SCAM WARNING

SCAM WARNING

Please be aware of a current doorstep scam working the area. These are calling themselves ‘Keep Britain Working’ or ‘Nottingham Knocker’s’ which are a very similar outfit (if not the same).

They are doorstep callers who target areas offering small household products for sale. These callers may claim to be ex-convicts attempting to mend their ways or ex-servicemen. However, they are not part of any recognised rehabilitation scheme.

Please warn your communities, particularly elderly or vulnerable neighbours, not to open the door to strangers or to buy or sell on the doorstep. Some doorstep callers may offer poor quality goods at inflated prices and if a caller is not genuine, they may be gathering information for future crime.

How do they work?

The sellers may say that they are on a ‘rehabilitation course’ arranged by Probation Services or other organisations trying to find people work. This is not the case, and often they are known criminals. Probation Services do not run such schemes.

They may show a card which claims to be a ‘Pedlars Licence’ or work permit. This is not valid and they are breaking the law if they are using anything like this. They may also hand over a card saying they are deaf or dumb.

According to the Police, the bag of household products is supplied by someone who employs them. The male/female is supplied with a full bag of household products (including the typical tea-towels!) and charged a minimal sum for the contents. It used to be £35. They can keep whatever they make, above this amount.

Usually they are deposited in an area from a transit

van and given a list of streets to work. An hour or so later they are picked up and dropped off in another location. They often work from 9am to 9pm.

They will knock on a door, offering cleaning items which they know are cheap and of very poor quality; the householder also knows they are rubbish but that is part of the scam. Many people will purchase items and pay them out of their good nature as they have fallen for their story or, just to get rid of them. There have been cases of elderly residents handing over large sums as these people can be very persistent and confrontational.

The price for whatever has been purchased usually comes to a note – usually £10. The householder disappears to get this and according to the police, this is when the scam begins. When the note is handed over, the person examines the condition and how long it took the person to get it. If it is crumpled, they accept it and move on. If it is crisp flat and new, they are much more interested and may engage the person in more conversation, to obtain details about them. As they leave they will smell the note. If it is slightly musty, it is an indication that there is more in the property.

These addresses and the addresses of elderly and vulnerable people are noted. They are then handed to the employer and there is a small amount of cash handed over for each one. These addresses are then sold in prisons and pubs. If there is a later break-in, the employer expects a further cut of the proceeds.

Police advise that in almost every case of a stop check – the people have long strings of convictions for burglary and violence. They use the skills learnt during their criminal activity to identify possible targets.

Please do not open your doors to strangers. Do not buy goods these people offer you on your doorstep

 



 

Action Fraud Reports

Action Fraud has received 63 reports about a scam in which fraudsters target people with offers of “low cost” loans or “free” government grants. What the victims aren’t told is that the money they’ll receive is actually an advance payment for Universal Credit. The criminals use the personal information they’ve obtain under false pretences to make an application in the victim’s name. After the fraudsters have taken their “fee” from the advance payment, the victim is then left to pay back the total amount once their repayments begin.

How you can protect yourself:

  • Never share your personal or financial information with someone you don’t know and trust, especially if it’s in response to an offer of “free money” or a “free grant”.
  • Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) staff will never approach you in the street or ask for your personal/financial details over social media.
  • If you have concerns about your benefits, you should visit www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus.
  • If you suspect your identity may have been stolen, you can check your credit rating quickly and easily online. You should do this every few months anyway, using a reputable service provider and following up on any unexpected or suspicious results.

 



 

Fake Netflix emails.

 

WARNING FROM CRIMESTOPPERS

Please watch out for these fake Netflix emails.

We’ve seen an increase in reports about fake Netflix emails claiming that there’s an issue with your account, or that your account has been suspended. The email states that you need to “update” your account details in order to resolve the problem. The link in the emails leads to genuine-looking Netflix phishing websites designed to steal your username and password, as well as payment details.

Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.

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

 



 

IS THAT REALLY THE BANK OR THE POLICE?

 

IS THAT REALLY THE BANK OR THE POLICE?

We know fraudsters are going round impersonating the police and your bank. Never trust any claims you hear which involve you sharing personal information, disclosing bank details, or making payments.

 Be extremely wary of unsolicited calls from your bank or the police.

 End the call, and call back from a different number. If not possible, wait at least a minute before calling back.

 Call the number found on your bank card, or the police on 101.

 Check with friends or family. Don’t trust claims by cold callers.

 Never share your PIN with anyone.

 Never hand over money, bank cards or make purchases following an unexpected call.

 

REMEMBER

Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN, bank card, or for you to withdraw money or buy items on their behalf.

 

 



 

Telephone Scam Warning

 

South Wales Police urge all members of the public to be alert to a recent telephone scam that has started to become widely used Nationally and locally.

The Scam involves a person telephoning the victim claiming that they are a Police Officer and that there has been a suspicious transaction on their bank account.

They urge the victim to withdraw all the money from their accounts as they claim the bank accounts are not safe and to box them up for a courier to collect so that the Police can keep it safe for them.

They often give the telephone number ‘161’ to ring should the victim encounter any problems.

When the victim rings this number they are reassured that the officer is genuine.

A number of victims locally have become a victim of this type of crime and have lost substantial amounts of money. South Wales Police state that No officer will ever contact an individual asking them to withdraw money and send it them for safekeeping.

The Public are urged to be aware of this SCAM and not to respond but report the matter to South Wales Police using the Non Emergency No 101 or if somebody turns up at your door to ring the Emergency Number 999

 



 

Our New Ward Officer

 

police

jan-pc-image003-2

I am the new ward officer, I have been a PCSO with SWP for the past 4.5yrs working in Barry but have now moved across to the Vale.

I have recently returned from maternity leave after having a gorgeous little boy and now work part-time.Due to this I work alongside my colleague Sarah Johnson who covers when I am not on duty. We look forward to working together as both are new to the Vale Neighbourhood Police Team.

Community engagement plays a big part of our role and something I enjoy very much, I am a people person at heart.

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and a fantastic new year, I look to start 2017 by booking my diary up very quickly so if you have any events or groups you would like myself to attend please drop me an email.

 

 

Samantha.Jones2@south-wales.pnn.police.uk

If you see me passing please stop and say Hi!

 

PCSO 55439 Sam JONES

Llantwit Major Police Station

 

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Police Beat

Last month we reported that we were to have a new PCSO for the Wenvoe area. Look out for him and make him welcome.

As some of you know I’m PCSO Owain Grandin. I am the new Police Community Support Officer for the Wenvoe area. I would just like to say if you need to contact me for a chat or some advice then call me on 07880 057656 or contact me by email: Owain.Grandin@south-wales.pnn.police.uk

Reporting of Incidents – Ring 999 if reporting of emergencies i.e. life or death situations. When situations are less urgent i.e. anti-social behaviour, harassment, vandalism, graffiti, intimidation, drunk or rowdy behaviour and you need to speak to the Police – ring 101.

If you are not reporting a crime, have any concerns and want to contact a member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, the PCSO for the Wenvoe area is 55601 Owain Grandin– Mobile Number is 07880057656. Please note that PCSO Owain Grandin is based at Barry Police Station.

From Angela Stone
Many thanks to all members of the Community for their help and support during my 5 years as the Wenvoe ward Police Community Support Officer.

Kind regards,
Angela