Coronavirus: Investment scams quadruple since virus lockdown
30/11/2020
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Fraudsters have been using more sophisticated tactics to steal millions from UK investors.
The FCA deal with "real" businesses. The beginning of this article reads;
"Scammers have been cloning fund managers' websites, products and documents to steal almost £10m ($13.3m) from UK investors"
This suggests they are not real businesses & are, therefore, unlike to be found by the FCA, subject to investigations etc. It's not an FCA matter so you are correct they aren't up to the job.
"Scammers have been cloning fund managers' websites, products and documents to steal almost £10m ($13.3m) from UK investors"
This suggests they are not real businesses & are, therefore, unlike to be found by the FCA, subject to investigations etc. It's not an FCA matter so you are correct they aren't up to the job.
Poor things struggle because it's so hard to tell the difference between sharp practises which are legal and scamming; made harder because previous colleagues are involved in the former.
Does anyone believe the banks had no idea PPI was rip-off or that payday lenders were trying to help customers get out of debt?
Does anyone believe the banks had no idea PPI was rip-off or that payday lenders were trying to help customers get out of debt?
I was scammed out of a considerable amount of money by a company called RENDEX TRADING LTD. If anybody else has been scammed by these basta&ds please reply to me. The National Fraud Investigation Bureau wouldn't investigate despite me providing them with much evidence (apparently my case didn't meet their criteria for investigation!!) but I can't be the only person scammed by RENDEX !
If you check the FCA website, you will see that Gibraltar based firm is known to them. And both it and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) warn about a website which is not the actual company, but been cloned by fraudsters.
https://www.fsc.gi/news/rendex-trading-limited-335
https://www.fsc.gi/news/rendex-trading-limited-335
I feel for you. I have also been scammed recently, for a considerable amount of money. I would always have said I was investment and scam savy. They contacted me regularly for 18 months they were british, london LL no, had a live online account, share prices were correct for every trade, FCA registered (clone co) and company history. I researched prior to investing. They are really good.
Wouldn't mind if I could have an email chat with you as my situation is different company but sounds very similar.
"Scammers have been cloning fund managers' websites, products and documents to steal almost £10m ($13.3m) from UK investors."
Not sure why they have to give the value in dollars. Anyway, this sum pales into insignificance compared to the outright corruption at the heart of this Government. How many millions lost in worthless contracts to their pals.
Not sure why they have to give the value in dollars. Anyway, this sum pales into insignificance compared to the outright corruption at the heart of this Government. How many millions lost in worthless contracts to their pals.
The FCA deal with "real" businesses. The beginning of this article reads;
"Scammers have been cloning fund managers' websites, products and documents to steal almost £10m ($13.3m) from UK investors"
This suggests they are not real businesses & are, therefore, unlike to be found by the FCA, subject to investigations etc. It's not an FCA matter so you are correct they aren't up to the job.
"Scammers have been cloning fund managers' websites, products and documents to steal almost £10m ($13.3m) from UK investors"
This suggests they are not real businesses & are, therefore, unlike to be found by the FCA, subject to investigations etc. It's not an FCA matter so you are correct they aren't up to the job.
You plainly don't know about the solicitors who are used to endorse the scams and make them appear authentic
You would be amazed how many there have been over the years
You would be amazed how many there have been over the years
From today's Law Society Gazette:-
"Meanwhile solicitors are lending credibility to investment schemes that are proving to be a massive drain on the compensation fund. Such schemes have become more subtle than the diamond and carbon-credit frauds, and are more likely to involve property development that appears, on the surface, to be legitimate".
"Meanwhile solicitors are lending credibility to investment schemes that are proving to be a massive drain on the compensation fund. Such schemes have become more subtle than the diamond and carbon-credit frauds, and are more likely to involve property development that appears, on the surface, to be legitimate".
It's totally wrong of people to take advantage of honest folk, effectively stealing their money to benefit themselves and their dodgy "business" mates.
Anyway, enough about this govt. Let's talk about other scammers/fraudsters.
Anyway, enough about this govt. Let's talk about other scammers/fraudsters.
At least you get to boot out the Government ever few years, but scammers are like weeds. You cut one down & another 2 take their place
The UK has some of the highest commission and fund management charges anywhere - fees that are often payable regardless of fund performance.
So, whilst my sympathy goes out to those affected by the £10m fraud - your average UK investor, pension saver etc. is getting ripped on a daily basis.
Why doesn't the Investment Association complain about that!
So, whilst my sympathy goes out to those affected by the £10m fraud - your average UK investor, pension saver etc. is getting ripped on a daily basis.
Why doesn't the Investment Association complain about that!
the public are easily conned by these methods,we heard how people invested in a pension company thats now went bust,they were actually foreign owned but the realisation of making a quick profit is really alluring to many,scams are easy to spot but people cant believe their not legal,its the gullible that scammers go for their easy prey/
If the investment returns seem too good to be true then they probably are.
