WCYT
A community interest company keeping vulnerable residents in Essex safe from rogue tradesmen and doorstep conmen
www.whocanyoutrust.org.uk
How victims have suffered
THE lengths conmen have gone to in Perth and Kinross and the devastating impact they have had on their victims has beens laid bare.
Threats of violence, hounding householders for access to their home and then fleecing them for life savings were some of the sickening tales of the thieves who conned their way into houses across the county.
The devastating impact those criminals leave on their victims’ life from embarrassment to heart-wrenching despair was recalled by those who have known people duped by the callous conmen.
Disgusted at the tactics used by the thieves Chief Superintendent Matt Hamilton said: “They are scum of the earth and I am not going to mince my words on that. People come here from all over the UK and beyond to target areas where they think there are rich pickings,” he hit out.
Determined the county should not be beaten by bogus callers, Chief Supt Hamilton, the head of policing in Perth and Kinross, was speaking at a conference in the Fair City aimed at cutting the number of crimes of distraction and deceit which leave victims distraught.
Representatives from care providers, the council, victim support and the fire brigade were among those there to help the fight against criminals preying on the county’s most vulnerable residents.
Wendy Strathearn of Tayside Victim Support recounted a harrowing tale of a local 92-year-old woman who fell foul of a bogus caller who ransacked her home. The incident had such a profound impact on the elderly lady her life was never the same again.
Read full story
Clothing scams hit charities where it hurts most
Elderly caught out by fake energy device
IF you want to donate unwanted clothes to charity then make sure you know which charity you are giving them to or else they could end up abroad.
Trading Standards uncovered a huge clothes racket run by Lithuanian Audrius Luote because all the bags of clothing stored at his factory were stolen from genuine charities like the NSPCC and the Salvatian Army.
To read more about Audrius Luote click here but if you want to donate clothing contact your local charity shop to be sure it is going to a good home.
SOME elderly householders are being targeted by people offering to sell them bogus "energy saving" devices that are dangerous. Trading standards officers say they have received more than 200 complaints about phone calls being made by the scammers.
The callers claim to be energy suppliers, or their partners, and offer a plug-in gadget that cuts electricity use by 40%. The officials say they are unsafe and could cause a fire or electrocution.
A number of the items tested not only failed to satisfy electrical safety standards but did not deliver any tangible energy savings."
The fraudsters appear to make their calls from abroad, offering to sell a device for £99. When the scammers call they seem already to know the householder's name and address, energy supplier and even their credit card or debit card details.
CROOKS will dream up ingenious ways to get money out of unsuspecting customers and the latest scam could end up with you being £50 out of pocket without even realising it. The scam involves a phone call from a company claiming they have taken "the £49.99 that you agreed the other day" out of your account and that you won't get anymore junk mail or malicious phone calls.
Naturally you say you have never agreed to this, ask how they have managed to get hold of your bank details and demand that the money is put back. The calleragrees to do this and then asks you to confirm your bank details so the money doesn't go into the wrong account. That's when the conmen take the £49.99 out of your account.
Over 60s ignoring internet security
Fakes hit the markets
Fake tyres that could kill
THERE is nothing sacred from the hands of counterfeiters even though some of the bogus goods that will be appearing on stalls and at boot sales this year have the potential to kill.
Counterfeiters don’t limit themselves to fake designer handbags and clothing.
Electrical products, power tools, food, toys and sports equipment are also faked with potentially dangerous consequences for you as a consumer.Crooks sell fake alcohol, fake beauty products, fake electrical goods and fake toys. They are cheap, shoddy replicas and could put your child's life at stake. Click here for more fake news
Inside news
Rogue builders face a £1m headache
THREE family members who took thousands of pounds from the elderly under the guise of being professional builders have been ordered to pay back almost £1million.
Falling in love can be so costly
Single mum Debbie Bonfield thought she had at last found love after holidaying in Turkey, but the Shirley Valentine adventure left her £40,000 out of pocket. Ladies beware!
Father and son jailed for mobility con
Shane Johnson and his son Laurence have been sent to prison for conning elderly people into buying mobility scooters they didn't want or need.
Crackdown on drink-fuelled crime in Basildon
A Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) is now in place to help prevent alcohol fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour in the Basildon town centre
Check to see if your car is insured
Up to 20,000 motorists could be driving uninsured after responding to cheap insurance offers advertised online or via small ads.
Shock photos may help trap burglars
Police have released shocking photographs of the mess left by burglars after they broke into a house in Basildon in the hope that witnesses will come forward.
Alarm company get hit in the pocket
SAS Fire And Security Systems, which raked in £18million in less than three years by flogging alarms to the elderly and vulnerable, has been fined £10,000.
Burglary rise leads to lock up warning
Basildon and Thurrock residents are being urged to lock their front doors properly following a rise in burglaries in December.
Useful Links
How to beat the conmen
Other inside news
The first two issues of Who Can You Trust are now available to read online giving you up-to-date information and advice on rogue tradesmen, dating scams, lottery scams, ID theft, overpayment fraud, burglary, cash for gold robbery, and how to safeguard yourself. There's also a country dining magazine listing places to eat...if the weather is nice.
If you're looking for a place in the country to have a meal or a beer, see our country dining magazine inside
Adscams.co.uk
If you are being contacted by companies demanding payment for advertising publishing they say you agreed to months ago go to www.adscams.co.uk and find out how they are conning customers.
Watch news
IF you want to send us your Neighbourhood Watch news go to our community news page to see where to send your articles.
Shopping local
Rochford District Council is campaigning to ensure local shops survive the threat from regional shopping centres like Lakeside and Bluewater.
For news and lifestyle features log onto www.alltheessexnews.moonfruit.com
Who Can You Trust Ltd. Registration number: 0468376
Registered address: 110 Clifton Avenue, Benfleet, Essex SS7 5QU
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