Bogus Callers

Please be aware that we have had a report of a male (the only description we have of the suspect is that he was white, medium build with black hair)

attending a property in Howden claiming to be a police officer working in CID , the male then asked  the home owner to check his wallet as he believed that cash had been stolen from the victims address.  The elderly victim then checked his wallet and put it down.  The suspect then reached inside and stole it.

As a result of the above incident her are some guidance notes relating to bogus callers . 

Also a  secure garden shed in Seaton Ross has been broken into and an electric lawn mower stolen.

Please remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Police on 101 or 999 if its an emergency.

Beware of Bogus Callers and Telephone Scams!

Bogus callers

Most people who come to your door may be genuine callers, but sometimes, you can't be sure and so you need to "think security" before opening your door to them!

Bogus callers can be very persuasive people: they very often prey on the elderly or vulnerable. They can claim to be from the local authority, health services, gas, electric or water companies, or simply claim to be trades people calling to carry out repairs. Sometimes they can even pretend to be from the police!

So we all need to beware!

Here's some simple advice when somebody knocks on your door or rings your doorbell:

- Look to see who it is outside before opening up.

- Fit a chain on your door so you can open your door to talk to people with the chain engaged.

- Always lock your doors. Sometimes bogus officials work in pairs, and whilst you're distracted at the front door, another may be coming through your back door!

- Check the caller's identity before you let them in. If in doubt shut the door and call the company or organisation they represent. Remember to use the phone book, not the number on their identity card! If the person is genuine, they'll understand and wait.

- If still in doubt, ask the caller to leave and tell them to write and make an appointment so that someone else can be with you.

If in doubt, don't let them in!

In addition to bogus callers, "cold callers" are another problem, particularly in the spring and summer months when people turn up unannounced asking if you want your trees pruning, your guttering mending/cleaning or your drive tarmaccing. Whilst some do operate legitimately, others take advantage, do shoddy work and then charge exorbitant amounts in payment. If payment is refused they can become intimidating.   The simple solution is to say “No Thanks".

Telephone / Cold Call Scams

These ‘cold call’ scams typically involve fraudsters deceiving victims into believing they are speaking to a police officer, a member of bank staff, or a representative of another trusted organisation, such as a computer company in order to steal money. 

Always be on your guard if you receive a cold call and are asked for any of the following:

• Personal or financial information, eg full name, date of birth, address, passwords, bank details, security numbers etc.
• You are asked to transfer or withdraw money.
• You are asked to hand over your credit / debit card or cash to someone eg a courier who will call and collect it.

The bank or the police will never tell you to take such actions or ask you for financial information.  If you are asked to do any of these things, someone is trying to con you!!.  If in doubt, call back the organisation on a number you trust, but do it on another phone or leave it at least five minutes before you make the call. This is important because criminals are able to keep the line open for two minutes after you put down the phone, which means you could end up inadvertently talking to the criminal or their accomplice again.

There are many different scams, some of which are listed below:

• “We believe there is a fault on your computer but we can fix this now if you give us your card details to make a payment” – say no thank you and put the telephone down. Do not engage in further conversation as these people can be very persuasive and before you know it they will have access to your computer and can freeze it!  Whatever happens do not give out your bank or any personal details. 

• “We are ringing on behalf of the bank and believe that someone is trying to access your bank account, so we will create you a new account now over the phone and then if you give me your current bank details I will transfer your money over into your new account immediately.” Do not give out any information, inform the caller that you will go to your own bank to speak to someone face to face and put the phone down.

For other hints and tips log onto the www.actionfraud.police.uk website, which lists an A – Z of different fraud types as well as tips on how to protect yourself from fraud.