Security - What's Happening

Computer Virus Scam Warning

May 2011

This warning was issued by Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards Service after residents in the county and countrywide were contacted by callers claiming there was a virus on their computers.

In many cases, consumers were told the caller was from Microsoft or 24/7 PC Care, and that monitoring checks had revealed their computer was full of viruses.

Under the scam, the consumer is led to the command prompt screen on their computer and told to enter a code that shows a list of errors running on the machine. However, these errors are normal and do not affect its day-to-day running.

The consumer is then talked through steps to fix the 'problem' which allows the caller to gain remote access to the computer. Finally, the consumer is asked to provide their bank account or credit card details or is directed to PayPal in order to pay for the repair and for future 'protection.'

In some cases, consumers believe that this will be a one-off payment when in fact it turns out that monthly payments are taken. Amounts taken range from a one-off payment of £70 to £275 for five-year 'cover.'

Jan Brown, crime prevention officer with Lancashire Constabulary said: "This scam relies on consumers believing that their computer contains errors and viruses and then paying money to 'fix' the problem. This could lead to bank details being stolen or damage to the computer.”

Paul Noone, Head of Trading Standards at Lancashire County Council, warned: "It would appear that this is a nationwide scam and we believe those responsible may be based outside the country."

"Computer users should be aware that Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer. You should never give out personal information such as bank or credit card details, or allow access to your computer from someone that you do not know and trust."

Consumers who believe they may have fallen victim to any scam where they have allowed remote access to their computer should seek professional help from a reputable computer specialist to ensure their computer is cleaned, in order to prevent the remote access continuing. They should also check with their bank/credit card provider to ensure that no further payments will be taken by the company.

If consumers believe that they have been the victim of a scam, they can contact the consumer complaint call centre Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or via the website at http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/

Wyre Area - Council Tax Alert
January 2011
Please be aware that there have been complaints from residents in the Fleetwood area about a caller who telephones to ask if they think they are paying too much for their council tax and offer to help reduce their bills.  The caller can then be asked to ring another number, but inevitably bank account / card payment details are asked for. These calls are not genuine, the calls are not from Wyre Borough Council.

Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.
 
Warning issued by Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Service.

Frosty Morning & Keeping Safe This Winter
Many of you will have experienced the freezing conditions travelling to work this morning and weather predictions are for further icy conditions and snow fall across the UK.
 
Drivers leaving their car running to de-ice and going back indoors to keep warm, are leaving an easy target for the opportunist thief to take the car. Please remember that leaving your keys in an unattended vehicle with the engine on is unlawful and also invalidates your insurance.
 
Motorists are urged to allow more time for their vehicles to defrost or use de-icer and report anything suspicious to the police or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Telephone Scams
August 2010
A person will call you claiming to be from BT, the caller will inform you that you are going to be disconnected because of an unpaid bill, and demand payment for a sum of money, if not received at this time then the amount would be significantly more if reconnection is completed at a later date.When questioned that the telephone contract is with another company ie. Virgin Media the caller states that companies like Virgin have to pay BT a percentage for line rental, upon further questioning the caller will say that it is obvious that his ID is in doubt so he requests that if the customer hangs up and then tries to telephone someone else he will find that he has been disconnected and that "BT "would telephone again once this has been proven. On trying the telephone it does appear to have been disconnected, but this is normal procedure when a caller stays on the line with the mute button on - you can't dial out, the caller can hear you trying, when he hears that you have stopped trying he cuts off and rings you immediately and if the scam has convinced the customer that he is from "BT" he will ask for credit/debit card information which could lead to your account being cleaned out.
17th November 2010
Trading Standards have issued the following information warning residents of current scams:
Lancashire Trading Standards is warning consumers to beware of bogus telephone callers currently ringing Lancs residents.  The callers claim to be from one of the large software providers.  They inform consumers that their computers are full of viruses, and then request credit card details in order to charge a fee of typically around £70.  As well as the loss of money, there is also the potential future fraud once criminals get hold of a customer's credit card details.  An additional worry is in case they ask consumers to install a program to give the scam company remote control of your computer.
 Secondly, computer users are being warned to be wary of an email asking to contact Kelso Consulting UK for 'profitable business ventures'.  Whilst the unsolicited email implies it has originated in the UK, the wording of the email suggests this is not the case.  The main body of the email is printed below:
 Dear Sir\Madam
In line with the recent international business for profitable investment opportunity across the globe, we seek this medium to increase our client's interest in global and domestic alliances via various services Including Import and export of commodities in and outside your Country, Micro Financing, Real Estate Business, Building of small or big scale company or factory, expansion of any good business And a host of other profitable ventures.
If you think you are good in any of the mentioned business sector. Kindly contact us for possible business co-operation. (We take care of the finances)
Please do not hesitate to contact us true our private email: james_kane@263.net
Regards.
James Kane
Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506 and ask them to pass the information to Trading Standards straight away.  If anyone has received threats or has lost money they should contact the police.
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Telephone Scams

