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Essex Police Essex Police Wrongco Keep Your Children Safe on the Internet 2smart Advent Calendar Safe from Scams
Rochford Neighbourhood Watch Summer 2010 Newsletter Rochford Neighbourhood Watch Spring 2010 Newsletter
HMRC Tax Related Web Scams Essex Police Crimemapper Rochford CDRP December 2008 Newsletter Essex Fire Service
Crimestoppers - A Charity Organisations – Newsletter – Sign Up For Newsletter Essex Fire Service
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The Steve Joynes Spot – Local Police
Thanks Steve Joynes
On the 15 August Steve Joynes left the Hockley Neighbourhood Policing Team and became Acting Sergeant covering the Rochford District. Steve was replaced by PC Gary Tween, PCSO Laura Merrell and PCSO Kelly Bowen. Steve made a considerable contribution to policing in the Hockley area especially with the younger residents. We are sure you would like to join us in saying a big thanks to Steve for his work over the past four years and wish him well in his new position. Please see latest info from Steve below.
Farewell My last few hours as your Hockley Policeman...so decided to share some useful info before I depart. You may have seen this info before, but how many of you can honestly say you know your IMEI number of your mobile phone??? If lost or stolen, Police always ask for the IMEI number. Check it and write it down somewhere safe now. *#06# I've found the extra power trick useful recently and know of people that successfully used the 'keys locked in car trick.' (No it wasn't me - honest!) Regarding a recent circulation about personal data held on holiday apartment electronic cards, it is not true and you don't need to hunt out a magnet before you go. Think about it, the hotel have probably got your credit card details anyway (when you booked the holiday) so why would they need to secretly store it on the door card? This false information was accidentally circulated by a police officer in a different Country and gathered Chinese whispers' momentum. Apparently the Fire & Alarm telephone callers are at it again in Hockley. Several recent reports. Please tell your members. Another recent con, the victim received a call from a person claiming to be from the Council insisting they were due a rebate. The victim didn't believe it and refused to give bank details (good so far.) The caller then said they would put on their legal advisor. This person became more insistent and believable but the victim was still reluctant to give bank details (good.) But the caller kept on and the victim eventually provided bank details (aarrgghhh!!!! bad, bad, bad.) Guess what happened later??? Yep, money went from the victims account (doh!*) Obvious now that the victim should have hung up and contacted the Council directly to enquire. When the victim did that, was told they do not make calls like that and that it was false. (doh, doh doh!*) Whilst in the groove, yet more theft from motor vehicles, theft of vehicles and theft of cycles in the Hockley area. You'll not be surprised that I will be using my word of the moment (doh!*) a few more times imminently! Branksome Avenue, insecure vehicle entered overnight. SatNav and Ray Ban sunglasses stolen from glove box. Doh!* Chestnut Close, insecure pedal cycle and motorbike stolen. Doh!* Rectory Road, insecure BMX cycle stolen. Doh!* Broad Walk, insecure vehicle entered overnight. Wait for this lot: Berghaus Jacket, Mobile Phone, 5x credit cards, wallet with £65 cash and £20 in Euros. SatNav (had to be the SatNav,) designer sunglasses, Swiss Army Knife. No cuddly toy though! Doh!* Will never cease to baffle me why anyone would leave their vehicle insecure with so many goodies within??? Answers on a postcard. *Special thanks to Homer Simpson for making the word DOH so appropriate. Au revoir. Auf wiedersehen. Adios. Bai Bai. Farewell.
Regards, Steve Joynes - Acting Sergeant 1325
Credit Card Scam This has been passed on via another Force area through our own Fraud Department In Wiltshire Constabulary, and it is a very convincing SCAM. We have been asked to disseminate the information as widely and was quickly as we can through Neighbourhood Watch, School Safe and others. This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself. One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "MasterCard". The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London ?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800- VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask
you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers." There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to our card. Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and / or more difficult to actually file a fraud report. What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.
