Scams of any type.

Post scams of any type. If it is not from personal experience, check its veracity if you can; Snopes.com is a good reference. I shall be posting IT scams as I become aware of them, and you of course, can do the same.

Open Loop 72

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 2y
    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 2y

      Energy rebate scam

      https://www.scooploop.com/thread/scam-text-on-applying-for-energy-rebate

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 2y

      Selling scams - behind the scenes - Part 3

      The magical money-saving boxes and other products that you see advertised may contain TrustPilot reviews and Facebook-like posts recommending the product. These reviews and posts can be fictitious, also the site advertising them may benefit financially from your purchase/interest.

      The following is from the Top Gadget Trending website:

      'MARKETING DISCLOSURE: This website is a market place. As such you should know that the owner has a monetary connection to the product and services advertised on the site. The owner receives payment whenever a qualified lead is referred but that is the extent of it.

      ADVERTISING DISCLOSURE: This website and the products & services referred to on the site are advertising marketplaces. This website is an advertisement and not a news publication. Any photographs of persons used on this site are models. The owner of this site and of the products and services referred to on this site only provides a service where consumers can obtain and compare.'

      Remember, the only thing magical about these devices, is that they get people to part with their money.

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 2y

      Selling scams - behind the scenes - part 2 (Edited)

      When you visit a selling website, you may see a pop-up box in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen which displays a recent purchaser of the product. This is fictitious, and is produced by the programming behind the webpage. To see the program that displays any webpage, right-click on the page, and select 'view page source'. If you do this for the WiFi Blast (magic box!) website, when the programming appears, go down to line number 743 shown on the left. This is the start of the imaginary purchasers. First list is forenames, then the surname initial, and then the location.
      The program then selects combinations of the forenames, initials and locations.


      https://bit.ly/3d1JD5H

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 2y

      Behind the scenes of selling scams - Part 1 (Edited)

      When you connect to a website, not only does it know where you are (or where you are pretending to be!), it also knows what your computer operating system is (Windows etc.), and the web browser you are using.
      Below is a website that offers to revive your PC. Due to an error in their programming, it may show that you are in Germany, but if you are in another country, it will show that. I changed my location to Singapore, and you can see the result in the attached image.
      The date at the top of the page will always be the current date, and of course, the offer's availability is limited: 'Updated September 2022: Whilst it’s unknown how long this free offer will remain available, we anticipate it to expire soon so we strongly encourage all of our readers to claim their copy today to avoid disappointment.' This date will also change whenever it is viewed.

      Should you click any of the links, you may find that they are no longer available.

      Are you shocked!?



      https://bit.ly/3f5zrcP

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 2y

      Yet another magical plug-in box (Edited)

      Now the cold weather is here, adverts are appearing for cost-saving magical heating devices. Sellers of all these wonderful devices all use the same selling techniques; ignore all such devices.
      https://bit.ly/3dlJSZk

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 2y

      Which --- Hi Mum / Dad

      https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/notorious-hi-mum-and-dad-scam-spreads-from-whatsapp-to-text-message-an7N34c0gVbP?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=scam_alert&utm_content=Scam+Alert+150922.

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 2y

      Which --- Premium rate numbers

      https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/premium-rate-number-scams-ay3uY7c0jtju?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=scam_alert&utm_content=Scam+Alert+010922+C

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 2y

      Fake Microsoft Office in the post

      This scam is extremely rare at the moment due to the cost. They typically target wealthy people.

      The scam is the start of an attempt to infect your computer. An official looking package contains a USB keydrive with the office logo, and a product key to install Office professional plus. Plugging this in will result in a message being displayed to inform you that your computer has been infected, and to call the support line for help.