I was scammed out of a considerable amount of money by a company called RENDEX TRADING LTD. If anybody else has been scammed by these basta&ds please reply to me. The National Fraud Investigation Bureau wouldn't investigate despite me providing them with much evidence (apparently my case didn't meet their criteria for investigation!!) but I can't be the only person scammed by RENDEX !
People need to ask themselves is the return realistic or am I being greedy and going to get suckered ?
If someone offered you a car for half it's market value you'd be immediately suspicious so why does common sense go out of the window when people are offered fantastically inflated return on an investment ?
If you expect something for nothing, you'll get nothing.
If someone offered you a car for half it's market value you'd be immediately suspicious so why does common sense go out of the window when people are offered fantastically inflated return on an investment ?
If you expect something for nothing, you'll get nothing.
It is not quite that simple, the clever scams will just adjust the return to 'look so bad it must be honest'. Just like selling of goods charging a lot for rubbish saying it is quality. It is never so simple as buy the expensive item.
Even reputable companies, banks, have enter our prize draw as we pay no interest now. It is a scam just a different legal type. Gambling 'if' applied for, or zero.
Even reputable companies, banks, have enter our prize draw as we pay no interest now. It is a scam just a different legal type. Gambling 'if' applied for, or zero.
Anyone caught out should have to go on a mandatory training course about how to avoid being caught out. Proceeds from these scams go to criminal networks, so stupidity (or naïvity) is anti-social behaviour.
How many times do people need to be told "we will never ask you to move money" or "if it's too good to be true, it is a scam" or "don't click a link"?
How many times do people need to be told "we will never ask you to move money" or "if it's too good to be true, it is a scam" or "don't click a link"?
I knew a lady in here nineties that was scammed by two people at the door claiming to be from her bank. They said they needed to take her old credit cards securely, so that new ones could be sent out. How the hell is someone in their nineties supposed to know how to deal with scum like that? There are millions of vulnerable people that just don't understand what a scam is!
They need to come down heavy on those found guilty of these scams (assuming they reside in the UK). A few public heavy fines, prison sentences, etc to set the tone and come down hard on those who exploit others honesty and good nature. They are scumbags.
The problem is financial naivety, and short memories. Bernie Madoff, and Peter Clowes of Barlow Clowes were ultimately exposed, but not until many had lost their fortunes to their schemes. Education is the answer- and starting at school age.
Have to go further, treat them as financial terrorists like the USA does/did Bin Laden.
Stick to that 0.01% from your safe and friendly high street bank ?
I wonder with the collapse of returns on cash deposits how many folk have been pressed into other areas looking for a buck.....
I wonder with the collapse of returns on cash deposits how many folk have been pressed into other areas looking for a buck.....
They need to come down heavy on those found guilty of these scams (assuming they reside in the UK). A few public heavy fines, prison sentences, etc to set the tone and come down hard on those who exploit others honesty and good nature. They are scumbags.
I fully agree about education. There seems to be virtually no financial literacy teaching at school level. Not sure how much education would have caught out Madoff earlier mind you but that's a much more in depth question.
I worry about kids now as finances have become detached from reality. You don't see cash in your pocket, it's all app based shopping and easy credit.
I worry about kids now as finances have become detached from reality. You don't see cash in your pocket, it's all app based shopping and easy credit.
Maybe if Charles Dickens was still taught in schools more would know about the sage advice from Mr Micawber on the difference between happiness and misery...
I think that it is wrong to blame financial naivety. That is only a small part of the problem. Criminals use very sophisticated and convincing websites to snare their victims. Many savers/investors are not financial investigators, capable of performing an in depth due diligence exercise before they part with their money.
The problem is financial naivety, and short memories. Bernie Madoff, and Peter Clowes of Barlow Clowes were ultimately exposed, but not until many had lost their fortunes to their schemes. Education is the answer- and starting at school age.
I fully agree about education. There seems to be virtually no financial literacy teaching at school level. Not sure how much education would have caught out Madoff earlier mind you but that's a much more in depth question.
I worry about kids now as finances have become detached from reality. You don't see cash in your pocket, it's all app based shopping and easy credit.
I worry about kids now as finances have become detached from reality. You don't see cash in your pocket, it's all app based shopping and easy credit.
How would the banks survive if people understood money!
Latest scam, text message or email from a bank saying unusual activity on your bank account, account, asking you to confirm by clicking on a link.
That's not the latest... it's be going on for years.
The number of automated phone calls/emails from "Amazon" or "Paypal" have rocketed in the last six months too.
Anyone caught out should have to go on a mandatory training course about how to avoid being caught out. Proceeds from these scams go to criminal networks, so stupidity (or naïvity) is anti-social behaviour.
How many times do people need to be told "we will never ask you to move money" or "if it's too good to be true, it is a scam" or "don't click a link"?
How many times do people need to be told "we will never ask you to move money" or "if it's too good to be true, it is a scam" or "don't click a link"?
