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Don't let fraudsters ruin
your festive fun
POLICE Detectives are urging members of
the public to not let fraudsters ruin their festive fun this year by avoiding
falling victim to the 12 online frauds of Christmas. The run up to Christmas
tends to be a busy time for shops and stores across Merseyside but millions of
pounds are also spent online by shoppers keen to get a bargain or treat a loved
1.
Detective Inspector Helen Bennett said:- "The festive season and Christmas
shopping can be a busy and stressful time but by taking a few extra minutes to
make additional checks on the things you are buying means you have the peace of
mind that your purchase; and your bank account; is safe and secure. Thousands of
pounds will be spent in the next few weeks, both in shops and online, but people
shouldn't be complacent when they spend their hard earned money. We want people
to enjoy themselves but stay safe online at the same time. We would advise
people to follow some basic tips and look at the Get Safe
online website. A few simple checks
now will save a financial hangover in the new year."
Here are some top tips to avoid falling foul of the 12 online frauds of
Christmas:-
► Online shopping fraud; During December around 50% of people in the UK are
expected to use the internet to buy more than half of their presents. As with
every purchase if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Buy from
reputable sellers and make sure you use an authentic website, check payment
pages are secure and wherever possible pay by credit card.
► Christmas e-Cards; An increasing number of Christmas cards are being sent via
email. Don't open attachments or click on links in festive emails, text or
social media posts you are not expecting, as they could be scams. The email could
also contain a virus that will embed itself onto your electronic device and
collect your personal data.
► Auction fraud; Auction sites are a popular way to buy Christmas presents. While
the majority of items on sale are genuine fraudsters use the festive period as a
chance to ‘sell' popular items such as smartphones and designer clothing. Always
research a seller before you bid, be cautious when buying from sellers abroad
and use recommended methods of payment rather than transferring money direct to
a seller.
► Holiday fraud; Just like any other time of year many people like to book a break
over the festive season. Research your trip thoroughly and only book with a
reputable travel company; always pay with credit card and use companies that are
ABTA or ATOL protected.
► Loan and investment scams; There is an increase in online loan appeal
applications at this time of year as people seek to cover the costs of the
festive period. Research any loan companies online before making any financial
commitment and always read the terms and conditions. Never set up or a loan or
investment which starts with a cold call.
► Ticketing fraud; If you want to buy concert or event tickets as a Christmas gift
be careful who is selling them and only buy from official sellers to save being
disappointed. Only look at tickets from reputable websites that are secure (show
a padlock) and avoid entering bank or credit card details on public or shared
computers.
► Donating to charity; The festive period is traditionally a time when charities
seek donations. Most are legitimate but to be safe visit the charity's website
into your browser rather than clicking on a hyperlink embedded in an email and
do not respond to requests to donate money through a money transfer company such
as Western Union or Moneygram.
► Mobile malware / malicious apps; if you are buying a new phone or laptop ensure
you protect yourself by using a pincode or password, only download apps from
official app stores and install anti virus software.
► Money transfers; Never send a money transfer for an online purchase. Never send
money in advance to obtain a loan or credit card and never provide banking
information to people or businesses you don't know.
► Social media scams; Most adverts placed on networking sites such as Twitter and
Facebook are genuine but some frauders advertise giveaways in the hope people
will click on bogus adverts and be redirected to a website full of scams. Do not
have too much personal information on social media accounts which could allow
your bank accounts to be compromised.
► Dating romance / fraud; Many singletons will be making a New Year's resolution to
find their ideal partner and sign up to an online dating website. Always guard
your privacy when chatting online and never send money or give credit card or
online account details to anyone you don't know or trust.
► Mobile payments; More and more people are using mobile devices to make
purchases. Do not save passwords or financial data onto your mobile device
unless it is absolutely necessary and do not leave your Bluetooth on as
cyber criminals can hack into your device unnoticed.
If you have fallen prey to fraudsters, report it by contacting Action Fraud. Go
to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting centre's website
or call them on 0300 123 2040.
