UPDATE ON FRIDAY, 15th DECEMBER 2023 — DIGITAL SWITCHOVER OF LANDLINES
Subject: Scam Call Alert re analogue-to-digital switchover of landlines
From: Suffolk Trading Standards <tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk>
Date: 15/12/2023, 12:24
To: Steve Stocks <webmaster@snapevillage.info>
Criminals are exploiting the analogue-to-digital switchover [of landlines] to scam vulnerable residents who use healthcare telephony devices into giving out personal information, such as bank details. [The switch is already taking place in Friston, with rollout locally later.]
We have received reports from residents who have been contacted by fraudsters who claim that they need to transfer their services to digital. The criminals advise that you need to pay or renew tele-care over the phone, claiming to be from the new provider, and they ask for bank details to set up a new direct debit. The digital switchover is free of charge, and residents should be aware that councils and their homecare-alarm providers or contractors will NEVER ask for personal or financial information over the phone.
If you, or someone you know, depends on their landline, or uses a telecare device connected to a phone line (such as a fall monitor, lifeline or personal alarm), you should notify the provider of this service, so they can advise on how the switch could affect you.
If you have other devices connected to your phone line, such as alarm systems, you may need to upgrade your device to make sure it is compatible. If you are unsure about how a device in your home or business might be affected, it is recommended you contact the equipment supplier or device manufacturer, to find out whether it will remain functional on a digital phone line.
If you have provided any financial details to a scammer, contact your bank immediately. You should report this to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, and to us (Suffolk Trading Standards) on 0808 223 1133.
[Ofcom, the independent telecoms regulator, has published a guide on treating vulnerable customers fairly and expectations on telecoms providers to ensure they support vulnerable or at-risk customers throughout the upgrade process to digital phone lines. Ofcom states that providers should take steps to identify at-risk customers and engage in effective communications to ensure all eligible customers are protected throughout the upgrade process.]
Further useful security information follows below in this ongoing blog.
UPDATE ON THURSDAY, 9th NOVEMBER 2023 — 'NOTTINGHAM KNOCKERS' ALERT !
—
A Snape resident, off Priory Road, had a visit from a 'Nottingham Knocker' around 2:30pm today. Be very wary of dealing with these rogues — read about who they are here.
Trading Standards have been informed.
Further useful security information follows below in this ongoing blog.
UPDATE ON TUESDAY, 28th MARCH 2023
—
Following a request today to Snape Good Neighbours for a "No uninvited traders here" sticker (as illustrated above) to discourage "cold calling", just a reminder that one can be posted directly to you for your door, if you simply email TradingStandards@suffolk.gov.uk with your full postal address.
Stickers are also sometimes available at our "Meet Up Mondays" at The Golden Key.
UPDATE ON THURSDAY, 17th NOVEMBER 2022
—
[from Suffolk Trading Standards] Earlier this month our colleagues from the Isle of Wight reported that fake QR codes had been stuck to parking meters in Sandown, disguised as 'quick pay' options. [Although we thankfully don't have parking meters, parallel scams could be operating in our area.]
Motorists were asked to scan the code and enter credit card details, but any who did were directed to a fake website. Thankfully, in the Isle of Wight case, the driver's credit-card firm noticed the irregularity and raised the alarm.
[You can "Sign up to receive a weekly Consumer Champions email alert" each Thursday, if you follow the link at https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/become-a-consumer-champion/.]
Don't have nightmares, do sleep well!
UPDATE ON WEDNESDAY, 17th AUGUST
—
" 'Nottingham Knockers' have been targeting homes … in Knodishall, on Tuesday evening" (©EADT 12:09 PM August 17). Read more here.
UPDATE ON THURSDAY 28th JULY
—
Suffolk Trading Standards produce a "Suffolk Consumer Champion Weekly Bulletin" email alert, so that you can remain informed about what the unscrupulous are up to just now, as well as important product recalls, etc. This week's issue includes articles on —
Rogues targeting properties that have solar panels
Scams related to the Cost-of-Living payments
London Fire Brigade e-bike safety warning re explosive battery-fires
Potentially unsafe and non-compliant vape products
John West recall of some sardine products
[You can "Sign up to receive a weekly Consumer Champions email alert" each Thursday, if you follow the link at https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/become-a-consumer-champion/.
[However, if you particularly wish to see this week's issue, just email the webmaster for it to be forwarded on to you.
POSTED ON THURSDAY, 23rd JUNE 2022
—
[It is apposite that we should receive this email today, the same day as so-called "Nottingham Knockers" are in Snape selling household products at the door out of large kit-bags.]
Again this week there have been multiple doorstep incidents — and as such we urge you to warn friends, family and neighbours to be on the look out for rogues operating in their area. … Cold callers were reported in Walberswick offering household cleaning items, with a similar report of an individual going door-to-door in Farnham. …
Ensure your back door is locked if you are answering the front door to someone you don’t know. … Consider fitting a door-chain and spy-hole to your front door; outside lighting can also help you identify callers. Never let anyone into your home unless you are satisfied about who they are and what they want. …
[You can also click here to read more about Nottingham Knockers.]