I knew a lady in here nineties that was scammed by two people at the door claiming to be from her bank. They said they needed to take her old credit cards securely, so that new ones could be sent out. How the hell is someone in their nineties supposed to know how to deal with scum like that? There are millions of vulnerable people that just don't understand what a scam is!
Then they shouldn't be allowed control over their own money if they're going to give it away to anyone that asks without a second thought. Power of Attorney exists for a reason - so that those unable to manage their own finances have some help to do it
£140 per month for having my bin bag taken away.... local government is the biggest scam.
Why not bury it or recycle it yourself then... or dump it in the woods?!
£1680 a year JUST for your rubbish to be taken away?!
Is that just for rubbish collection or your entire council tax for all local government services for things like roads, pavements, street lighting etc.?
Is that just for rubbish collection or your entire council tax for all local government services for things like roads, pavements, street lighting etc.?
That's not the latest... it's be going on for years.
£140 per month for having my bin bag taken away.... local government is the biggest scam.
I fully agree about education. There seems to be virtually no financial literacy teaching at school level. Not sure how much education would have caught out Madoff earlier mind you but that's a much more in depth question.
I worry about kids now as finances have become detached from reality. You don't see cash in your pocket, it's all app based shopping and easy credit.
I worry about kids now as finances have become detached from reality. You don't see cash in your pocket, it's all app based shopping and easy credit.
I've had loads of calls from all manner of scammers recently.
My favourite was:
Them: "Hello, this your bank (sic), there was unauthorised use of your card"
Me: "Which bank is that?"
Them: [Hangs up]
Sadly, some people do believe them.
Being serious, there should be a reporting portal; if a certain number (say 250) of complaints are made in a week, the owners get referred to the police.
My favourite was:
Them: "Hello, this your bank (sic), there was unauthorised use of your card"
Me: "Which bank is that?"
Them: [Hangs up]
Sadly, some people do believe them.
Being serious, there should be a reporting portal; if a certain number (say 250) of complaints are made in a week, the owners get referred to the police.
The phone numbers are normally spoofed.
A bit pointless when those attempting the scam are resident in India/ Nigeria/ Spain/ USA/Russia.
I've had loads of calls from all manner of scammers recently.
My favourite was:
Them: "Hello, this your bank (sic), there was unauthorised use of your card"
Me: "Which bank is that?"
Them: [Hangs up]
Sadly, some people do believe them.
Being serious, there should be a reporting portal; if a certain number (say 250) of complaints are made in a week, the owners get referred to the police.
My favourite was:
Them: "Hello, this your bank (sic), there was unauthorised use of your card"
Me: "Which bank is that?"
Them: [Hangs up]
Sadly, some people do believe them.
Being serious, there should be a reporting portal; if a certain number (say 250) of complaints are made in a week, the owners get referred to the police.
I've had loads of calls from all manner of scammers recently.
My favourite was:
Them: "Hello, this your bank (sic), there was unauthorised use of your card"
Me: "Which bank is that?"
Them: [Hangs up]
Sadly, some people do believe them.
Being serious, there should be a reporting portal; if a certain number (say 250) of complaints are made in a week, the owners get referred to the police.
My favourite was:
Them: "Hello, this your bank (sic), there was unauthorised use of your card"
Me: "Which bank is that?"
Them: [Hangs up]
Sadly, some people do believe them.
Being serious, there should be a reporting portal; if a certain number (say 250) of complaints are made in a week, the owners get referred to the police.
Some times though some people are so gullible.
For example I am going to fleece a Nigerian prince for millions and all I did was to send him a few thousand up front.
For example I am going to fleece a Nigerian prince for millions and all I did was to send him a few thousand up front.
The UK has some of the highest commission and fund management charges anywhere - fees that are often payable regardless of fund performance.
So, whilst my sympathy goes out to those affected by the £10m fraud - your average UK investor, pension saver etc. is getting ripped on a daily basis.
Why doesn't the Investment Association complain about that!
So, whilst my sympathy goes out to those affected by the £10m fraud - your average UK investor, pension saver etc. is getting ripped on a daily basis.
Why doesn't the Investment Association complain about that!
Desperate people fall for it 'because' the finance industry top to bottom lives by cheating the customer. Starting right from the supposed advisor middle men creaming commissions, to scams pretending clever investment picking that rarely if ever let alone reliably beats the stock market averages. Connived at by the state rigging rates low. Fix high rates to savers force the pros to make the money.
I knew a lady in here nineties that was scammed by two people at the door claiming to be from her bank. They said they needed to take her old credit cards securely, so that new ones could be sent out. How the hell is someone in their nineties supposed to know how to deal with scum like that? There are millions of vulnerable people that just don't understand what a scam is!
I was scammed out of a considerable amount of money by a company called RENDEX TRADING LTD. If anybody else has been scammed by these basta&ds please reply to me. The National Fraud Investigation Bureau wouldn't investigate despite me providing them with much evidence (apparently my case didn't meet their criteria for investigation!!) but I can't be the only person scammed by RENDEX !