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 2y

      Another wondrous plug-in box - not! (Edited)

      When surfing the web, you will see adverts for wondrous devices that will do things that your energy supplier/ internet provider does not want you to know about! One that you may know about, is the magical plug-in box that will save up to 95% of your electricity bill! This one will speed up your Internet (Internet suppliers don't want you buying one!). Attached is the advert for this product. Here is the sales pitch website: https://bit.ly/3B8KtFE
      Here is an extract:
      “You didn’t get this from me, man,” he said. “It’s a WiFiBlast. It reconnects the split channels from your router and blasts it across the house. Trust me, man, you’re not gonna have any troubles with speed anymore.”
      Nearly speechless because of this internet angel, I thanked Barry for his amazing gift. He only had one thing to say:
      “Thanks for the beer, man.”

      This leads you to the website where you can purchase the device: 'Stock is extremely limited: Sell Out Risk: HIGH', and you can get up to 50% off! Wonder of wonders, a window with a countdown pops (see attached image) up offering you, as one of 5 lucky people this week, even more money off!

      The website selling the product has the usual box popping up bottom left of the screen, telling you who has just bought one, and where they live: https://bit.ly/3d1JD5H

      Whenever you see something like this, just google the product, including scam in the search.

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 2y

      Sim-swap scam (Edited)

      From my bank:
      'A sim-swap scam happens when a criminal obtains enough information to pose as you (Facebook!) and uses it to trick your mobile network provider into transferring your phone number to a sim card in their possession.

      Gaining control of your mobile number allows a fraudster to receive all calls and texts intended for you – including the one-time security passcodes for online banking. It also allows them to intervene if we try to contact you to warn you about suspicious activity on your account.

      If you ever notice anything unusual such as sudden changes in service or unusual messages from your provider, call them immediately using a trusted number from their website to check there is nothing untoward happening. The quicker you react, the quicker you can stop them in their tracks!'

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - 2y

      Free holiday, think again

      https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/scam-alert-watch-out-for-this-fake-emirates-holiday-whatsapp-giveaway-azQJq5t3HdU9?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=scam_alert&utm_content=Scam+Alert+110822+B

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - 2y

      Ghost brokers (Edited)

      https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/beware-the-cheap-car-insurance-thats-too-good-to-be-true-az5lP4w5Yqrl?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=scam_alert&utm_content=Scam+alert+020722+A

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 2y

      Revolut from Which

      https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/watch-out-for-this-new-revolut-text-scam-aMOPV9m1xlpH?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=scam_alert&utm_content=Scam+Alert+040822+B

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 2y

      Facebook scammers.

      Scammers are buying people's Facebook data for as little as 16p. The BBC recently bought the data of 1000 people. The data is used to commit identity theft. Never put any personal information on Facebook, such as names, email and home address, or your date of birth. Also, don't post your holiday photos while you are on holiday; you might just as well hang up 'Burgle me' on your house.

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 2y
    • Boots @Boots Barking & Dagenham - updated 2y

      Norton nasty email. (Edited)

      Just had an email from something called info@hybridfabric.net
      saying my email address has been reported several times as a trojan virus spreader.
      Then it says to get Norton antivirus.

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - 2y

      Paypal email

      https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/watch-out-for-these-latest-paypal-email-scams-a2N390y0TXXH?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=scam_alert&utm_content=Scam+alert+140722+B

    • Sheila A @Ange Bromley Common - updated 2y

      Wellbeing Centre - scam - 02033322616

      Just had a call from a guy with a very strong accent asking me about my arthritis. He said I'd spoken to him about it last year and he was wondering how it was.

      Total scam. I don't have arthritis (yet).

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 2y
    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 2y

      Covid scam

      https://www.scooploop.com/thread/has-anyone-else-received-this

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 2y

      Scam basics

      Avoiding scam calls, texts, and emails. You will find lots of information in this loop. Here are the basics:

      Landline telephone scams can be avoided by screening calls if you have an answering machine, or getting a call blocker telephone. By call screening, I have not had one scam call for many years. A withheld number caller has never left a message!

      Due to scammers using telephone number creating software, they can display any number they wish on your phone.

      Never click a link in a text message unless you are sure who it is from and why you would have it sent to you. If in doubt, check by contacting the sender directly.

      Emails: Check the sender's address and do not click any links unless you are expecting the email to verify the opening of a new on line service/account for example.

