home visits, unless for water emergencies. It would be very easy to be taken in by these fraudsters. Please talk to your neighbours about this, especially if they are elderly or vulnerable. Let's work together to keep the scammers out.
02/07/2020 - Scam Emails
Please be aware of a new scam that is landing in inboxes.
|
|
NEVER open attachments or links in unsolicited emails NEVER give out personal information DELETE spam emails from your mailbox |
Scammers want your name, date of
birth & current or previous address to commit identity theft.
With it they can:
•
• Obtain credit cards/loans &
benefits
• Order goods / mobile
phone contracts
• Take over existing
accounts
• Obtain a passport &
driving license
WHERE TO REPORT
Protect others by reporting incidents
like this.
If you, or anyone you know, have been
affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud
by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting:
www.actionfraud.police.uk
07/11/2019 - Scam Phone calls. Scammers are targeting the elderly by posing on the phone as police officers or fraud investigation officers who have information about their bank accounts being compromised. They convince the victim they need to withdraw very large sums from their accounts for a forensic investigations. They then arrange to collect the money. They are extremely extremely convincing. If you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour please talk to them TODAY about this. This is happening in our area now. They must never agree to take money from their accounts for any reason connected with a cold door caller or a phone caller. If you hear of anyone being approached in this way please phone the police or contact RBG's Trading Standards on 0208 921 8223.
30/07/2019 - Scam 'HMRC' Phone calls. Royal Greenwich Trading Standards have been made aware of a scam phone call from people claiming to be from the "HMRC" the scammers are using the following phone number; 0300 300 2233 which is a genuine number used by the Greenwich carers centre. The callers are using a variety of techniques to try and get money from unsuspecting victims, including making claims that tax is owed or tax credit. They are calling more than once. Some victims have been told to pay the money owed immediately or they will be arrested. - Never give any private information away over the phone or on email. - If you're concerned you've been scammed, get in touch with your bank to inform them immediately. - You can also call your phone provider to see if the call was genuine. - You would never receive a call regarding tax or tax credit in this way. Please share this information and keep safe.
07/11/2019 - Scam Phone calls. Scammers are targeting the elderly by posing on the phone as police officers or fraud investigation officers who have information about their bank accounts being compromised. They convince the victim they need to withdraw very large sums from their accounts for a forensic investigations. They then arrange to collect the money. They are extremely extremely convincing. If you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour please talk to them TODAY about this. This is happening in our area now. They must never agree to take money from their accounts for any reason connected with a cold door caller or a phone caller. If you hear of anyone being approached in this way please phone the police or contact RBG's Trading Standards on 0208 921 8223.
30/07/2019 - Scam 'HMRC' Phone calls. Royal Greenwich Trading Standards have been made aware of a scam phone call from people claiming to be from the "HMRC" the scammers are using the following phone number; 0300 300 2233 which is a genuine number used by the Greenwich carers centre. The callers are using a variety of techniques to try and get money from unsuspecting victims, including making claims that tax is owed or tax credit. They are calling more than once. Some victims have been told to pay the money owed immediately or they will be arrested. - Never give any private information away over the phone or on email. - If you're concerned you've been scammed, get in touch with your bank to inform them immediately. - You can also call your phone provider to see if the call was genuine. - You would never receive a call regarding tax or tax credit in this way. Please share this information and keep safe.
08/07/2019 - Scam BT Phone calls. Royal Greenwich Trading Standards have been made aware of a scam phone call from someone claiming to be from BT. The scammers tell the victim that their broadband is about to be terminated because someone is trying to access it. The voice on the phone then asks the resident to press number (1) so they can speak to a BT engineer. BT would not make contact with you in this way; any phone call of this nature would be a scam. If you receive a phone call of this nature terminate the call and don’t engage with the person on the phone. - Not sure whether your caller is the real deal? Hang up and call the number back - scam lines often don't take incoming calls. - Never give any private information away over the phone or on email. - If you're concerned you've been scammed, get in touch with your bank to inform them immediately. - You can also call your phone provider to see if the call was genuine. - BT will not contact you unless you have an existing open complaint with them. If you have been a victim of a scam please report it to Action Fraud using the details below. Scam Alert - BT Scam- July 2019
21/06/2019 - We have been asked by the police to circulate the information attached below on phone/online scams following an increase in incidents of this type of crime. Scams - Online and Phone - June 2019
20/05/2019 - We have been asked to get in touch with you regarding the current spike in burglaries in the area. Some of you may be aware that there has been a worrying upward trend in burglaries over the last month. They have a similar modus operandii with burglars 'garden hopping' late at night or in the early hours (1.00 am and 5.00 am). They often use tools taken from insecure sheds. The police are undertaking additional patrols in our area. In the last week they have deployed helicopters and police dogs in pursuit of suspects. They urge everyone to help their inquiries by doing the following:
A- if you hear a helicopter hovering overhead please DO NOT go out into your garden or the street to see what is going on. This is seriously hampering operations that rely on a helicopter tracking someone at a time when normally there are very few residents outside.