22 March 2010
 Euxton, South Ribble area:  Residents are being telephoned in the early evening by a male who says he is from "The Crime Prevention Office" stating that the police are not happy with the alarms in this area, as they are very unreliable & they will not respond to an alarm sounding. Soon after, a female rings, not giving a company name, but saying her company is marketing wireless alarms, & they could arrange a house visit & survey for only one pound. The alarm would cost approximately £2000, but it would be linked to a private company, who would respond if the alarm sounded.
The company is alleged to use hard- sell tactics and to say that the resident has lost a great opportunity if refusing, & that they would now be contacting another household in the area with this great offer.  This sales tactic appears to be a new variation on the recent flood of sales attempts throughout Lancashire where residents have been "chosen" for a free alarm system.  Once in the house they will be signed up to a maintenance agreement costing thousands.
 Needless to say, the company is not linked to the police or to their crime prevention officers.
 Fleetwood- young men have been leafleting houses for a window company while wearing jackets bearing the word "Police".  When quizzed they said they were designer jackets.  Residents should bear in mind that operatives selling such goods and services door-to-door will not be connected to any official organisation.
 The Ribble Valley: A company called International Awards, which is based abroad, possibly in the US,  is writing to consumers to inform them they have won a sum of money.  They are sent a cheque for £1900 and asked to bank it.  The consumer is then asked to send the money back via cheque as a matter of urgency in order to pay taxes, on the promise that there will be a very large amount delivered by special courier in  less than 72 hours, although the consumer must not disclose this to anyone for security reasons.  Once the second cheque is cashed and the money vanishes from the consumer's account they find out that the original cheque has bounced.
 Throughout Lancashire:   We are receiving lots of complaints from small businesses about various companies cold calling by telephone and demanding payment for previously-agreed advertisements in various types of publications, ranging from health and safety magazines, to wedding planners or hotel brochures.  In many cases card details are given on the understanding that the contract was agreed by another partner or the company boss, when in fact no contract is in existence.  In addition, many of the publications do not appear to exist.  Businesses are requested to advise their admin or accounts staff to double-check all payment requests for advertising.
 Throughout Lancashire:  A company hands out draw tickets for a car, they then ring consumers to tell them they have not won the car but have won the opportunity to have a carpet shampooed free of charge.  They do not inform consumers on the phone that they are going to try to sell them a Kirby vacuum cleaner for almost £2,500. Consumers may then face a long session of demonstrations and hard-sell tactics in their home, as well as further sales attempts by phone.          
Trading Standards advises that unless residents really want an expensive vacuum cleaner they should not accept the offer of a free carpet clean, since it is easy to say yes to an unwanted product once salesmen are in your home.
 Throughout Lancashire:  Consumers are receiving emails purporting to be from HSBC, informing the consumer that they have logged in unsuccessfully for internet banking, and asking them to re-try.  The emails are scams attempting to obtain personal information from consumers and should not be responded to.
 Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506. If there is any loss of money the matter should also be referred to the police.
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October 2010
Bank calls -Trading Standards Warning
Trading Standards have issued the following information warning residents about calls from banks:
 Lancashire Trading Standards service has received complaints relating to unsolicited phone calls to consumers, where the caller states that the call is from the 'Fraud Credit Line'.
 The caller then claims to be ringing on behalf of a named bank.  They ask the recipient for their credit card number and other personal information, but do not ask any of the usual verification questions or give the caller's name when requested.  The caller asks for the consumer by his or her full name including middle names, but when challenged refuses to give any contact details for the consumer to check on or call back on, and ends the conversation.
 We can only assume this is another bogus company attempting to obtain personal information and advise extreme caution when contacted unexpectedly in this fashion.
 Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.  If anyone has received threats or lost money they should contact the police.
Fraudulent Tax Rebate Emails
September 2010
Fraudulent Tax Rebate Emails -Trading Standards Warning 
Trading Standards are warning that yet again there are hoax emails being sent out to people regarding tax refunds – some of them look very convincing this time around, sometimes using HMRC logos.  As you can see from the information below issued by HMRC, they never correspond with customers about tax refunds by email.  
From the HMRC website:
"Phishing emails
HMRC will never send notifications of a tax rebate by email, or ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email.
You should never disclose your personal and/or payment information in reply to an email that may look like it's from HMRC, you may well be revealing your details to a fraudulent website.
If you have received an email claiming to be from HMRC that you suspect may be fraudulent, please forward it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
However, if you have already given any of your personal information, for example your HMRC User ID, password or National Insurance number, in reply to a suspect email please forward brief details to security.custcon@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
Please do not disclose any of your personal details or information in the email report to us. However it would help us to investigate if you would tell us the type(s) of information that you disclosed to the suspect website. For example - I gave my Name, Address, Date of Birth, bank card details, HMRC User ID etc.
Unfortunately HMRC cannot reply to every email, but please be assured that action is taken on each report received." 
As well as emailing HMRC as requested above, please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancashire PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.  If anyone has lost money they should contact the police, or alternatively refer to Action Fraud via their website http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/ or number 0300 123 2040.
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Fraudulent Tax Rebate Emails
September 2010
Fraudulent Tax Rebate Emails -Trading Standards Warning 
Trading Standards are warning that yet again there are hoax emails being sent out to people regarding tax refunds – some of them look very convincing this time around, sometimes using HMRC logos.  As you can see from the information below issued by HMRC, they never correspond with customers about tax refunds by email.  
From the HMRC website:
"Phishing emails
HMRC will never send notifications of a tax rebate by email, or ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email.
You should never disclose your personal and/or payment information in reply to an email that may look like it's from HMRC, you may well be revealing your details to a fraudulent website.
If you have received an email claiming to be from HMRC that you suspect may be fraudulent, please forward it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
However, if you have already given any of your personal information, for example your HMRC User ID, password or National Insurance number, in reply to a suspect email please forward brief details to security.custcon@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
Please do not disclose any of your personal details or information in the email report to us. However it would help us to investigate if you would tell us the type(s) of information that you disclosed to the suspect website. For example - I gave my Name, Address, Date of Birth, bank card details, HMRC User ID etc.
Unfortunately HMRC cannot reply to every email, but please be assured that action is taken on each report received." 
As well as emailing HMRC as requested above, please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancashire PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.  If anyone has lost money they should contact the police, or alternatively refer to Action Fraud via their website http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/ or number 0300 123 2040.