Blues Body Care Five week course starting Thursday 10th June 2010 at the Old Fire Station, Hockley from 2 – 3 pm. Sessions include: Exercise to music, Fitness Walking, Circuit Training, Resistance workout and Yoga / Pilates / Stretch and cost £1 per session with funding from RDC Rochford Local Strategic Partnership. To Book Telephone: 01702 341351.
Hoax Emails I have received this from a number of people now. I urge you all to ignore it as it is yet another hoax. I strongly suggest people use bcc when sending emails to groups to protect others identities. Also break these chains by not forwarding them around as 99% of the time they are hoax emails. Usually a quick search on Google reveals the answer.
VERY URGENT - NOT A JOKE !!!! Better safe than sorry!!! THIS IS NO JOKE
IF A PERSON CALLED SIMON ASHTON ( SIMON25@HOTMAIL.CO.UK ) CONTACTS YOU THROUGH EMAIL DON'T OPEN THE MESSAGE. DELETE IT BECAUSE HE IS A HACKER!!
TELL EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST BECAUSE IF SOMEBODY ON YOUR LIST ADDS HIM THEN YOU WILL GET HIM ON YOUR LIST. HE WILL FIGURE OUT YOUR ID COMPUTER ADDRESS, SO COPY AND PASTE THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYONE EVEN IF YOU DONT CARE FOR THEM AND FAST BECAUSE IF HE HACKS THEIR EMAIL HE HACKS YOUR MAIL TOO!!!!!...
Text Rumours Untrue Police are advising parents that rumours of an abduction in south-east Essex are completely untrue. Officers in Benfleet, Hockley and Rayleigh have been inundated with telephone calls from people, mostly parents, from lunchtime on Saturday, May 15, stating they have received or seen text messages which state that a spate of abductions has taken place in the past few days. Detectives are keen to stress that there is no truth behind these messages. There have not been any reported abductions nor has there been any type of similar offence in the area. Police spokesman Nishan Wijeratne said: “We are making enquiries to ascertain how this rumour is being circulated and will look to stop it before it causes any further unnecessary anxiety among parents.” Officers will be speaking to schools in the area on Monday morning in a bid to further quell the inaccurate information that is being spread through word of mouth, text messages and social networking sites.
Beat Surgeries Please see below Hockley Neighbourhood Policing Team 'Beat Surgeries' for 2010. More dates will be added as and when required. As we are operational officers, all 'dates / meetings' are subject to 'change / cancellation' at very short notice, occasionally without warning.
Date: 2nd June 2010 10:00 - 12:00
Where: Wells Legal, 42b Spa Road, Hockley SS5 4PH
Date: 9th June 2010 10:00 - 12:00
Where: Wells Legal, 42b Spa Road, Hockley SS5 4PH
Date: 21st June 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Hockley Community Centre, Westminster Drive, Hockley SS5 4XD
Date: 22nd June 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Outside Hawkwell Fire Station, Main Road, Hawkwell SS5 4NW
Date: 26th June 2010 12:00 - 16:00
Where: Plumberow Primary School, Hamilton Gardens, Hockley
Date: 5th July 2010 11:00 - 12:00
Where: Hawkwell Parish Council Office, Main Road, Hawkwell. SS5 4EH
Date: 19th July 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Hockley Community Centre, Westminster Drive, Hockley SS5 4XD
Date: 27th July 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Outside Hawkwell Fire Station, Main Road, Hawkwell SS5 4NW
Date: 16th August 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Hockley Community Centre, Westminster Drive, Hockley SS5 4XD
Date: 24th August 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Outside Hawkwell Fire Station, Main Road, Hawkwell SS5 4NW
Date: 20th September 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Hockley Community Centre, Westminster Drive, Hockley SS5 4XD
Date: 28th September 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Outside Hawkwell Fire Station, Main Road, Hawkwell SS5 4NW
Date: 18th October 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Hockley Community Centre, Westminster Drive, Hockley SS5 4XD
Date: 26th October 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Outside Hawkwell Fire Station, Main Road, Hawkwell SS5 4NW
Date: 22nd November 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Hockley Community Centre, Westminster Drive, Hockley SS5 4XD
Date: 30th November 2010 18:00 - 18:45
Where: Outside Hawkwell Fire Station, Main Road, Hawkwell SS5 4NW
Win a Bike Three bikes to be won during 2010 and it's free to enter. Take a photo of a Police Officer on their bike and send it to; Email: jenna.smith@essex.pnn.police.uk Text: 07889 703042 or Post to: Jenna Smith, Press Office, Essex Police HQ, Sandford Road, Springfield, Essex, CM2 6DN. A guaranteed opportunities to find us with our bikes is on 12th June at Hockley Primary School fete and also 26th June at Plumberow Primary School fete.
