Scam Alert – HM Revenue and Customs tax refund emails – 28 January 2013Norfolk Trading Standards are warning Norfolk residents to beware of emails claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) stating you are entitled to a tax refund. These emails are not from HMRC, they are phishing scams designed to steal your personal and financial information through bogus websites. Remember HMRC will NEVER send notifications of a tax rebate by email, or ask you to disclose personal or payment information online.
More information can be found on the HMRC website
Scam Alert – Phishing emails targeting customers of Wonga – 23 January 2013Norfolk Trading Standards are warning customers of Wonga to beware of spam emails attempting to gather information that would let them access your account.
The counterfeit emails purport to be sent by "Wonga.com Support" and use the email address supporta@wonga.com. A link in the email takes users to a fake site, which looks similar to the genuine site. The fake site then asks users to "log-in to receive your security message", if you do it will give fraudsters valuable personal information, such as usernames, passwords and email addresses which can be used to commit crimes including identity theft and bank fraud
We advise to always be wary of any email that asks to you to follow a link and enter details as no reputable company whether bank, retailer, or financial organisation will ever send such emails.
If you have received an email which you believe to be a scam you can report it to Action Fraud via their online fraud reporting form or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Information Alert – Rogue Mobility Companies and the tactics they use – 23 January 2013A recent spate of complaints to Trading Standards Services about rogue mobility companies has prompted Trading Standards to compile a list of tricks and tactics used by companies.
Elderly residents and their carers have been warned to be on guard against rogue mobility companies.
The list includes:
Consumers should also remember that when doing business on your doorstep, there is a 7-day cooling off period. Our advice leaflet Your Guide to Buying from Home gives further information on your rights.
If you need further advice regarding this or you are worried about someone you think may have been targeted by a rogue mobility goods company you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or via their online reporting form.
Information Alert – Update: The Norfolk Hamper Company Limited – 22 January 2013
More information can be found on the HMRC website
Scam Alert – Phishing emails targeting customers of Wonga – 23 January 2013Norfolk Trading Standards are warning customers of Wonga to beware of spam emails attempting to gather information that would let them access your account.
The counterfeit emails purport to be sent by "Wonga.com Support" and use the email address supporta@wonga.com. A link in the email takes users to a fake site, which looks similar to the genuine site. The fake site then asks users to "log-in to receive your security message", if you do it will give fraudsters valuable personal information, such as usernames, passwords and email addresses which can be used to commit crimes including identity theft and bank fraud
We advise to always be wary of any email that asks to you to follow a link and enter details as no reputable company whether bank, retailer, or financial organisation will ever send such emails.
If you have received an email which you believe to be a scam you can report it to Action Fraud via their online fraud reporting form or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Information Alert – Rogue Mobility Companies and the tactics they use – 23 January 2013A recent spate of complaints to Trading Standards Services about rogue mobility companies has prompted Trading Standards to compile a list of tricks and tactics used by companies.
Elderly residents and their carers have been warned to be on guard against rogue mobility companies.
The list includes:
- making unsolicited telephone calls and advising that they want the consumer to try cream for aches and pains – this can result in agreeing to a visit, in which the consumer can be pressure into buying a mobility aid
- telling consumers that the hospital has passed on their details to the company to arrange a visit
- deliberately targeting vulnerable elderly consumers, examples have included:
A mobility company representative called unannounced to a blind elderly person, and did not provide any paperwork or details of the company
An 85-year-old woman with memory problems and a lady with dementia both pressurized into buying mobility aids
A woman being charged £2,000 for a mattress which could be bought in reputable mobility product shops for a fraction of the price - promising that if a consumer was to buy an adjustable bed they would be free from aches or pains, and could stop taking painkillers
- advising consumers that hospitals, doctors and nursing homes are using the same beds
- stating that the mobility aid is specifically made to the consumers specification, this tactic is used to try and prevent cancellation
- saying that contracts cannot be cancelled when the consumer is still within the 7-day cancellation period, and using delaying tactics until the cancellation period expires
- representatives claiming they are calling from social services or ‘the hospital’
Consumers should also remember that when doing business on your doorstep, there is a 7-day cooling off period. Our advice leaflet Your Guide to Buying from Home gives further information on your rights.
If you need further advice regarding this or you are worried about someone you think may have been targeted by a rogue mobility goods company you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or via their online reporting form.
Information Alert – Update: The Norfolk Hamper Company Limited – 22 January 2013
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