If you check the FCA website, you will see that Gibraltar based firm is known to them. And both it and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) warn about a website which is not the actual company, but been cloned by fraudsters.
https://www.fsc.gi/news/rendex-trading-limited-335
https://www.fsc.gi/news/rendex-trading-limited-335
The biggest recent scam has been the change from RPI to CPIH for defined benefit pension schemes. This took billions from future pensioners. The name of the person responsible was Sunik.
The trust document for defined benefit schemes determines which inflation rate, if any, is used, not the Chancellor, but don't let that stop you spinning your conspiracy theory yarns.
Not sure what pensions you mean. The civil service pensions and those allied to them went from RPI to CPI years ago, that certainly wasn't done by Sunik.
Actually, CPI began in the Blair era. This and Brown's pension tax raid probably triggered the erosion and decline of DB pension schemes.
Actually, CPI began in the Blair era. This and Brown's pension tax raid probably triggered the erosion and decline of DB pension schemes.
Geoff Brown, alias 'The Local Bore, You Can't Ignore,' writes: Even 'old fashioned' reformed criminals will condem these criminal vultures as being 'the lowest of the low. Preying on the vulnerable, they should be jailed and made to repay those whose lives they damage, with interest!
£140 per month for having my bin bag taken away.... local government is the biggest scam.
For many people rubbish collection is often the only service they're receiving (at least knowingly).
Council tax is not the major source of funding for for roads either.
For many, the linkage between what is paid for (or not) and what is received in return (or rather isn't) is badly broken.
Council tax is not the major source of funding for for roads either.
For many, the linkage between what is paid for (or not) and what is received in return (or rather isn't) is badly broken.
scumbag fraudsters with no morals , are getting more and more prolific using phone or computer to try and ROB people of there hard earned, been lucky since sunday only two calls , a recorded message from amazon saying a large priced purchase has been attempted on my bank card and they have frozen the order . If this wasnt you please press 1 , i say bring back hanging and public flogging worldwide
Geoff Brown, alias 'The Local Bore, You Can't Ignore,' writes: Even 'old fashioned' reformed criminals will condem these criminal vultures as being 'the lowest of the low. Preying on the vulnerable, they should be jailed and made to repay those whose lives they damage, with interest!
When a voice. which could be any scumbag on the planet, phones up, tells you there's some horrible emergency and you MUST do things.
1. Don't assume they are who they say they are until you have checked via an independent means. (Not the same phone line as hanging up the receiving end does not disconnect).
2. Don't turn into a puppet and start doing what you are told.
How hard is that?
1. Don't assume they are who they say they are until you have checked via an independent means. (Not the same phone line as hanging up the receiving end does not disconnect).
2. Don't turn into a puppet and start doing what you are told.
How hard is that?
Incidentally the phone lines not terminating when the receiver hangs up is arguably a bit of criminal irresponsibility by the phone companies.
Its so easy for the scammer to play a recorded dial tone and then continue the scam.
The default should be that calls end when either party hangs up. For the few people who want to 'transfer to extensions' it should be an explicit 'opt in'.
Its so easy for the scammer to play a recorded dial tone and then continue the scam.
The default should be that calls end when either party hangs up. For the few people who want to 'transfer to extensions' it should be an explicit 'opt in'.
Very very hard. Not everyone is as capable and aware as you are. It is not even only the older and the newness of the threats to them.
However it really should be easy when an aware individual reports a number or site as a scammer that the State should be able to close it immediately. And\or send in police or troops to where the money goes. 'Middle class' crime, fraud not gun toting needs action
However it really should be easy when an aware individual reports a number or site as a scammer that the State should be able to close it immediately. And\or send in police or troops to where the money goes. 'Middle class' crime, fraud not gun toting needs action
When a voice. which could be any scumbag on the planet, phones up, tells you there's some horrible emergency and you MUST do things.
1. Don't assume they are who they say they are until you have checked via an independent means. (Not the same phone line as hanging up the receiving end does not disconnect).
2. Don't turn into a puppet and start doing what you are told.
How hard is that?
1. Don't assume they are who they say they are until you have checked via an independent means. (Not the same phone line as hanging up the receiving end does not disconnect).
2. Don't turn into a puppet and start doing what you are told.
How hard is that?
Incidentally the phone lines not terminating when the receiver hangs up is arguably a bit of criminal irresponsibility by the phone companies.
Its so easy for the scammer to play a recorded dial tone and then continue the scam.
The default should be that calls end when either party hangs up. For the few people who want to 'transfer to extensions' it should be an explicit 'opt in'.
Its so easy for the scammer to play a recorded dial tone and then continue the scam.
The default should be that calls end when either party hangs up. For the few people who want to 'transfer to extensions' it should be an explicit 'opt in'.
That 'scam' key on the options menu seems a bit of a giveaway. I wouldn't press it.
Fact Check. Sort of true but not 100 %. Many trust documents have lose definitions which are interpreted to mean "whatever the government uses". For example I think the Coal Miners' pension scheme explicitly stated RPI and that has continued. USS, i.e. Universities, used a less specific definition and that changed to CPI.
