Shares, Lottery, World Cup & Aerial Testing Scams

We have a round up of three scams that are ‘doing the rounds’ in and around Wrexham. They are worth a read through and passing on to anyone who you may believe could be vulnerable, or who have mentioned being affected or perhaps interested in one!

Cold Caller – Aerial Testing

North Wales Police have received information that a person is going door to door in the Wrexham area offering to test residents domestic aerials. They are reminding residents that they should not invite cold callers into their homes without first thoroughly checking the validity of the caller from a trusted source.

Police say “We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the Three Step Plan Three Step Plan REMEMBER Genuine callers will not mind waiting. It’s your home. You don’t have to let anyone in!”

1. If in doubt, keep them out. It sounds simple, but if you don’t let someone in – they will go away. Don’t let them pressure you into opening the door
2. Be prepared. Be in control. Think about what to say to doorstep cold callers in advance. And keep a list of key contact numbers near your phone so you can check out legitimate callers. Ask all other unwanted callers to go away
3. Call a neighbour or the police. Contact a local relative or nominated neighbour who can help verify a cold caller.

If you think someone is a rogue trader call Police on 101.To report a distraction burglar or rogue trader who has taken your money and is still in the area – call 999.

Euromillions and World Cup Lottery Scam

North Wales Police are warning residents, particularly the elderly not to be drawn into revealing their bank details after reports of a “Euromillions Commonwealth of Nations Online Lottery” and “International FIFA World Cup Online Lottery” currently targeting communities.

Officers have been contacted by people who have received letters from the afore named Lottery’s advising them of surprise wins. These people have all had letters claiming they’ve won a cash prize in some lottery. All they have to do to claim the prize is fill in their bank details or contact a telephone number provided. This is clearly a scam and anyone receiving such a letter should treat it with the caution it deserves.

Under no circumstances should anyone give out their bank details in this way. Further information about protecting yourself from financial crime is available from the Action Fraud hotline on 0300 123 2040, or visit http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/. They can provide up to date advice on current scams and can identify whether a scenario is fraudulent.

US Share Scams

The prevalence of frauds involving investment in foreign companies is common in many areas of the UK. The residents of North Wales are not exempt and people have been subjects of this type of fraud.

Below are two links to websites from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (S.E.C. – similar to our stock exchange/FSA) which are useful. The first gives a list of all companies that they are aware of which have been used to commit frauds and the second is a link giving advice to non US residents on how to avoid becoming a victim.

http://www.sec.gov/investor/oiepauselist.htm
http://www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/fleecing.htm