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Fraudulent Loan Applications
September 2010
Students in Lancashire are being told to be on their guard after reports of a ‘scam’ email falsely claiming to be from Student Finance England, the online service for the Student Loans Company.
Lancashire Trading Standards are warning students not to respond to the rogue email which asks them to provide personal information.
The email tells students that if they don’t confirm their bank details, they will not receive payment.
Paul Noone, from trading standards, said: “Reputable companies and government agencies will not email you out of the blue demanding access to your personal details.” The fraudulent email which is targeting students throughout the UK has the subject title ‘Urgent Verify Payment Details’ and goes on to ask for personal information.
September 2010
 Fraudulent Loan Applications
Complaints have been received regarding letters received by consumers from MCO Capital Limited about a repayment of a loan.
   It is believed that MCO Capital Limited is a legitimate loan company and that a number of people from across the UK have had their identity stolen in order for fraudsters to take out loans, in various names, with MCO Capital Limited.
 If you have received one of these letters and have not taken out a loan, DO NOT IGNORE IT. It may affect your credit rating and you may find bailiffs on your doorstep if you do not take action to inform MCO you did not request this loan.
 In the circumstances MCO have asked that complainants should write to them care of their registered office address to confirm that a loan has not been requested and payment has not been received. Their address is Imperial House, 15-19 Kingsway London WC2B 6UN.
 Anyone receiving such letters may also wish to conduct a credit reference search (with an agency such as Equifax or Experian) to ascertain if any fraudulent applications have been made against their name and address. There will be a charge for this service.
 Email Scam
Consumers are also warned to beware of the following variation on the 'respond and you will get lots of money' scam.  The unsolicited email gives a Yahoo email address to respond to and is a way of hooking vulnerable people into giving personal details.  The main body of the email is printed below:
 RE: MY LAST WILL
 Assalam Allekum,
My name is Mohammed Ahmed. I am a dying man who have decided to donate the sum of $18m million dollars.) to you for the good work of the humanity.
Please contact me via email for details information on this noble project of mine Please note
that I have WILLED $18m to you by quoting my personal reference number  s/Jds/577/0018/HtrI/33ln/eg so that i can confirm that you actually received my email notice to you.
Wassalam and regards,
Mohammed Ahmed
 Consumers need to be aware that there are thousands of variations on such a theme out there at the moment and that they are ALL fraudulent- there is no reason for a  stranger to hand out money to someone he does not know in another country.
 If you have lost money to a fraudster, please report it as soon as possible.
 Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.  If anyone has received threats or has lost money they should contact the police. If you need any more advice contact Action Fraud via their website http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040.
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Bogus Advertisements
There are many legitimate and reputable businesses selling advertising over the telephone in sponsored publications. Unfortunately, there are also those less scrupulous, willing to take advantage of businesses wishing to support a ‘good cause’. The following is a 10-point checklist for you to check callers’ authenticity (though if the caller is still on the line after question number 4, they’re probably genuine!).
If you are approached to subscribe to sponsored crime prevention or associated publications, make sure you:
1. Ask for the full name of the person authorising the publication, their position in the organisation or in what capacity they act e.g. if it is stated that Lancashire Constabulary gives authority, ask if there is a ‘letter of authority’. If there is a letter of authority, ask to see a copy before committing yourself to the venture.
2. Ask for full details of the publishing firm:
• If the firm operates as a ‘Sole Trader’ ask for the name of the proprietor,
• If a partnership, the names of the partners,
• If a limited company, the registered name, address and registered number of the company and the name and position of the person contracting on behalf of the company.
3. Check out the exact form of the publication in respect of size, materials, colour, number of pages.
4. Is the publication an event programme? If so, ask for the name, date and venue of the event.
5. Check out the number of pages of advertising to appear in the publication and the number of pages of editorial.
6. Ask who will be providing editorial material.
7. Check out how many copies of the publication the firm is authorised to produce.
8. Ask for the date when the publication will be completed and distributed and how, where and who will distribute the publication.
9. Ask what proportion of the advertising revenue will pass to the authoriser.
10. Ask if there is a ‘cooling off’ period after receipt of the invoice. Is there any provision for cancellation if you change your mind?
If you would like further information or clarification of any of the above points please feel free to contact the LANPAC team.
August 2010
JOB-HUNTERS are being warned that some adverts for mystery shoppers, offering earnings of £300 per week, which have recently appeared in newspapers, are likely to be a sophisticated way to acquire bank details.  When responding to an advertisement consumers are then asked for personal details and up-front payment. This is yet another home-working scheme designed to part job-hunters from their money while offering very little in return.  Trading Standards are strongly advising people not to get involved with anything involving the words "Mystery Shopper".  When applying for any home-working job, the moment there is any mention of asking for up-front payment people should walk away.
 