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - 2y

      Energy scam incl. refunds, owing and more

      https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/7-energy-scams-to-watch-out-for-a7hWE2O98VCm

    • Sheila A @Ange Bromley Common - 2y
    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 2y
    • TerryS @TerryS Purbrook - 2y

      Ofgem scam emails

      Action Fraud has received 752 reports in four days relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem. The emails state that the recipient is eligible for a rebate as a result of a newly announced government scheme. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.

      Please view our tweet to see a screenshot of the fake emails reported to Action Fraud: https://twitter.com/CyberProtectUK/status/1527657160586444800?s=20&t=RdAiopW83gUlsAymvjnu5g

      • Remember, your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text. If you need to check that it’s a genuine message, contact the company using details from their official website or app.
      • Spotted a suspicious email? Forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) - report@phishing.gov.uk

      For more information on how to stay secure online, please visit: www.cyberaware.gov.uk

      Message Sent By
      Action Fraud
      (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

    • TerryS @TerryS Purbrook - 2y

      Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents lose more than £786,000 to courier fraud (Edited)

      This is a familiar fraud that has been going on for years. The victims are older people who may not be aware of it.

      ****************************************************************************

      Protect your loved ones from callous fraudsters after Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents lose more than £786,000 to courier fraud

      Hampshire Constabulary is urging family members and friends of vulnerable people to be on their guard to help protect their loved ones from courier fraudsters.
      Typically, courier fraudsters target their victims by claiming to be a police officer or a member of staff from a victim’s bank and they often pressure people into making quick financial decisions to assist with fictitious investigations.
      In 2021 alone, 110 people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were victims of courier fraud, with losses totalling £786,963.
      Across the whole of the UK, 3,625 people were victims of courier fraud, with people losing more than £15.2million through scams.
      Hampshire Constabulary is now supporting a new campaign launched by the City of London Police to help tackle courier fraud.
      To help raise awareness, the City of London Police has released a new list of tactics used by the fraudsters.
      An analysis of data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has highlighted four modus operandi (MOs) which are now more commonly being used by fraudsters.
      Four common MOs used by courier fraudsters:
      1) Bank card expiry: Fraudsters claim to be from the victim’s bank and say their card is no longer valid. They ask for the pin number and then send a “courier” to collect the card before using it for fraudulent purposes.
      2) Purchasing high-end items: The suspects pretend to be police officers and ask the victim to help with an undercover operation by purchasing expensive items like watches, jewellery and gold. Once the item is bought, the victim will hand over the item to the criminal.
      3) Counterfeit cash/bank investigation: A person claiming to be a police or banking official informs the victim that they need to help with a banking corruption investigation. The victim is told to withdraw a large amount of money and the cash is picked up later by a courier to “check for fingerprints or to identify counterfeit bank notes”.
      4) Computer takeover: The fraudster telephones the victim, purporting to be from their internet service provider, saying that they have had an issue with their internet connectivity and they are due compensation. The victim is persuaded to download a remote access application, giving the suspects access to their home computers. The fraudster persuades the victims into thinking that they have been paid too much compensation and the victims then withdraw cash to pay the money back, which is later collected by a courier.
      Detective Inspector Mark Carter, from Hampshire Constabulary’s Serious & Organised Crime Unit, said: “These fraudsters are heartless individuals who prey on some of the most vulnerable people living in our area.
      “We know that victims of courier fraud are typically aged between 70 and 89, with women more likely to be targeted than men.
      “I would like to urge everyone who has an elderly relative, friend or cares for someone in that age bracket to make them aware of this type of fraud.
      “We want people to know the tactics used by fraudsters and to be aware of the warning signs to look out for.
      “These incidents can often have a huge impact on victims as they come to terms with the fact they have fallen for a scam, and the financial losses that come with it.
      “We want to ensure that people do not become repeat victims, so we want to educate them and their loved ones to ensure that fraudsters can no longer take advantage of Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents.
      “Our officers are determined to bring an end to offences of this nature and will take appropriate steps to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible.”
      Signs of courier fraud:
      • Courier fraud usually starts with an unsolicited telephone call to the victim.
      • Typically, the suspect will pose as a bank official, police officer or a computer or utility engineer.
      • Courier fraudsters will usually request victims to purchase high-value items such as a Rolex watch and gold bullion, withdraw cash or provide a bank card for collection from a courier.
      • Fraudsters will instruct victims not tell any family or friends about what they are doing.
      • When carrying out courier fraud, criminals will request that the victim hangs up the phone to ring their bank for confirmation while keeping the line open. The suspect then purports to be bank official and provides false confirmation.
      • Fraudsters will also make arrangements for a courier to meet the victim to collect the item they have purchased.
      Anyone who receives an unexpected call from someone claiming to be one of these officials should verify they are speaking to someone genuine: hang up, wait five minutes and call back on a number they know is genuine.

