Scam Warning (UK)

Hi All

Just a quick heads up on something that happened to us today

We recieved a call from 'the police' -which (luckily) was put through to me

I was told it was 'nothing to worry about' by the 'police officer' who then proceeded to solicit my support(£) for a 'local project to reduce knife crime in schools'

Being a bit naturally suspicous,- I told the officer that the police don't call and solicit money-at which point she explained that she was actually a volunteer at a charity working with the police -at this point I ended the call!

(On checking the charity does not exist and the company running the scam is a 'private limited' operating out of Wales and/ or Liverpool)

Not sure If I can put the company name here or the callers (presumably fake) name (Simon?)

-but they are easy to find from google (emergency- services- charity- school -scam.... should do it!!)

Last time this happened to us they were the 'fire service' !!!!!!!!!!!!!

what happens next is you get an invoice for £300/400-then another etc & if you don't pay it the 'Media Department' call you up & tell you that they have a verbal contract that has been recorded- and if you don't pay they will be forced to add interest & pass your debt to a collection company-this happened to us last-time even though we (I) told them to 'foxtrot oscar' on the first call (we didn't pay!)

They have been 'at it' since 2010 -so i guess some people must be falling for it- (they are quite convincing)

so please could you pass this info on (they normally will not speak to anyone below director level-as they want to get a decision- maker to confirm interest 'on tape' (but IMEX you will get invoiced whether you do or don't!-so best to just to advise anyone with 'seniority' not to speak to them at all

I have (like many before me) notified the actual police. fraud line and trading standards -but nothing has happened to them since 2010 despite their activities/ address/ tel number etc being widely publicised  and referenced on police websites-so I don't hold out any hope!

Mike

Knife crime?  :roflmao:

Uh, if someone tries knife violence at school, you just shoot them, duh. 

Next time they call ask if they can smuggle you some guns in, to protect the children.

How are you going to carve soap and make little soap fish if you can't have knives? 

Sounds quite a clever scam Mike.  Some criminals are very ingenious; no doubt if they put the same intelligence and effort into a legitimate business they could make it a success...perhpas not as exhilerating.  Thanks for the heads up.

Sounds quite a clever scam Mike.  Some criminals are very ingenious; no doubt if they put the same intelligence and effort into a legitimate business they could make it a success...perhpas not as exhilerating.  Thanks for the heads up.

Quite true!

A little update on this from today

I spoke to the local police (the real ones!)

Despite having the names/email/registered address/telephone number -there is 'nothing they can do' as it is only attempted fraud & the persons doing it are not in our force area

 Me 'Wait a minute isn't impersonating a police officer an offence?'

Police 'err yes '

Me 'isn't claiming to be a charity without a registered charity number an offence?

Police 'well, yes'

Police they are probably from a foreign country anyway

Me-they are but it's only Wales!

Police -sorry we still can't help, we can only suggest that you call the company concerned on the number you have and confront them about it !

It's hardly surprising they've got away with it for 5 years!

Mike

Pathetic! Really.