Trading standards officers are also warning residents to beware scams involving tickets for the 2012 Olympic Games. Be aware that tickets will not be available until 2011 and will only be sold through the official website and authorised ticket resellers.  Residents may pre-register for tickets free of charge from the official 2012 Olympic website although pre-registering does not guarantee tickets.  You will not be asked to pay money or sign a contract till 2011.  If any website offers bargain tickets before 2011 it will be fraudulent.
Please refer any complaints and further information to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 56-58 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.   
Bogus Text Messages
October 2010
Trading Standards have issued the following information warning residents of current scams:
1. Residents are warned to beware of unsolicited texts offering the chance of accident compensation, sent by various sources, which have been widely distributed in Lancashire over the last few weeks.  An example text is printed below:
FREEMSG:
Our records indicate you may be entitled to 3750 pounds for the Accident you had. To claim for free reply with CLAIM to this msg. To opt out text STOP.
 
Consumers need to be aware that there are many variations on this theme out there at the moment, and that they are standard texts sent at random in the hope that a percentage of the recipients will have been involved in an accident and may feel the text is linked to a reputable service.  Responding in any way is likely to be expensive for the recipient.
 
2. Please be aware that we are receiving complaints that unsolicited El Gordo Spanish Sweepstake Lottery winning letters are sweeping the county once more, requesting personal and banking information to be sent to 'Frontiers security Company SA'.  As usual, you need to be in it to win it, and all such winning lottery letters are of course fraudulent.  However we still have vulnerable victims who are falling for such scams, hence we would ask for vigilance if anyone has neighbours or family members likely to fall for this letter.
 
3. Complaints have been received about unsolicited calls fraudulently claiming to be from the recipient's bank, and stating that they have good news- the bank has overcharged them and they need to make a small payment to their bank in Delhi in order to secure the refund. Mention is made of overseas banking operations and an account in Delhi for the money to be sent to, and the consumer is told they will receive a confirmation call from the Office of Fair Trading.
 
4. Consumers are receiving unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from the Telephone Preference Service or other companies, promising to prevent cold telephone calls, and offering this service for a one-off payment of typically £35, made over the phone.  Be aware that the Telephone Preference Service does not cold call and the registration service is free.  Any calls that can be stopped should be stopped by registering with them.  Call 0845 070 0707 to register.
 
Please refer any complaints to Lancashire Trading Standards Service, 55 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancs PR1 3NU via Consumer Direct tel 08454 040506.  If anyone received threats or has lost money they should contact the police.

TO HELP SECURITY STAFF/STUDENTS MUST REPORT ANY SUSPICIONS/CONCERNS/INCIDENTS IMMEDIATELY
DON'T BECOME A VICTIM