B- please do not interfere or approach a working police dog. This again is seriously hampering the police at work. We all want to apprehend these villains and complying with a) and b) above will be a great help to the police. Can you please spread the word on this to all your friends, neighbours or through your networks so we can really support the police in protecting. us. Thank you for our co-operation.
07/05/2019 - We have been asked to contact you with information from the police. Following on from the increase in burglary across the borough, there is valid intelligence to suggest that people are marking pavements to identify potential targets.Please can you ask your members to be extra vigilant and report any instances of this occurring to your local SNT team.It is vital for any instances to be reported as this forms part of the intelligence building process.
Below are the sorts of marks you should be looking out for. Please report these or any other suspicious marks outside of houses. Let's work together to stop burglaries in our area.
17/05/2018 - Royal Greenwich Trading Standards have been made aware of a Distraction Burglary in the SE7 area.A lady was cold called by a male who showed her ID, he claimed to be from the Fire Brigade and wanted to check the smoke alarm. He went upstairs and took the battery out but could not put it back in. The male then went downstairs leaving the female upstairs.He then stole her purse and handbag before leaving the property. The female was 78 years of age.
If you are cold called by anyone claiming to be from the Fire Brigade and you are unsure, its always best to confirm their identity by calling the phone number on their ID badge, this number will be 0208 555 1200 which is the London Fire Brigade (LFB), genuine staff from the LFB will be happy to wait while this is done. You should take precautions where you can, for example using a chain on your door if possible. If you are concerned and feel under pressure contact the police on 999, please report any incident like this to Trading Standards using the phone number below.
WHERE TO REPORT - Protect others by reporting incidents like this.
If the matter is urgent or the traders are still there, report this to Royal Greenwich Trading Standards as soon as it happens on 0208 921 8223. Otherwise, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm) or report it to them by email at: http://www.citizensadvice. org.uk/index/getadvice/ consumer_service.htm
12/10/2017 - Royal Greenwich Trading Standards would like to warn residents of a password reset Scam. We have been made aware of residents receiving a mobile phone call from someone claiming to have a similar phone number; they then claim to have accidentally put in your details while registering for things online. The caller will ask you to read out a code that has been text to your phone; in actual fact this code is a reset code for your mobile banking or email log in details. This caller is a Fraudster and is intending to change your details and defraud you out of substantial sums of money. If you receive a call like this, record the number calling and hang up immediately – DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION. Click here to open the Scam Alert Doc You can report the incident to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk
02/08/2017 - There has been an increase
in Motor vehicle crime across the borough. Please could you pass the Top
Tips for keeping your Vehicle safe to all your NHW Members Please ensure
you remove all your valuables from your vehicle and do not leave any items
on display. Top Tips For Keeping Your Vehicle Safe
1. Don't display Never leave anything on display when you park your car.
2. Immobilisers Electronic engine immobilisers prevent your car from starting
and are the best way to stop thieves. They should be professionally fitted
by an approved installer.
3. Parking Always lock both your car and your garage if you have one. If
you don't have a garage, always try to park in a well-lit, open place. Never
leave your Keys in the car, even for a second.
4. Secure Car Parks When parking outside always try and park your car in
an attended car park.
5. Steering Locks Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your car.
6. Car Alarms Car alarms deter thieves from stealing your car and also taking
items from it.
7. Locking Wheel Nuts These are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from
taking your wheels.
8. Etching Have your car registration number or your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, windscreens and headlamps.
9. Security Markings Mark all car equipment, like your stereo, with your
vehicle registration number.
10. Home At home, Keep your Keys safe and don’t leave them in the Obvious
place.