      Message Sent By
      Abe Hawken
      (Police, Corporate Communications Officer, Hampshire and Isle of Wight)

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 2y

      Which alert

      https://conversation.which.co.uk/scams/fake-supermarket-facebook-posts-morrisons-iceland/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=Scamalert230422&utm_content=Scam+alert+230422

    • Boots @Boots Barking & Dagenham - 2y

      Argos scam

      Had an email this morning supposed to be from Argos to claim my £500 reward
      It had a customer number that was nothing like mine - I cannot see who the sender was.

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - 2y

      Which alert

      https://conversation.which.co.uk/scams/fake-david-lloyd-puregym-phishing-emails/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=ScamAlert080422&utm_content=Scam+alert+080422

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 2y
    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - 2y

      NHS covid-test-scam

      https://www.which.co.uk/news/2022/04/nhs-covid-test-scam-exposed/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=ScamAlert080422&utm_content=Scam+alert+080422

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - 2y

      Exercise? Think again --- from Which

      https://conversation.which.co.uk/scams/fake-david-lloyd-puregym-phishing-emails/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=ScamAlert080422&utm_content=Scam+alert+080422

    • Boots @Boots Barking & Dagenham - updated 2y

      Is this a scam ? from Experienced Voices <feedback@experiencedvoices.co.uk> Thu 07/04/2022 09:41

      Experienced Voices
      Dear

      We would like to offer you an exclusive invitation to join our new feedback panel, Experienced Voices. As we value what you have to tell us, we have built Experienced Voices as a place to share your thoughts, ideas and opinions. Your experienced voices really do matter to us!

      It’s really easy and there are lots of chances to win up to £50

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 3y

      Which (Edited)

      Shoppers targeted with a fake Tesco refund email

      An email claiming that you’re due compensation from Tesco ‘because of a system error’ has been confirmed as a fake. Unlike other phishing attempts this message didn’t have any branding and used random employee names to try to appear real.
      http://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/2249/5833683?email=qCh0IA0DML5UPnDQwiVPNkaF%2BegVuZ9O&campid=HKJj4Ivhe529awglrPTZ7Q==

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 2y

      Which alert (Edited)

      Fake Cadbury ‘Easter Chocolate Basket’ message

      A fake message posing as Cadbury is spreading quickly on WhatsApp. It's inviting people to grab a ‘Cadbury FREE Easter Chocolate Basket’ by clicking through to a site that has nothing to do with Cadbury.
      http://ca.engagingnetworks.app/page/email/click/2249/5833681?email=qCh0IA0DML5UPnDQwiVPNkaF%2BegVuZ9O&campid=HKJj4Ivhe529awglrPTZ7Q==

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 3y

      The Trillion Dollar Conman

      Interesting, truth is stranger than fiction story on BBC Sounds, about how a fraudster, Russel King (Lord Voldemort), used a football club in a con that stretched around the world. Cast includes Sven-Göran Eriksson and Sol Campbell: https://bbc.in/3pIK6N2

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 3y
    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 3y

      This discussion is now closed.

