Don’t Fall Victim to a Christmas Con Artist
Inverclyde Council is warning people to be on their guard against scammers, con artists and bogus callers this Christmas.
Criminals have been targeting the area over recent months often preying on elderly and vulnerable residents.
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Incidents include an 80 year old who was quoted £150 for gutter repairs which became a demand for £1100. The job carried out was of an extremely poor quality and the local trader who made good the work for no charge said the cost should only have been £150.
Another local resident responded to a professional-looking flyer put through the letterbox and asked about a new driveway. The following morning the household was woken by the sound of workmen lifting their existing driveway and felt obliged to pay £4000 for a new drive even though they had not agreed or signed a contract.
Environment & Communities Convener Councillor Terry Loughran said: “The crooks are becoming more sophisticated and brazen. Cold callers on the doorstep pressurise people into parting with thousands of pounds for a job that should cost a tiny fraction of that, glossy leaflets or flyers through the letterbox suggesting an established legitimate company which turn out to be anything but, or the hi-tech scammers who use email, phone, text and social media in the hope of parting people from their cash. Remember, when a deal seems too good to be true it usually is.”
Inverclyde Trading Standards is urging all consumers to take simple steps to avoid falling victim, especially over the festive season.
People should obtain more than one quote for work on their property and discuss it fully with family members and if in any doubt do not go ahead.
Don’t use traders that knock on the door or leaflet drop unless further checks on their trading background are carried out and not to pay up front or go ahead with the work if in anyway unsure.
Councillor Loughran added: “A really important thing to remember particularly with phone and online fraud is to never give out personal or bank details. Legitimate businesses will never ask you for them. Companies claiming you have won a prize but need to pay money up front to receive it are certainly worth steering clear of Anyone who is unsure or worried can contact Trading Standards or Police Scotland at any time. They are there to help.”
What to look out for & Popular Scams
You have won a lottery, sweepstake or competition – but you have to send money
Money you have won is being held in a holding company – but you have to send money
Somebody has left you an inheritance – but you have to send money
A clairvoyant can stop bad luck or direct good luck towards you – but you have to send money
Jewellery Scam – Worthless pieces of jewellery are accompanied by certificates of authenticity. This scam promises a prize for those who buy the jewellery.
Vitamins and Health Products – Companies lead people to believe that they will receive a prize if they order goods, sometimes phone calls or recorded phone messages are left telling the victim to look out for the cheque arriving are used to make the scam look even more convincing.
Debt Recovery Agencies – Criminals claim to be a debt recovery agency threatening court action if a bogus overdue bill isn’t paid. A great many trusting elderly people fall for this scam.
Charity Scam – Criminals send out begging letters from fictitious charities, they often use distressing photos in an attempt to pull at the heart strings of caring people.
Trading Standards can be contacted on 0800 01 317 01 or Police Scotland on 101, or 999 as a matter of urgency.