Crimestoppers If you have any information regarding any criminal activity
including motor vehicle crime, and you would prefer not to speak to police,
please report it to Crimestoppers. Remember your call is confidential and
you can remain anonymous. 0800 555 111 or visit
www.crimestoppers-uk.org For
further Security and crime prevention advice - Please visit
www.met.police.uk
Always in an Emergency call - 999
Non Emergency - 101
02/08/2017 - Royal Greenwich Trading Standards are warning residents to be aware of cold callers currently operating in the Borough. These Fraudsters are knocking on the door and telling residents that they have a loose tile that needs repairing which is often not true, a small price is negotiated and the traders get on the roof. The residents are then told that there is a major problem, such as a chimney stack that may fall through the conservatory. These are scare tactics to force the resident into having work done; this work is normally not required. The price will increase and the residents will be asked for large sums of money. Trading Standards advise residents not to use cold callers for work needed on your property. You can use our What Trader scheme for approved traders, further info can be obtained by calling Trading Standards on the number below. Remember to SAY NO to Rogue Traders SAY NO to uninvited callers SAY NO to cash payments SAY NO to unnecessary repairs SAY NO politely but firmly You do not have to agree to work being offered. · Remember your 14 day “cooling off” period when buying on your doorstep. Find out more at www.adviceguide.org.uk WHERE TO REPORT Protect others by reporting incidents like this. If the matter is urgent or the traders are still there, report this to Royal Greenwich Trading Standards as soon as it happens on 0208 921 8223. Otherwise, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm) or report it to them by email at
28/07/2017 - RUN, HIDE, TELL - Given the horrific events in Manchester and London recently we are devoting this issue of UPDATE to advice given by the National Police Chiefs Council. If you are caught up in a terrorist attack the advice is:
RUN, HIDE, TELL
RUN to a place of safety. This is a far better
option than to surrender or negotiate. If there’s nowhere to go, then…
HIDE It’s better to hide than to confront.
Remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself
in if you can. Then finally and only when it is safe to do so…
TELL the police by calling 999
To watch the Stay Safe film, visit www.npcc.police.uk/staysafe
Information is vital. If you see or hear something
that could be terrorist related, trust your instincts and call the confidential
Anti-Terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. Specially trained officers will
take it from there. Your call could save lives. Always in an emergency,
call 999.
17/05/2017 - We have had confirmed
today that a bag snatcher is operating in the area around the Village (most
specifically in Landsdowne Lane). A stocky black male about 5ft 8,
wearing jeans and khaki jacket was apprehended by members of the public
having taken a bag, unfortunately he left the scene before the police attended.
The police are aware of the incident and are making ongoing enquiries.
Please be aware of your surroundings when shopping and look out for any
kind of suspicious behaviour. Try to avoid suspicious random approaches
and make sure you secure all your valuables. All incidents should be reported
immediately to the police. It is very helpful if you can provide as good
a description as possible of anyone acting suspiciously. Together we can
make Charlton a safer place to live.
03/04/2017 - Hoverboard / Self Balancing Scooters Safety Royal Greenwich Trading Standards are warning residents that due to major safety concerns about hoverboard batteries, plugs, cables, chargers, and cutoff switches causing explosions and fires, if you have bought a hoverboard or given one as a present, our advice is contact the retailer it was purchased from to check if there has been a recall on that product. If you suspect any sellers, or websites selling these products which could be unsafe report it to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
16/11/2016 - We have been asked
to circulate the following
information by a resident in Priolo Road:
On 11th November at 4.30 pm two young black men on a motorbike tried to
rob my housemate
on the street just outside number 1 Priolo Road on the corner with Sundorne.
In the attempt to grab her bag they pulled her to the ground.
As a
result of this she sustained some bruising,sufficient to make walking difficult
but is recovering well from the incident. It has been reported
to
the police. I am sure all of us would want to extend our sympathies
to this neighbour and wish her a speedy recovery.
The advice from the Watch is: Now that the dark nights
are upon us please be aware when
walking away from the main roads, especially on street corners. Try not
to get distracted by using a mobile phone and be aware of your surroundings.
If you see someone acting suspiciously try and get a good description of
them including gender, age, hair style/colour, ethnicity, height, clothing
and any distinguishing features. We have had several reports about
anti-social behaviour associated with mopeds/bikes/quad bikes so if you
can get a registration number this will be invaluable to the police.
Please report all suspicious behaviours to the Police so they can build
up a picture of events in the area.
29/10/2016 - We have been asked
by RBG's Trading Standards to circulate the following information:
Royal Greenwich Trading Standards wants to make residents aware of an email
scam currently in circulation. The subject of the email will be “Support
Centre: Tax for review” and it will claim that you are eligible to receive
a tax refund. The email will have an HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) reference
number attached to it and sometimes a reason why you are due the refund.