Cold Callers Again Warning from Neighbourhood Watch that the security company offering products for £1 are still canvassing our area.Essex Police or NHW do not endorse or recommend any specific companies, however we can warn you that: "if a deal looks too good to be true, then it probably is!"
Cold Callers There has been a few telephone calls from elderly residents in Hockley who have received cold calls from people who claim to be representing Essex Police to offer security and crime prevention advice on behalf of Essex Police. This of course is not the case, it is a scam for alarm sales people who once they get into the house they have called frighten the elderly occupants into what could happen unless they have alarms, which of course they sell and fit for extortionate prices.
Tax Scam Please be aware of a tax refund scam going round. You may have already received a bogus email telling you that you are due a tax refund. They are just after your personal information so they can send you more bogus emails or maybe something worse like taking money from you bank account. Just delete them immediately.
The Triple Sword Roller Girls New Recruits at Riverside Sports Hall, Chelmsford, CM1 1FG. Free to all new members. There will be some spare skates to have a try or just come and watch what we do! No experience needed. Join our Facebook page to be kept up to date with all the Derby fun. For more info email: tripleswordrollergirls@googlemail.com .
Bogus Smoke Detector Fitters There are unregulated smoke detector fitters going round charging £40 or more to fit a unit. If you are having difficulties fitting a smoke detector I recommend you contact the Essex fire service: Essex Fire Service - Contact Us .
Monkey Bizzness Monkey Bizzness in Eldon Way are holding their second teen night on Thursday 17th December 2009 between 6:30 - 8:30pm.
Adapted by Pc Joynes from “A visit from St Nicholas” by Henry Livingston 1830 'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house; Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of new toys danced in their heads;
When out in the garden there arose such a clatter, I jumped from my bed to see what was the matter.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a burglar who had stolen all my Christmas gear.
I shouted and shouted ‘hey you, stop,’ But he was over the fence and away with one hop.
So after all that, with no sign of Saint Nick, And to the pit of my stomach I felt really sick.
All the toys, all the food and all the gifts were no more, I’d only forgotten to lock the back door.
The policeman arrived and took details down, But by now the burglar was well out of town.
The detective arrived to look for more clues, I prayed for a result as it was lots to lose.
My wife and my children were all full of tears; As certainly this year there will be no Christmas cheers.
I wish at this point I’d taken the advice; The policing team had given me, more than twice.
‘Secure your property and leave a light on’, Just two simple things I could have done.
Join Neighbourhood Watch and call Crimestoppers, Let’s all help each other against these illegal house hoppers.
Don’t do what I did and suffer same plight, Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Free Youth Clubs Hockley Methodist Church (opposite Harrison's Restaurant) are running free youth clubs on Fridays evenings. For more information please click on: Free Youth Clubs on Fridays or phone Mike or Muriel Pregnall on 01702 204748. New members are welcome to join in with things like table tennis, Wii games, challenges, Play Stations, badminton, film nights, adventure activities at Belchamps etc.