    • Selsey @Selsey Hayes - 3y

      Another scam from Which

      https://www.which.co.uk/news/2022/02/eon-email-scam-exposed-how-a-scammer-tried-to-steal-1000/

    • Selsey @Selsey Hayes - updated 3y
    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 3y

      How to spot a fake, fraudulent or scam website (Edited)

      https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/how-to-spot-a-fake-fraudulent-or-scam-website-aUBir8j8C3kZ

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 3y

      Money saving power plug scams - Part 2

      The two money saving plug scam posts, were prompted by this post in Anything:

      https://bit.ly/3oiDDYr

      If you use 1 unit of electricity, you will be charged for 1 unit of electricty. If you can produce a device that does otherwise, you will be a millionaire in no time, and the whole world would be using them.

      The Motex website was created 71 days ago, and information is witheld by a Privacy Service. The TechTrends website which reviews (advertises) the product gives false information:

      They are using the name of the famous (not to everyone) scientist to impress, and quote ridiculous amounts that can be saved: 'It is no secret that the price of electricity is steadily increasing each year, but thanks to this new Nikola-Tesla-inspired technology, consumers can save hundreds to thousands of pounds every year on their electric bills.' The device contains a capacitor, a few resistors, an LED and a fuse - all it does is light the LED!

      The website does not change its text to agree with the location of the reader: there is no Public Utility Commission in the UK: 'It's very apparent that we as Brits have an energy crisis - a lack of energy from lawmakers and the Public Utility Commission about fixing the crooked business of selling overpriced electricity to consumers.'

      The reviews are ficticious, and all the photos are 'models' The site is connected financially to the seller of Motex. Here is a statement from the end of their website:

      THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT AN ACTUAL NEWS ARTICLE, BLOG, OR CONSUMER PROTECTION UPDATE

      MARKETING DISCLOSURE: THIS WEBSITE IS A MARKET PLACE. AS SUCH YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT THE OWNER HAS A MONETARY CONNECTION TO THE PRODUCT AND SERVICES ADVERTISED ON THE SITE. THE OWNER RECEIVES PAYMENT WHENEVER A QUALIFIED LEAD IS REFERRED BUT THAT IS THE EXTENT OF IT.

      ADVERTISING DISCLOSURE: THIS WEBSITE AND THE PRODUCTS & SERVICES REFERRED TO ON THE SITE ARE ADVERTISING MARKETPLACES. THIS WEBSITE IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT A NEWS PUBLICATION. ANY PHOTOGRAPHS OF PERSONS USED ON THIS SITE ARE MODELS. THE OWNER OF THIS SITE AND OF THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES REFERRED TO ON THIS SITE ONLY PROVIDES A SERVICE WHERE CONSUMERS CAN OBTAIN AND COMPARE.

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - updated 3y

      Money saving power plug scams - Part one

      Here is a jolly video explaining the scams. The video shows the same people in the Motex device:
      https://bit.ly/3Hk47Ao

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 3y

      Banking transfer scam app.

      There is an app that makes it look like a bank transfer has taken place when in fact it hasn’t.
      The app creates an image confirming a successful payment for the correct value. This is fake and no money will have been sent.
      The app is being used on popular auction and marketplace websites.
      Take steps to protect yourself by making sure you receive payment confirmation from your online banking account or ask your bank before posting any goods.
      You could also take a photo of items before posting them so you have proof of condition in case of a fraudulent claim.

    • Boots @Boots Barking & Dagenham - updated 3y

      Just received

      Dear Beneficiary,

      Compliments of the day,
      I am Dr.Raphael W Bostic,President Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. I handle financial consultancy for government, financial institutions, companies and high net individuals. I was informed of some funds belonging to beneficiaries being held up in suspense accounts with the Federal Reserve Bank. These funds are as a result of inheritance/Donations/lottery contract sum owned to beneficiaries all over the world but have not been able to be released to them due to bottlenecks caused by the remitting officers from the foreign country where the transactions originated from. I have been consulted by the Federal Reserve Bank Board of Trustees in conjunction with the United States Government to resolve with immediate effect all payments to beneficiaries whose fund are with Federal Reserve Bank.