This is a scam; the HMRC would never email you from a Hotmail account, DO
NOT submit this request or give them any other information, if you have
any concerns contact the HMRC. - NEVER open attachments or links in unsolicited
emails - NEVER give out personal information - DELETE spam emails
from your mailbox
WHERE TO REPORT Protect others by reporting incidents like this. If you,
or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam,
report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting:
www.actionfraud.police.uk
or
tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
19/07/2016 - IMPORTANT NOTICE about
a service called RED BUTTON SERVICE
We have received reports about cold calls from a ‘Red button service’. The
callers seem to be targeting elderly residents, some of whom already have
a ‘Telecare’ devise. Treat any such calls as suspicious. One resident was
quoted thousands of pounds to have an alarm fitted whilst another was asked
about their bank accounts. ‘Telecare’ will NEVER cold call anyone to offer
their service.
Please treat any calls from this company (RED BUTTON SERVICE) as suspicious
and report any incidents to Trading Standards as per below.
IF YOU RECEIVE A TELEPHONE COLD CALL PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Banks would never cold call and ask you for personal information over
the phone
2. The Police would never cold call and request that you purchase goods
for them, they would never ask for bank details or your personal information
just for confirmation.
3. Telecare will never cold call anyone to offer their services.
4. You should never be cold called for Technical support unless you have
requested it.
5. Be aware that the scammers who cold calling residents may have come up
with any number of false stories to take your money, if you’re unsure HANG
UP!
BLOCKING NUISANCE CALLS The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a FREE
service. It is the official central opt out register on which you can record
your preference not to receive unsolicited sales or marketing calls. For
more information, contact the TPS on 0845 070 0707 or at www.tpsonline.org.uk
WHERE TO REPORT To reporting incidents like this: If the matter is urgent
and you have given money to cold callers report this to Royal Greenwich
Trading Standards as soon as it happens on 0208 921 8223. Otherwise, call
the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 (Monday – Friday
9am – 5pm) or report it to them by email at http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice/consumer_service.htm
28/06/2016 - Lewisham Borough
have had an increase in shoulder surfing at cash points, targeting the elderly.
The oldest victim has been 91.
Leaflet has
been effective in raising awareness, some of you may have seen them being
displayed at cash points. Please can I ask you to pass these onto your residents,
especially those that you feel would benefit from the advice. David Solly
7112RG Police Community Support Officer
Charlton Safer Neighbourhood Team
MetPhone 725318
Mobile: 020 8721 2734
Email: David.Solly@met.police.uk Address: 31 Royal Hill Greenwich SE10 8RR
Non Emergency Number: 101
25/05/2016 - DOORSTEP SELLING / BURGLARY ALERT Royal Greenwich Royal Greenwich Trading Standards are warning residents to be aware of cold callers currently operating in the Borough. These Fraudsters are knocking on the door and telling residents that they have a loose tile that needs repairing which is often not true, a small price is negotiated and the traders get on the roof. The residents are then told that there is a major problem, such as a chimney stack that may fall through the conservatory and they will be given some time to think about having the work done, a matter of days later the traders turn up and start work without permission. They then charge the consumer many thousands of pounds and make them feel they have to pay. Please share this information with your neighbours and if you are contacted by anyone offering to do work on your roof then just say NO. If you are contacted by one of these cold callers you can report them and help to protect other by contacting the Royal Greenwich Trading Standards as soon as it happens on 0208 921 8223. Otherwise, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm) or report it to them by email
03/03/2016 and 28/06/2016 - DOORSTEP SELLING / BURGLARY ALERT Royal Greenwich Trading Standards are warning residents to take care when approached at home by males trying to sell knives, pots and pans on their doorstep. The males are thought to be travellers / Irish. This activity has been seen to link with burglaries at properties at a later date.This information has been circulated by Greenwich Police. If you or your neighbours have anyone knocking door to door in your street trying to sell knives and pans, please contact Royal Greenwich Trading Standards Neighbourhood Response Team as soon as it happens on 020 8921 8223. Can you please share this information with your neighbours especially if they are elderly or vulnerable. They may not have access to this important phone number. Remember:
- SAY NO to Rogue Traders
· SAY NO to uninvited callers
· SAY NO to cash payments
· SAY NO politely but firmly
01/01/2016 -
British Red Cross Door-to-Door calls January 2016 Royal Greenwich. Trading
Standards are informing residents that the British Red Cross will be carrying
out door-to-door calls in the borough during January 2016. The purpose of
their visits is to recruit new supporters to their cause by asking them
to make regular donations to the British Red Cross, paid for by direct-debit.
Legitimate British Red Cross door-to-door fundraisers will be:
· wearing a red tabard, red polo shirt, jacket or gilet with the British
Red Cross emblem
· displaying an Appco Group Support or British Red Cross identification
badge with their name, photo and ID number
· carrying a letter of authority from the British Red Cross.