Not surprised these scams are increasing. My own experience using Action Fraud was a joke. I had an HMRC fraud email and they wouldn't let me forward it to them. Instead they had me read out a 100 character email address and when I asked them to read it back to me there were mistakes in their recording of it. They seriously need new management and someone in charge who understands IT and the Web.
On "scams", Sir Philip and Lady Green still refuse to pay back into the pension funds of their employees the £350M that they stole.
It's 4 years since they were ordered to pay this back. Why the delay?
Solution is very simple. American style justice.
"Pay the money by the end of this week, or your assets will be seized and you will both go to jail for 300 years."
It would be sorted, PDQ,
It's 4 years since they were ordered to pay this back. Why the delay?
Solution is very simple. American style justice.
"Pay the money by the end of this week, or your assets will be seized and you will both go to jail for 300 years."
It would be sorted, PDQ,
I have always been able to forward such emails to the revenue phishing department. I used to get about one a month but recently none.
and you think the scammers fraudsters dont know how stretched the hmrc are
I had an HMRC phishing email over the weekend. Forwarded it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk and got a standard acknowledgement early this morning that it was a scam. Try the email address I've given you...
Fact Check. Public Sector Pensions were changed from RPI to CPI by Osborne , not Blair/Brown. Many, but not all, defined benefit pensions also changed to CPI at the same time since they described their increases as "being in line with public sector increases" in their trust documents.
Not surprised these scams are increasing. My own experience using Action Fraud was a joke. I had an HMRC fraud email and they wouldn't let me forward it to them. Instead they had me read out a 100 character email address and when I asked them to read it back to me there were mistakes in their recording of it. They seriously need new management and someone in charge who understands IT and the Web.
On "scams", Sir Philip and Lady Green still refuse to pay back into the pension funds of their employees the £350M that they stole.
It's 4 years since they were ordered to pay this back. Why the delay?
Solution is very simple. American style justice.
"Pay the money by the end of this week, or your assets will be seized and you will both go to jail for 300 years."
It would be sorted, PDQ,
It's 4 years since they were ordered to pay this back. Why the delay?
Solution is very simple. American style justice.
"Pay the money by the end of this week, or your assets will be seized and you will both go to jail for 300 years."
It would be sorted, PDQ,
It seems that the more famous the scammer and the bigger the scam, the more likely they will get away with a punishment significantly less than the level of pain they inflict. Seize all assets, including those of spouses, impose prison sentences, and ban people from holding any business position for many years. We also must publicly shame those in high places who think they are above the law.
Just had a very convincing email not from DPD saying I had missed a delivery and would I like to arrange a new one at a cost of £2
to be paid by card. I checked the email address which was a load of numbers ending “cprapid.com” which I googled. That identified the DPD site as being identical numbers but ending “prepaid.com”. I rang DPD and they confirmed it was a scam. Beware!
to be paid by card. I checked the email address which was a load of numbers ending “cprapid.com” which I googled. That identified the DPD site as being identical numbers but ending “prepaid.com”. I rang DPD and they confirmed it was a scam. Beware!
Not surprised these scams are increasing. My own experience using Action Fraud was a joke. I had an HMRC fraud email and they wouldn't let me forward it to them. Instead they had me read out a 100 character email address and when I asked them to read it back to me there were mistakes in their recording of it. They seriously need new management and someone in charge who understands IT and the Web.
I've had loads of calls from all manner of scammers recently.
My favourite was:
Them: "Hello, this your bank (sic), there was unauthorised use of your card"
Me: "Which bank is that?"
Them: [Hangs up]
Sadly, some people do believe them.
Being serious, there should be a reporting portal; if a certain number (say 250) of complaints are made in a week, the owners get referred to the police.
My favourite was:
Them: "Hello, this your bank (sic), there was unauthorised use of your card"
Me: "Which bank is that?"
Them: [Hangs up]
Sadly, some people do believe them.
Being serious, there should be a reporting portal; if a certain number (say 250) of complaints are made in a week, the owners get referred to the police.
Why hasn't the BBC named the fake comparison sites?
Poor things struggle because it's so hard to tell the difference between sharp practises which are legal and scamming; made harder because previous colleagues are involved in the former.
Does anyone believe the banks had no idea PPI was rip-off or that payday lenders were trying to help customers get out of debt?
Does anyone believe the banks had no idea PPI was rip-off or that payday lenders were trying to help customers get out of debt?
Only two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. Albert Einstein
If somebody is offering you something that is too good to be true it probably is.
If somebody is offering you something that is too good to be true it probably is.
Why hasn't the BBC named the fake comparison sites?
The technology exists to trace phone calls so why do we not use it. Telephone exchanges are basically computers and record all activity.
It's the privacy laws that work against us, telephone engineers have to get special permission to trace calls,good in one sense but bad in another.