Where Are Your Children? We have concerns over the large groups of young people gathering in Hockley and Hawkwell on Friday nights at Clements Hall, Spa Road, the railway station and other locations around the district. Some of the teenagers are loitering, drinking alcohol and causing a general nuisance to others when they leave certain locations to go to another. Some are begging adults to buy cigarettes and alcohol for them at the supermarket and off licences which some adults agree to do. It is illegal to buy for a minor, so please don't do it! We are also left gob smacked when parents actually drop their children off with alcohol and tell them to have a good night! Do not believe it when your child tells you they are going to stay at a friend's house for the evening. You can bet that the friend they are 'staying with' has given a similar story to his or her parents and are then roaming the streets until the early hours. Please know where your children are when they say they are going out for the evening. Please make sure they are home at a reasonable hour and are aware of the dangers of alcohol and drugs. Why not take a trip out and find your child and see what happens? I'd be interested to know what you discover. Please take time to secure your property at night. Why not have a look in your street last thing at night and report anything suspicious to police.
Alcohol The Sale of Alcohol - Who can buy it, When and Where? The law states anyone under the age of 18 should not be sold alcohol. Any one who is in fact 18, or over, should also not be sold alcohol if the purchase is intended to be consumed by a minor (under 18.) This is
obviously very difficult for a shopkeeper to know the intention. Reports are being received more and more often in Hockley & Hawkwell
that alcohol and cigarettes are being purchased for minors. These 'intoxicated' young people are then going on to commit damage and anti social behaviour issues. A lesser-known fact is that anyone under the age of 18 shouldn't even enter a dedicated off-licence, unless in the company of a parent or guardian. Dedicated off-licences will have longer opening hours, and may operate different time restrictions during public or Bank holidays. Whatever the hours are, it remains an offence to buy and consume any type of alcoholic beverage within a 100 metres of the shop it was bought from. Please do not buy any alcohol or cigarettes for another. The young people can be quite persuasive but do not give in to them. If you would like to discuss this issue or any other, please give the Hockley Policing Team a call or email.
Car Aerials Please be aware Black Bee Sting car aerials are being stolen, so far only around Rayleigh. These aerials are a retro-fit and screw into your existing aerial base.
Purse Thefts Please be aware Purse Thefts have started again in Rayleigh. With a short train ride into Hockley, we need to be cautious. Purse chains are available if you need one or know someone that does. I will try to get some new posters out and about to raise awareness. If you see suspicious people hanging about, please call it in.
Neighbourhood Action Panel Do you know anyone that would like to sit on the Neighbourhood Action Panel (NAP)?? We are only get 4-5 people turning up and have a few people that will soon be leaving us. We do not want people that are only concerned about one personal issue, but anyone that is interested in the Hawkwell West Neighbourhood.Meetings are about 2 hours once a month. The next is Tuesday 11th August, 7pm at Hawkwell Fire Station.
New Phone Number Essex Police have now got a brand new internal phone system therefore new extension numbers. To get through direct to the Hockley Neighbourhood Policing team phone with voicemail dial: 0300 333 4444, when prompted for extension number dial: 494104 (This replaces the old extension 34180).
Speed Watch Details on the Community Speedwatch are available. I really think it would be great to get a speedwatch set up in Hawkwell. If you are willing to volunteer please let me know and I will find out how we can get it up and running.
Barclays ATM An incident recently occurred at Barclays ATM.A panel matching the Barclays colours was stuck onto the machine. Behind the panel was a mobile phone recording people inputting their pin numbers. An additional card slot was stuck over the original which allowed the card to commence the transaction, but retained the card.The user walks off minus their card. Up walks the thief who recovers his mobile phone and the users card. Long story kept short, please pass about for people to be vigilant when using the ATM's (any, not just Barclays.) Any panels that don't look right should be reported to police immediately.
