Recent scam warnings

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Recent scam warnings

These were provided by another of our neighbouring Ward DWOs in Hayes and Coney Hall Ward, PCSO Adam Lighterness.

“Firstly, please be aware of a new ‘phone scam going around. We have had a resident contacted by someone claiming to be from M&S banking alerting the resident to possible fraudulent payments in their name through Paypal. They were text a “security code” by the bank to apparently verify their identity and told the resident that they would identify the matter further. What they were actually doing was making an unauthorised purchase themselves using the residents details and using Paypals “one time code” system against the victim. The money has since been refunded but please be aware and help spread the word to prevent further victims. This example is a step above what we usually get and was very convincing.

Secondly, rogue traders. One of our residents has alerted us to the fact that rogue traders have been spotted in the area again. These typically target elderly and/or vulnerable people. A group of workers in a van turn up and tells the resident that they can do a bit of gardening or building work for a small amount of money. They then do the work and charge the resident far more than they said that they were going to. If you are concerned about a neighbour who is getting some work done and feel that they are being taken advantage of then please call police in the first instance and our colleagues at Bromley Trading Standards on 07903 852 090 so that we can investigate.”