"Everything" I do on my computer appears to be followed if I look at a certain web site i'm sure to get an email .
It's the privacy laws that work against us, telephone engineers have to get special permission to trace calls,good in one sense but bad in another.
"Everything" I do on my computer appears to be followed if I look at a certain web site i'm sure to get an email .
The problem is financial naivety, and short memories. Bernie Madoff, and Peter Clowes of Barlow Clowes were ultimately exposed, but not until many had lost their fortunes to their schemes. Education is the answer- and starting at school age.
I’m afraid that that advice would be likely lost on many, but rather like the “ Take care of the pennies,....” , the lure of a sure fire win overcomes any caution and doubt they might otherwise have.
Not surprised these scams are increasing. My own experience using Action Fraud was a joke. I had an HMRC fraud email and they wouldn't let me forward it to them. Instead they had me read out a 100 character email address and when I asked them to read it back to me there were mistakes in their recording of it. They seriously need new management and someone in charge who understands IT and the Web.
The technology exists to trace phone calls so why do we not use it. Telephone exchanges are basically computers and record all activity.
It's the privacy laws that work against us, telephone engineers have to get special permission to trace calls,good in one sense but bad in another.
"Everything" I do on my computer appears to be followed if I look at a certain web site i'm sure to get an email .
It's the privacy laws that work against us, telephone engineers have to get special permission to trace calls,good in one sense but bad in another.
"Everything" I do on my computer appears to be followed if I look at a certain web site i'm sure to get an email .
This is the real 'war' threat to national security. The planned 'army' of cyber defence military spending increase should be targeting such scammers, and sending in the ground troops to deal with them finally more appropriately.
I do not get why the State can not home in on those responsible, take down their fake sites the day they are reported to them. MPs safe and secure PS pensions.
I do not get why the State can not home in on those responsible, take down their fake sites the day they are reported to them. MPs safe and secure PS pensions.
Problem is all those rogues are protected by "human rights".
The honest abiding get less protection than the dishonest.
The honest abiding get less protection than the dishonest.
Eh? How did you come to this genius conclusion?
For UK-based scammers there is just not enough police resource available (Tory cuts demonstrated yet again) to properly chase and resolve.
Struggle to see how human rights legislation would affect foreign-based scammers. Any suggestions?.....
For UK-based scammers there is just not enough police resource available (Tory cuts demonstrated yet again) to properly chase and resolve.
Struggle to see how human rights legislation would affect foreign-based scammers. Any suggestions?.....
This is the real 'war' threat to national security. The planned 'army' of cyber defence military spending increase should be targeting such scammers, and sending in the ground troops to deal with them finally more appropriately.
I do not get why the State can not home in on those responsible, take down their fake sites the day they are reported to them. MPs safe and secure PS pensions.
I do not get why the State can not home in on those responsible, take down their fake sites the day they are reported to them. MPs safe and secure PS pensions.
When a voice. which could be any scumbag on the planet, phones up, tells you there's some horrible emergency and you MUST do things.
1. Don't assume they are who they say they are until you have checked via an independent means. (Not the same phone line as hanging up the receiving end does not disconnect).
2. Don't turn into a puppet and start doing what you are told.
How hard is that?
1. Don't assume they are who they say they are until you have checked via an independent means. (Not the same phone line as hanging up the receiving end does not disconnect).
2. Don't turn into a puppet and start doing what you are told.
How hard is that?
Very very hard. Not everyone is as capable and aware as you are. It is not even only the older and the newness of the threats to them.
However it really should be easy when an aware individual reports a number or site as a scammer that the State should be able to close it immediately. And\or send in police or troops to where the money goes. 'Middle class' crime, fraud not gun toting needs action
However it really should be easy when an aware individual reports a number or site as a scammer that the State should be able to close it immediately. And\or send in police or troops to where the money goes. 'Middle class' crime, fraud not gun toting needs action
A bit pointless when those attempting the scam are resident in India/ Nigeria/ Spain/ USA/Russia.
They need to come down heavy on those found guilty of these scams (assuming they reside in the UK). A few public heavy fines, prison sentences, etc to set the tone and come down hard on those who exploit others honesty and good nature. They are scumbags.
Can you imagine walking down the high street and getting a hand on your shoulder "you looked in my shop window yesterday are you still interested ",but that is precisely what many well known computer shopping web sites are doing.
Stalking is a crime in the UK and web sites that trace and follow you is doing precisely that.
There has to be a way to stop it.
Stalking is a crime in the UK and web sites that trace and follow you is doing precisely that.
There has to be a way to stop it.
Can you imaging being told "before you look in my shop window I'm going to put a tracking device in your pocket. You must give me your name and address and you must open an account with me. And lastly, give me feedback on my shop window before you look at it."