If you require further assurance, please contact the British Red Cross Supporter
Care team on 0300 456 11 55, who will be able to verify the legitimacy of
a fundraiser. You can also send your questions to supportercare@redcross.org.uk
Alternatively, if you have any questions about British Red Cross’ Appco
agency fundraisers, please contact Appco Group Support’s helpline on 0800
031 9811. If you see people calling door-to-door saying they are collecting
for charity and you have any concerns about whether they are genuine or
not, protect others by reporting incidents like this to Greenwich Trading
Standards Neighbourhood Response Team as soon as they happen on 0208 921
8223.
06/12/2015 - Please see the '12 Scams of Christmas' document on the Newsletters page
27/10/2015 -
Website attack affecting Talk Talk customers
The phone and broadband provider Talk Talk which has over 4 million UK customers
have said that banking and personal information could have been accessed
by hackers in a recent website attack. Royal Greenwich Trading Standards
are warning residents who are Talk Talk customers what steps they can take
to protect themselves:
- Sign up for the free credit reporting service using this
code: TT231. Talk Talk have partnered with Noddle credit reference agency
to offer 12 months of credit monitoring alerts for all TalkTalk customers.
To sign up for Noddle and get your free credit monitoring alerts go to
https://help2.talktalk.co.uk/noddlealerts - Change your passwords
- While TalkTalk My Account passwords have not been accessed, it would be
wise to change your TalkTalk password once this service is back up and running,
and any other accounts that use the same password. Talk Talk will update
as soon as services are restored. - Report anything suspicious
- Keep an eye on your bank account and report anything unusual to your bank
and Action Fraud as soon as possible. Action Fraud is the UK’s national
fraud and internet crime reporting centre, and can be reached on 0300 123
2040 or via http://www.actionfraud.police.uk - Stay vigilant
- TalkTalk will NEVER call customers and ask you to provide personal or
passwords. TalkTalk has written to all customers, but WILL NOT call customers
individually. Please take all steps to check the true identity of any organisation
that calls requesting personal information. For more information, call Talk
Talk on 0800 083 2710 or 0141 230 0707.
13/10/2015 - Cold callers trading under the name ‘Premier Roofing Services’ in an ‘Ava Rental’ white van are telling residents they have a problem with their roof and state if work is not undertaken then water may flood into their house. There is also an allegation that in the past the cold callers have thrown water over residents’ front doors or windows stating they must therefore have a damp problem. Protect others by reporting incidents like this to Greenwich Trading Standards Neighbourhood Response Team as soon as they happen on 0208 921 8223. If you feel threatened or in danger phone 999.
04/10/2015
- INFORMATION REQUESTED If you are approached by anyone saying
they are from a firm called Highways Driveways Solutions Ltd please let
Royal Greenwich Trading Standards know immediately on
Tel. 0208 921 8223 or email
tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Remember - if you are considering any work including driveways: · Seek recommendationsfrom
family and friends.
· If you need work doing always obtain more than one quote.
· Don’t agree to, or sign, anything on the spot.
· Don’t feel pressurised into making a decision, talk to someone you trust
first.
Remember your 14 day “cooling off” period when buying on your doorstep.
More information at http://www.adviceguide.org.uk and then search for “cancellation
rights”.
17/07/2015 - DANGEROUS CHIMNEY AND DAMP SCAM Greenwich Trading Standards are warning residents of a scam which happened yesterday in New Eltham. The elderly resident was approach by 2 men in hi-vis tabards saying his chimney was dangerous and would go through the roof, that they needed to check his loft for a leak as his neighbour was having work done on her roof, and he needed to pay £4,800 cash deposit for drying equipment hire - all of which was untrue. The scammers used persuasion by telling the resident that they had elderly parents themselves, and when he said he couldn't pay £4,800 they said they'd get a bank loan for £2,000 so he only needed to pay £2,800 cash - again, all untrue. One of the scammers took him into the back garden to look at the chimney and it is believed the other scammer took the opportunity to spray water into his wardrobe so they could then show him the damp. Protect others by reporting incidents like this to Greenwich Trading Standards Neighbourhood Response Team as soon as they happen on 0208 921 8223. If you feel threatened or in danger phone 999.
17/06/2015 - There has been an incident of a catalytic converter being stolen from a car exhaust system in Wellington Gardens. It looks like this may have been done at noon on Wed 12th June at noon.
12/5/2015 - Trading standards have just alerted us to ROGUE Traders in the Charlton area leafleting/calling for Nepal Disaster Donations and offering to buy antiques. Do not get involved with doorstep/unsolicited offers. Contact:
back to
the top