Joint Xmas
operation to target cash in transit robberies
MERSEYSIDE Police have joined forces
with other Officers across the North West and the security industry, to launch a
joint operation, targeting cash in transit robberies, in the run up to Christmas
2016.
The action will be co-ordinated by Titan (North West Regional Organised Crime
Unit), the regional collaboration to tackle serious and organised crime groups
involved in drug trafficking, firearms, armed robberies, aggravated burglaries
and other serious crimes.
Officers from Titan, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire,
Cumbria and North Wales, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA),
SaferCash and other partner agencies will be working together to combat cash in
transit robberies.
This year's regional campaign was launched on Monday, 5 December 2016 and will
see Officers using both high visibility and covert patrols on the ground and in
the air, to escort security vehicles as they carry out their normal deliveries.
A number of other tactics will be used including armed Police vehicles escorting
high risk security vehicles as they carry out cash deliveries, CCTV monitoring
and patrol cars following cash handling vehicles. In addition, all cash
containers will include either Smartwater or a dye, which will be released when
they are opened, marking the notes so they are both unusable and traceable.
The action follows significant success so far this year in combating cash in
transit robberies across the region with 14 offenders being convicted and
sentenced to more than 80 years in prison.
Detective Inspector Jon Smith from Titan's regional intelligence unit, said:-
"The region has seen a significant fall in cash-in-transit robberies in recent
years but we are not complacent and we are determined to make sure criminals do
not see these types of Offences as easy ways to make money, because they most
definitely are not. Our message to those planning on carrying out
cash-in-transit robberies in the run-up to Christmas is clear; we will find you
and we will make sure you spend this Christmas and many more to come behind bars
away from your family and loved ones. Robberies that target cash-in-transit
vehicles, banks, Post Offices and commercial businesses are often violent
Offences that can result in life-changing mental and physical scars on those who
find themselves confronted by these criminals. This is by no means a victimless
crime. These robberies can cause deep distress to those at the brunt of the
attacks, who are just trying to earn an honest living. Titan, together with the
six Police forces in the North West, are committed to cracking down on the
criminals who make the lives of people making an honest living in the security
and commercial industries a misery and we will continue to use all the powers
available to us to target these criminals, prevent Offences and bring those
responsible to justice."
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Richardson from Merseyside Police's Matrix unit
added:- "While cash in transit attacks are falling in Merseyside we are
determined to ensure we continue to see year on year reductions. We want the
message to be heard loud and clear that anyone thinking about getting involved
in these crimes will be found and they will feel the full force of the law. The
hard working guards on the receiving end of these attacks, which are often very
frightening and involve the threat and sometimes the execution of violence, are
left extremely traumatised. We urge anyone with any information about those
involved in these kind of incidents, or about any suspicious activity around
cash in transit vehicles or ATMs, to call us so we can take action against them
before they have opportunity to carry out these crimes."
All North West Police forces, in partnership with the security industries, will
continue to share intelligence and provide assistance for cross-border
deliveries throughout the campaign and in the following months.
Steve Hurst, head of SaferCash, said:- "This initiative is an excellent
example of the North West not only working in partnership with the Forces within
the region, but also with industry. SaferCash and the BSIA are fully supportive
of this bigger picture approach, and are providing resources to work with the
region to reduce this type of violent crime and support any prosecutions."
Police are asking the public to be vigilant and help stop the violence by
reporting any suspicious activity in the run up to the festive season to their
local force by calling:- 101, or to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.
In an emergency always call:- 999.
The Video above was taken on 2 September 2016.
Merseyside police said that all 4 men were sentenced to a total of more than 23
years in prison, following this cash in transit robbery in Old Swan.
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Deceased estates notice - Lilian May
Jackam
Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925, any persons
having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of Lilian
May Jackam (also known as Lillian May) Jackam (Deceased), late
of Birch Abbey Rest Home, 55 Alexandra Road, Southport,
Merseyside, PR9 9HD, UK, who died on 04/10/2018, are required to
send particulars thereof in writing, to the undersigned
Solicitors, on or before 24/05/2019, after which date the Estate
will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests
of which they have had notice. Churches Solicitors, 12 High
Street, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7BL, UK. Ref:-
'T553015.'
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