GOOD POINT, MORE WORLDWIDE anti scamming education needed from senior schools up to the elderly who for no thought of their own are easier targets.
for the makle or female scammers bring back public flogging and the death sentence as funding a prisoner for reabillitation is expensive and not bullet proof. OTHERWISE THE SCAMMING WILL ONLY GET WORSE leaving a trail of innocent victims
for the makle or female scammers bring back public flogging and the death sentence as funding a prisoner for reabillitation is expensive and not bullet proof. OTHERWISE THE SCAMMING WILL ONLY GET WORSE leaving a trail of innocent victims
Can you imagine walking down the high street and getting a hand on your shoulder "you looked in my shop window yesterday are you still interested ",but that is precisely what many well known computer shopping web sites are doing.
Stalking is a crime in the UK and web sites that trace and follow you is doing precisely that.
There has to be a way to stop it.
Stalking is a crime in the UK and web sites that trace and follow you is doing precisely that.
There has to be a way to stop it.
I had a call yesterday from a company in Middlesbrough about the minor road accident I was in 'recently'. The only road accident I've ever been in was in 2006. A very pleasant chap bumped into the back of my car at the lights. Slowly. It was sorted. Apparently it's not too late to sue him for the injuries I didn't sustain and haven't suffered from ever since. No less of a scam than anything else.
I have had several of these calls recently from what was clearly the same organisation. I did try to track down these scammers but had no luck even though clearly English. they know how to hide their tracks. I did discover that the phone numbers can be referred to Action Fraud and the ICO. I also discovered a function on my phone which blocks unknown callers. And I have now registered with the TPS
Too many stupid people who don’t do simple checks and then expect the banks ( and the rest of us) to reimburse.
At least a scammer can only steal from those alive today. And can't steal on same scale.
How many billions will the government have stolen from us - and many future generations of taxpayer- before next election?
How many billions will the government have stolen from us - and many future generations of taxpayer- before next election?
Too many stupid people who don’t do simple checks and then expect the banks ( and the rest of us) to reimburse.
The banks could definitely do more. How do fraudsters manage to open accounts so easily?
Fact Check. Sort of true but not 100 %. Many trust documents have lose definitions which are interpreted to mean "whatever the government uses". For example I think the Coal Miners' pension scheme explicitly stated RPI and that has continued. USS, i.e. Universities, used a less specific definition and that changed to CPI.
Not sure what pensions you mean. The civil service pensions and those allied to them went from RPI to CPI years ago, that certainly wasn't done by Sunik.
Actually, CPI began in the Blair era. This and Brown's pension tax raid probably triggered the erosion and decline of DB pension schemes.
Actually, CPI began in the Blair era. This and Brown's pension tax raid probably triggered the erosion and decline of DB pension schemes.
I was refuting that Sunik made the change (to PS Pensions & those allied to them), not claiming that Blair/Brown did.
It was factual, although I agree, the way I've worded it may have (wrongly) implicated them for more damage than they'd actually done. They certainly did enough harm even without that, they & governments since have been using CPI or RPI selectively in a disingenuous way.
It was factual, although I agree, the way I've worded it may have (wrongly) implicated them for more damage than they'd actually done. They certainly did enough harm even without that, they & governments since have been using CPI or RPI selectively in a disingenuous way.
Many frauds are committed by legitimate customers, who are then coerced and paid by scammers to transfer funds around. By the time the victim has realised it’s a scam, the funds have been transferred many times and/or withdrawn in cash. Many transfers go overseas. Sounds a lot more simple than it is.
Agreed. If I want to open a bank account I am expected to grovel, show identity and a utility bill in my name. How come these crooks seem to get away with it so easily? Maybe they all work for the banks?
Get Inspector Clouseau to start looking there.
Get Inspector Clouseau to start looking there.
Eh? How did you come to this genius conclusion?
For UK-based scammers there is just not enough police resource available (Tory cuts demonstrated yet again) to properly chase and resolve.
Struggle to see how human rights legislation would affect foreign-based scammers. Any suggestions?.....
For UK-based scammers there is just not enough police resource available (Tory cuts demonstrated yet again) to properly chase and resolve.
Struggle to see how human rights legislation would affect foreign-based scammers. Any suggestions?.....
The banks could definitely do more. How do fraudsters manage to open accounts so easily?
Many frauds are committed by legitimate customers, who are then coerced and paid by scammers to transfer funds around. By the time the victim has realised it’s a scam, the funds have been transferred many times and/or withdrawn in cash. Many transfers go overseas. Sounds a lot more simple than it is.
When a voice. which could be any scumbag on the planet, phones up, tells you there's some horrible emergency and you MUST do things.
1. Don't assume they are who they say they are until you have checked via an independent means. (Not the same phone line as hanging up the receiving end does not disconnect).
2. Don't turn into a puppet and start doing what you are told.
How hard is that?
1. Don't assume they are who they say they are until you have checked via an independent means. (Not the same phone line as hanging up the receiving end does not disconnect).
2. Don't turn into a puppet and start doing what you are told.
How hard is that?
I agree it can be traumatizing. If you can get you mother to understand that 99% of cold callers are lying maybe she won't be so worried about offending someone 'important'.