Gutter Clearing I have received a call from Paul Harvey at Essex Trading Standards regarding a Gutter Clearing company. He is trying to locate and track them down and would be grateful to hear from you if you have received a flyer from them. It appears that the flyers are being delivered in Wickford, Brentwood, Great Baddow.. These do not look like standard flyers, they look like a 9" x 4" standard business complement slips and in what looks like normal handwriting a message which states, ' We are working nearby clearing out gutters and wondered if you would like yours cleared as we are in the area.' It then gives a Mobile telephone number and an address London. You are advised not to get involved. Strangely, my father had one of these through his letterbox last week and he showed it to me and they do look like a handwritten note. Paul thinks that some of them maybe delivered with other flyers. Anyway, if you can assist, please contact: Paul Harvey, Trading Standards, Essex County Council, phone: 01245 341965, mobile: 07920 467027, email: paul.harvey@essex.gov.uk
 Hockley Car Park Please be aware that the car park at the rear of Bakery / Thoughts / William Hill etc reached via Bramerton Road, is subject of a 30 minute maximum stay. There are new signs absolutely everywhere - so would be no excuses for people they didn't know. The fee to release are very expensive with loads of additional fees in certain circumstances. DON'T GET CAUGHT OUT. We have had a complaint already that someone has been caught and made to pay £150 release. The clampers insist the offending vehicle had been in the car park over 30 minutes. The driver insists he wasn't.
Youth Nuisance It looks like things are starting up again in relation to youth nuisance. Alcohol always seems to be at the root of most problems. Please can you add a note on your website appealing to parents and guardians to be vigilant. Please do not supply alcohol to young people, even if they say they are taking it to a private party. Invariably they don't and drink it in the street, or supply other young people. Customers of 'off licences' should not agree to buy alcohol for under 18's - it is an offence.I was hoping to attach a relevant poster / image, but the internal link is not currently available.
Don't Change A £20 Note I have just been told about an elderly lady who lives in Aveley who has said £20 stolen from her by deception while at her front door. A smartly dressed, well spoken young woman knocked on this lady's front door asking if she could change a £20 note for her. Because it was raining, the lady invited her into her house (which she should not of done), changed the cash as requested, then the woman thanked the lady for changing the notes and left. The next day when the elderly lady tried to use the £20 note to pay for her shopping, she was told it was a fake.
Another Scam
I have just received an email from Northwest Airlines thanking me for using their new service "Buy Northwest Airlines ticket Online" and saying that my credit card has been charged for $404.38. Attached to the message is the purchase Invoice and the Northwest Airlines ticket ready to be printed. This is a scam. If I had opened the attachment it would have installed spyware on my computer which would allow the criminals responsible to extract all information from my computer such as bank and credit card details. Fortunately the AVG virus scanner on my machine recognised this immediately and marked it as Spam. If you get something like this, do not open the attachment, delete it and the email. Cheers, David Fryer-Kelsey HPPG
Hawkwell Neighbourhood Watch
I set myself a challenge to get as much of the Hawkwell area covered as possible with Neighbourhood Watches during 2009. We currently have just over 30 but are fortunate enough to have the expertise of Mr NHW himself, Richard Bills, in our area. Being a coordinator does not take up hardly any time at all and many of you are already a source of knowledge anyway. I am therefore asking you consider becoming the coordinator for your street and help me with my challenge, or perhaps you know a neighbour who may be interested? Areas covered by NHW benefit from a discount on home insurance and less likely to be targetted by criminals. Richard can provide much more detail when you sign up. We have had some good results from NHW coordinators calling in 'snippits' of information. It is obvious the police cannot be in your street 24/7, but to have the assistance of the Neighbourhoods will help us drive down crime even further. Thank you for reading and I await the calls to come flooding in to NHW with all the interest.
