Bottesford NHW Alert: Theft of a Trailer from Orston/New Twist in 'Energy Saving' Scam

Theft of a Trailer from Orston

 

Between 12.00hr on Sunday 4th March 2012 and 12.00hrs on Thursday 8th March 2012 a Grain Trailer was taken from Mill Lane, Orston

 

Nottinghamshire Police are seeking information from anyone with any knowledge of this offence. If you have any information which may assist, please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Quote incident number 469-10032012

New twist in 'energy saving' scam Elderly householders have been receiving phone calls from con-artists selling a plug-in gadget which is claimed to cut electricity use. Officials say the gadget is unsafe, and now a bogus claims management company has been calling to offer compensation.  But victims never receive the compensation and end up paying about £300 for "administration" costs. When the scammers call they seem already to know the householder's name and address, energy supplier and even their credit card or debit card details. The victim is instructed to purchase a money transfer voucher of approximately £300 to cover administration fees and to call the claims management company back with the voucher code. Those who have purchased the voucher have failed to receive their compensation cheque.  The company claims to have an address in London, but these premises are vacant.  "We are very concerned about the way these criminals are now targeting their past victims, taking advantage of the publicity given to their original scam, while continuing to lure in cash-strapped consumers with their promise of energy savings," said Ron Gainsford, chief executive of the Trading Standards Institute. "We would urge consumers not to hand over money to anyone who asks for an upfront payment before awarding compensation. "This is a classic scam scenario used by criminals in different guises. They dangle a carrot to obtain some money from the consumer and then vanish. Genuine companies would never ask for money upfront before handing over compensation." Anyone from the county who has responded to one of these cold calls should report the matter to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. John Shilton Principal Coordinator Bottesford Parish Neighbourhood Watch   Email: JohnS@BottesfordParishNHW.org.uk   Mob: 0772 5636626 If you no longer wish to receive these messages please send a 'Reply' with 'Unsubscribe' in the Subject line.