Maybe even print out my two rule (with less sarcasm) and put next to her phone so she remembers.
Also most scammers are offshore. So, short of blocking constantly changing international numbers, no 'nanny' can stop them.
Maybe even print out my two rule (with less sarcasm) and put next to her phone so she remembers.
Also most scammers are offshore. So, short of blocking constantly changing international numbers, no 'nanny' can stop them.
Can you imagine walking down the high street and getting a hand on your shoulder "you looked in my shop window yesterday are you still interested ",but that is precisely what many well known computer shopping web sites are doing.
Stalking is a crime in the UK and web sites that trace and follow you is doing precisely that.
There has to be a way to stop it.
Stalking is a crime in the UK and web sites that trace and follow you is doing precisely that.
There has to be a way to stop it.
Fact Check. Public Sector Pensions were changed from RPI to CPI by Osborne , not Blair/Brown. Many, but not all, defined benefit pensions also changed to CPI at the same time since they described their increases as "being in line with public sector increases" in their trust documents.
I was refuting that Sunik made the change (to PS Pensions & those allied to them), not claiming that Blair/Brown did.
It was factual, although I agree, the way I've worded it may have (wrongly) implicated them for more damage than they'd actually done. They certainly did enough harm even without that, they & governments since have been using CPI or RPI selectively in a disingenuous way.
It was factual, although I agree, the way I've worded it may have (wrongly) implicated them for more damage than they'd actually done. They certainly did enough harm even without that, they & governments since have been using CPI or RPI selectively in a disingenuous way.
£1680 a year JUST for your rubbish to be taken away?!
Is that just for rubbish collection or your entire council tax for all local government services for things like roads, pavements, street lighting etc.?
Is that just for rubbish collection or your entire council tax for all local government services for things like roads, pavements, street lighting etc.?
People need to ask themselves is the return realistic or am I being greedy and going to get suckered ?
If someone offered you a car for half it's market value you'd be immediately suspicious so why does common sense go out of the window when people are offered fantastically inflated return on an investment ?
If you expect something for nothing, you'll get nothing.
If someone offered you a car for half it's market value you'd be immediately suspicious so why does common sense go out of the window when people are offered fantastically inflated return on an investment ?
If you expect something for nothing, you'll get nothing.
It is not quite that simple, the clever scams will just adjust the return to 'look so bad it must be honest'. Just like selling of goods charging a lot for rubbish saying it is quality. It is never so simple as buy the expensive item.
Even reputable companies, banks, have enter our prize draw as we pay no interest now. It is a scam just a different legal type. Gambling 'if' applied for, or zero.
Even reputable companies, banks, have enter our prize draw as we pay no interest now. It is a scam just a different legal type. Gambling 'if' applied for, or zero.
Desperate people fall for it 'because' the finance industry top to bottom lives by cheating the customer. Starting right from the supposed advisor middle men creaming commissions, to scams pretending clever investment picking that rarely if ever let alone reliably beats the stock market averages. Connived at by the state rigging rates low. Fix high rates to savers force the pros to make the money.
Take a look at the story - London and Capital Finance
This took place in 2019 in the so called regulated market
Scandalous
This took place in 2019 in the so called regulated market
Scandalous
The banks could definitely do more. How do fraudsters manage to open accounts so easily?
I agree it can be traumatizing. If you can get you mother to understand that 99% of cold callers are lying maybe she won't be so worried about offending someone 'important'.
Maybe even print out my two rule (with less sarcasm) and put next to her phone so she remembers.
Also most scammers are offshore. So, short of blocking constantly changing international numbers, no 'nanny' can stop them.
Maybe even print out my two rule (with less sarcasm) and put next to her phone so she remembers.
Also most scammers are offshore. So, short of blocking constantly changing international numbers, no 'nanny' can stop them.
More to the point where are the banks in all this ? A scammer needs a compliant bank. Surely the banks now have the wherewithal to spot a dodgy account application. Apparently not as £657 million has been removed probably from one honest bank account to a fraudsters.
Not surprised these scams are increasing. My own experience using Action Fraud was a joke. I had an HMRC fraud email and they wouldn't let me forward it to them. Instead they had me read out a 100 character email address and when I asked them to read it back to me there were mistakes in their recording of it. They seriously need new management and someone in charge who understands IT and the Web.
Advice: Be cynical and don't trust anyone. Check your bank account regularly. I once had three unauthorised transactions within a few days on my credit card. Fortunately I checked and was refunded. The (real) bank's fraud dept said scammers don't even need access to your credit card to take your money. Be cynical, check regularly, trust no-one.
More to the point where are the banks in all this ? A scammer needs a compliant bank. Surely the banks now have the wherewithal to spot a dodgy account application. Apparently not as £657 million has been removed probably from one honest bank account to a fraudsters.
"The banks are being mugged by criminals..."
There's no honour among thieves then.
There's no honour among thieves then.
The banks could definitely do more. How do fraudsters manage to open accounts so easily?
Sadly I do not think that the FCA are up to the job