Door to Door Security Salespeople
We have been notified of a firm selling security items e.g. shredders, property marking kits etc and claiming to be working in conjunction with Essex Police in our area. Please be aware that Essex Police does not endorse any companies selling in this way. The firm is using cold calling tactics to arrange home visits in order to sell equipment etc to householders. Please exercise extreme caution when arranging such home visits, do not sign anything or enter into any agreements without obtaining quotations from elsewhere. If in doubt, do not let cold calling salespeople into your house. Advice on crime prevention can be obtained via you local NSO
Bank Emails
Please can I remind everyone (please pass on) that no banks will send emails asking you to update yours or their security. Never open these emails, just immediately delete even if it is from a bank or building site of which you are a customer. Your bank account and even your credit card numbers are probably already known by thieves. The most important things the fraudsters are after are your PIN number and the 3 digit security number on the reverse of your card. There is never ever a need for any other person to know your PIN number.
 Theft of SatNav in Osborne Avenue
Whilst out on patrol, we are still seeing SatNavs and other valuables left in cars! Please help spread the reminder - Remove all valuables from vehicles.
 Regards, Steve Joynes. PC 1325 Hockley Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Community Support Officers: Laura Merrell Laura.Merrell@essex.pnn.police.uk John Venner John.Venner@essex.pnn.police.uk c/o Police Station, 45 South Street, Rochford, Essex. SS4 1BL. Phone: 0300 333 4444 ext 34180. Mobile / Text: 07710 046161. Fax: 01702 530188. Rochford Police Station open hours are: Mon-Thurs 9.00am to 5.00pm. Fri 9.00am to 4.30pm. Closed Sat & Sun. Alternatively, Rayleigh Police Station is open 24hrs a day, every day.
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Latest Credit Card Scam
I thought the below info would be of interest to you, keep the website addresses, as you will no doubt come across this type of activity. The email can be sent out to all your NW contacts or to other watches as you see it. Firstly take note of a couple of email address that you should keep and also look at: http://www.hoax-slayer.com/ http://www.snopes.com/ .
Some of you over the past few months may received "warning emails" which ask you to pass information on to friends and family. The information in the majority of cases is incorrect and can cause alarm to those receiving them. Below is a copy of a email which is worth taking a look at this was sent by a NW co-ordinator from Sandon. Once you have read it please go to the following website http://www.snopes.com/ and type in the word VISA. You will then find the article again, but underneath there is also some good advice:
1) Please pass this on to everyone you know. This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & Master Card Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself. One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "Master Card". The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge numberis 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti Tele Marketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London ?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting afraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800 -VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?" Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers." There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to our card. Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master Card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and / or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
2) Please be advised that should you ever receive a call from someone who says that they are from a bank or building society never ever give any personal information. Often they will give you their name and a contact number to call, but this will be false. Instead find one of your banking statements and call the customer service number and tell them what has happened. All banks have their own fraud departments and they will be able to advise you. Likewise if you receive an email which claims to be from your bank or building society ignore it. These emails look very genuine with the proper logos. They often say that they are updating their records and then ask you click a link and provide them with all your details. Do not do this, if you do you may just find that your account will be cleared of all funds. Once again you can take a copy of these articles into your bank.
Brenda Cross, Essex Watch Administrator Community Safety Office, New Street Police Station, Chelmsford. Tel 0300 333 4444 ex 60604 Mobile 07970 599923 Open 24 hours Email brenda.cross@essex.pnn.police..uk>
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Millenium burglaries
We are trying to reduce the number of burglaries in our area especially Millenium burglaries. Millenium burglaries are where cars are also stolen. We have been made aware of a team that travels from London, but then London is not the only place burglars live! The attached leaflet is being delivered around Hockley & Hawkwell, with focus on the more 'exclusive' areas. (No offence if that is not your street.) It is unlikely we will reach all streets / homes without your assistance. We urge people to report all suspicious or unusual occurrences, no matter how small. A great example was yesterday (6/12/08) when John Venner and I stopped two lads in Hawkwell Park Drive. They looked out of the area with 'lots of bling' and not recognised by us. They came from North London. They were with a group of about 10 that were delivering leaflets offering to buy unwanted jewellery, medals, coins etc. The police did not receive one call about them. They may be legitimate traders, but a word of caution, their company Tate & Son is not found on the internet, there is no company address or VAT numbers etc, they only advertise a mobile number, they are trading from the cafe at Clements Hall this week. They offer to visit you at home to assess your valuables. Sell at your own risk! Regards, Steve Joynes. PC 1325. Hockley Neighbourhood Policing Team.
