Scams can start with an unsolicited cold call door knock, often from people trying to sell their services or products. One of the most common in Croydon is rogue traders trying to push consumers into having expensive home improvements carried out that are either not necessary or where some work may be required but they then grossly overcharge and carry out sub-standard work.

We would encourage you NEVER to engage with a cold caller and NEVER to sign up for any work or services from your home without taking time to seriously think about what you actually need and to research the trader in question.

ALWAYS get several quotes in writing before having any work done, ensure you have time to think about the quote and ensure the companies or traders are legitimate by finding traders using Approved Trader Schemes such as:

 

Trust Mark www.trustmark.org.uk/find-a-tradesman
0333 555 1234

 

 

Buy With Confidence www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk  01392 383 430

 

 

 

Which? Trusted Traders https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk/  0117 405 4689

 

 

For further information please see the Croydon Trading Standards link below:
https://www.croydon.gov.uk/advice/tstandards/busadvice/taschemes

Read more information on the Citizens Advice website about consumer’s rights if you think you have been mis-sold items on the doorstep or have been pressured into signing a contract:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/changed-your-mind/if-you-were-misled-or-pressured-into-buying-something-you-didnt-want/

Please remember to report to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime if you have actually been the victim of a scam or fraud.

Call Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133 or visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ to report a scam or if you require further advice in regards to scams or consumer matters.

Scammers usually contact people out of the blue via phone, email or text, or even advertise online. Or they may be introduced to you by a friend or family member who is also unknowingly being scammed.

Scam offers often include:

• free pension reviews
• higher returns
• help to release cash from your pension even though you’re under 55 (an offer to release funds before age 55 is highly likely to be a scam)
• high-pressure sales tactics – the scammers may try to pressure you with ‘time-limited offers’
• unusual investments – which tend to be unregulated and high risk
• complicated structures where it isn’t clear where your money will end up
  arrangements where there are several parties involved
• long-term pension investments

4 simple steps to protect yourself from pension scams:

Step 1 – Reject unexpected offers
If you’re contacted out of the blue about a pension opportunity, chances are it’s high risk or a scam.

Step 2 – Check who you’re dealing with
Check the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Register to make sure that anyone offering you advice or other financial services is FCA authorised.

Check to see if they are registered with Companies House and for the names of the directors.

Check the FCA Warning List – to check the risks of a potential pension or investment opportunity.

Step 3 – Don’t be rushed or pressured
Take your time to make all the checks you need – even if this means turning down an ‘amazing deal’.

Step 4 – Get impartial information or advice
You should seriously consider seeking financial guidance or advice before changing your pension arrangements.

The Pensions Advisory Service provides free independent and impartial information and guidance.

You can also use a financial adviser to help you make the best decision for your own personal circumstances.

If you suspect a scam, report it
Report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or by using our online reporting tool.

Report to the FCA – you can report an unauthorised firm or scam to the FCA by contacting their Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768 or using the Action Fraud reporting form at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/guide-to-reporting

If you’ve agreed to transfer your pension and now suspect a scam, contact your pension provider straight away. They may be able to stop a transfer that hasn’t taken place yet. If you are unsure of what to do contact the Pensions Advisory Service for help.

 

The Shirley North Safer Neighbourhood Team has an update with the crime report for May 2022.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team will continue to patrol the ward as usual. In case of an emergency, please do not hesitate to call 999.

Let’s try and be vigilant and lookout for each other.

Report crime by calling 101 or in an emergency call 999.
Remember, you can also report crime online on our website: https://www.met.police.uk/

Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS): report@phishing.gov.uk
Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime
Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/