WCYT
A community interest company keeping vulnerable residents in Essex safe from rogue tradesmen and doorstep conmen
www.whocanyoutrust.org.uk
Don't fall for this latest EuroMillions con trick
EUROMILLIONS jackpot winners Dave and Angie Dawes are at the centre of a worldwide internet scam - and innocent members of the public are the target.
Fraudsters claiming to be the lucky couple - who won £101million in the draw - are targeting unsuspecting victims by offering them a cut of their winnings.The unsolicited email making the generous offer has been dropping into thousands of inboxes in the UK.
The Cambridgeshire couple won £101m in the draw. The unusually worded message, which is not from them, claims the pair will keep 'just two per cent' of their winnings 'for the raining day' But anyone who replies will eventually be asked for their bank details and could actually have their bank accounts drained.
The conmen even cruelly claim Angie, 43, has been suffering from cancer and is herself donating money to the hospital where she was 'treated'.
Lottery operator Camelot today warned the email is not from the couple and advised people to delete it immediately without replying.
Anyone who replies will eventually be asked for their bank details and could actually have their bank accounts drained.
The crooked email says: 'Dear Friend. It is nice to hear from you. You see God works in miraculous ways.You may be wondering why you received the email. It is funny right?.
'When I was first contacted via phone that I had won this large amount of money, I doubted it and called it a scam. I know you would be wondering in your heart and mind if this is for real, but don't panic it is well.This is a life time opportunity and 100 per cent legitimate."
The fake email comes after Dave, 47, and Angie announced they plan to share their new wealth with friends and family, following their win in October 2011
Fake energy device alert
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
The dangers on our roads
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
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
Who Can You Trust magazine is 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 scams, and how you should safeguard yourself. These magazines can help protect you from scammers and doorstep traders who only have one thing in mind - how to make you part with your money.
Other inside news
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.countymediaenterprises.co.uk
Who Can You Trust Ltd. Registration number: 0468376
Registered address: 110 Clifton Avenue, Benfleet, Essex SS7 5QU
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