      You are to cease any further communication with any of the previous shady elements that may have been communicating with you in the past attempting to frustrate you from claiming your funds. Our wide experiences in these matters as they apply to International Transfer Policies in this part of the world will enable me ensure that your outstanding fund payment is resolved with immediate effect. Finally, you are to understand that you are not the only beneficiaries being paid this way as others have been receiving their funds hence we will not compel you against your wish to do what is necessary and have your fund released to you. Thanks for your anticipated response.

      I will await your immediate correspondence with your direct telephone numbers to my private email address at (dr.raphaelwbostic@fedreservebnkgov.com) for re-confirmation so that we may conclude your payment immediately.



      Yours Sincerely
      ,Federal Reserve Bank
      info@fedreservebnkgov.com

    • TerryS @TerryS Purbrook - 3y

      Another Amazon Scam (Edited)

      I don't know if this one has been posted before. It is perpetrated by an incompetent bunch of scammers. Why would a refund be required if the transaction was stopped?
      Some years ago I had a problem with my computer and asked for assistance - I can't remember who from. I was asked if I would allow the Helpdesk Administrator to access my computer remotely. I said no and he talked me through what I needed to do. Most things can be done without allowing remote access, it just saves time.

      Posted on Nextdoor:
      another amazon scam. Hi , Please be aware of a new, very high-level scam. I had a phone call from someone who introduced themselves as a member of Amazon. She briefly said that my Amazon account had been hacked and someone attempted to make a purchase of a mobile phone for around £700. She said they managed to stop the transaction as it seemed very suspicious but I need to confirm if I want the refunded money paid on my bank account. As I couldn't understand was she was talking about, she said she would transfer me to her manager. After that, she hung up. Seconds later, I had another call from a similar number and this time it was a man. He introduced himself and explained to me step by step that someone hacked my amazon account and confirmed everything the woman had said before. He said that to receive the refund Id have to fill the refund form but to do that I would have to go to Play Store and install the app called Amazon remote desk. I did and then he put his email to get access to my mobile. He said that the form is there and I have to fill that in to get a refund. The app looked very legitimate, there was a logo and website layout exactly like amazon's. I didn't fill in the form as I was concerned about why they need CCV no for a refund. I asked him to explain that but he said that was the procedure. I kept asking why he needed that and all my bank details if amazon already has all the information. Then he hung up. I have removed the app from my mobile. Their number were +35347712847 and +35399425334. It all looked very legitimate till the very end and I am very aware of frauds and scams. So stay vigilant. I have reported this information to the police.

    • John H @JohnH6 Westcliff-On-Sea - 3y

      Fraudsters can take over your affairs and sell your property

      Post from Anything loop. Be sure to listen to the programme, and register for the Land Registry alert service:

      https://www.scooploop.com/thread/beware-frauds-who-may-try-to-sell-your-house

    • TerryS @TerryS Purbrook - updated 3y

      Luxury Watch Distraction Thefts

      We are appealing for information and offering crime prevention advice following a spate of luxury watch distraction thefts and robberies across the county in the past year.

      During each incident, the suspect – typically a woman – has targeted elderly victims in public places by pretending to ask them about a survey or a petition.

      They often use a clipboard as a prop to make themselves appear genuine.

      Once the survey has been completed, the suspects often compliment the victim and try to embrace them, with reports suggesting they may try to hug or kiss them.

      It is during this time that the item, usually a watch, is removed using sleight of hand techniques.

      The suspects are then spotted leaving the area in a vehicle.

      The desired target locations seem to be near golf courses and supermarket car parks. However, some offences have also taken place outside residential properties.

      During the last 12 months, more than 30 incidents have been reported to us. Victims are predominantly targeted because they are wearing high value Rolex watches.

      Some of the incidents are as follows:

      21/01/21 - Waitrose, Locks Heath (44210024288)

      An elderly man was approached by a female and asked to sign a petition for a deaf charity. She grabbed his left hand and the man later noticed that his Rolex watch was missing.

      18/02/21 - Waitrose, Yateley (44210061865)

      An elderly couple had completed their shopping and were putting it in the car when a female approached them with a clipboard and asked them to give her some information. The suspect tried to kiss the man and grabbed his arm, before removing his watch.