PCSO Laura Merrell - Laura.Merrell@essex.pnn.police.uk PCSO John Venner - John.Venner@essex.pnn.police.uk
c/o Police Station, South Street, Rochford, Essex. SS41BL Tel: 0300 333 4444 ext 34180. Mob: 07710 046161 Fax: (01702) 530188
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Community Safety Update - Distraction Burglary
As part of the Water UK awareness campaign to raise awareness about distraction burglary where ‘waterboard’ has been used as an MO, the following telephone numbers can be disseminated to the public to encourage them to check the identity of any ‘water company’ doorstep caller: Anglian Water 0800 145 145 & Essex and Suffolk 0845 7820 999. This information supports the advice to be given for doorstep security, which is to:
* Install and use door chains. * Use spy holes to see who is at the door. * Display uninvited caller stickers. * Do not keep large amounts of money at home. * Encourage family, friends, carers and neighbours to check that these are in place. * Encourage people to register a password with their water company. * Encourage people to ask for identification from those at the door.
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Non-emergency number for Essex Police
A new non-emergency number for Essex Police went live on Thursday, March 6, 2008. The new number is 0300 333 4444. It is a 24 hour, seven days a week service that will connect callers from across the county to the switchboard at Essex Police. Calls will then be directed to the most appropriate person, department or station. The non-emergency number should be used for all enquiries to Essex Police but does not replace the emergency number 999. If there is a crime or serious incident in progress, a serious risk of injury or a risk of serious damage to property you should always dial 999. Deputy Chief Constable Andy Bliss said: 'The non-emergency number will improve telephone access to the police ensuring that all calls are dealt with quickly and effectively. By having a memorable, low cost, non-emergency telephone number for the whole county it will be easier to contact Essex Police even when you are away from home. You can still contact your local neighbourhood police officer on their mobile telephone number, which can be found on our website www.essex.police.uk or by texting your postcode to 07624 800 101'. Mr Robert Chambers, chairman of the Essex Police Authority, said: 'Having a non-emergency number provides convenient access to Essex Police 24 hours a day, a service members of the public have asked for. I urge everyone across the county to remember the new non-emergency phone number, keep one of the handy business card reminders or save it to their mobile phone'. Callers to the non-emergency number will be charged the same or less than calls to 01 (eg 01245) and 02 (eg 0208) prefixed numbers and will be included as part of any inclusive minutes or discount package.
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Bogus Callers
Essex Police is asking residents to be on their guard when answering the door to callers. There are many bogus caller scams in operation at any given time. The list is as endless as the human imagination. But we can deter bogus callers by not making it easy for them. When answering the door remember to Stop, Chain and Check and follow the advice below:
* If you have elderly relatives remind them of the stop, chain, check message when you see them. * Before you answer your front door make sure the back door is locked – thieves have been known to work in pairs, with one entering through the back while the other knocks on the front door. * If you are at all unsure about a caller never let them in no matter what they say.
* Talk to people through the door, rather than opening it.
* It isn't rude to make someone stand on the doorstep while you check they are who they say they are. If a caller claims to be from an organisation, call them to double check.
* If you have elderly neighbours keep an eye on who's going to their door. If their garden is untidy – one of the clues bogus callers look for – offer to help tidy it up.
* Fit secure window and door locks.
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