      8/04/21 - Weston Road, Upton Grey, nr Basingstoke (44210132217)

      A man was working in his front garden when he was approached by a female. She grabbed his wrist and 15 minutes later he realised his Rolex watch was missing.

      18/05/21 - Waitrose, Chandler’s Ford (44210191837)

      An elderly man was approached by two women who asked him to sign a petition relating to children. The victim obliged and was hugged by one of the women. He later discovered that his Rolex watch was missing.

      25/05/21 - Wellow Golf Club, East Wellow (44210202702)

      A man was parking his car in the golf club car park when an unknown woman approached him and asked him to sign a piece of paper and engaged in discussion. He later realised that his Rolex watch was missing.

      05/06/21 - The Square, Petersfield (44210219105)

      A man was walking along Petersfield High Street when two unknown women approached him. They had a clipboard and were asking for signatures for a petition. One of the females grabbed the man around the wrist and he later realised his watch had been stolen.

      19/07/21 - Blackmoor Golf Club, Bordon (44210286098)

      An elderly man was unloading his golf equipment when he was approached by two women. One had alleged hearing difficulties and they wanted him to sign a petition regarding the building of a facility for disabled people in Farnham. They hugged him and stole his Rolex watch.

      20/09/21 - Orange Row/South Street, Emsworth (44210378258)

      A man was approached by two women dressed in a nurse’s type of uniform. They claimed to be collecting signatures for a deaf centre. While signing the document, one gave the man a hug while the other grabbed his left hand. One tried to kiss the man but he broke away, and they walked off quickly. A very short while later he went to check the time, to find his watch was missing.

      Detectives are investigating the incidents and we would like to remind people to be on their guard following the reports over recent months.

      We are urging the public to report any offences immediately to help apprehend the offenders.

      We would also like to take this opportunity to remind people of what they can do to help protect themselves:

      When you meet a fundraiser in person, check their credentials – street collectors should wear an ID badge that is clearly visible
      Most fundraising materials should feature a charity’s name, registration number and a landline phone number
      If in doubt, ask for more information – a genuine fundraiser should be happy to answer your questions
      Register your property for free at immobilise.com
      Photograph each piece of valuable gold or jewellery against a plain background with a ruler next to it
      Keep a written description for each item
      Jewellery can be forensically marked with a suitable security product. Always take specialist advice before marking expensive or irreplaceable items. You can find out more about traceable liquids at securedbydesign.com
      Keep purses and bags closed and secure at all times
      Be aware of your surroundings and what is happening around you when you are out shopping
      Carry bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest
      Return cards to your purse or wallet quickly and zip it up or button it
      Use a purse that’s difficult for others to open – one that zips or snaps shut is best
      Conceal your wallet in a buttoned or zipped pocket where it doesn’t bulge
      Don’t hang bags on the back of your chair or a pushchair
      Report suspicious activity in your area to police by calling 101 or online at hampshire.police.uk but in an emergency, always call 999.
      Anyone with information relating to any of the incidents above, please call 101 quoting the reference number.

      Message Sent By
      Abe Hawken
      (Police, Corporate Communications Officer, Hampshire and Isle of Wight)

    • Ray P @RayPro Norwich - updated 3y

      New scam!

      SCAM ALERT. New one on me! I get a Whats App message "Dad my phone has been stolen, I'm borrowing one from work, until I can get my insurance to replace mine. Here is the number of my work phone xxxx xxxxxxxxxx." Later in the day, Whats App message, from the new number, "Dad, my Bank won't allow me to use my new phone to pay an invoice, which needs paying before tomorrow. If I send you the payment details i.e. Bank sort code and account number can you pay if for me, and I'll settle up tomorrow." OK. Then follows the amount £xxx, and the Bank Details again by Whats App. Just as a check I phone my daughter, on her old number, and find out that she has not lost her phone, nor does she need any invoice paying. Tthis is a scam, and can be sent to anyone. Merry Christmas.

Open Loop 72