The Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards officers have had a number of scam reports this week.

By Chris Cornford Feb 16, 2021

A resident reported a very worrying call from someone claiming to be a police officer at a London police station. They went on to say that her relative – name given – had been arrested and they needed money to help them. Luckily this lady knew that she didn’t have anyone in London of that name in her family and hung up. However this could be very worrying and convincing for anyone with relatives on the mainland and who might be feeling vulnerable at the minute.

There have been increasing reports on domestic/white goods insurances. Scammers will call you to say that you need this insurance or your insurance has expired and you must make the payments. These companies are growing in number and the insurance is worthless. One lady, who had taken the insurance out, needed to use it when her washing machine broke down; she was met with a wall of silence and excuses.

Trading Standards have had more reports of phishing emails from the banks, TV Licensing and Netflix. This is a common theme in that either your details are invalid or there is a problem with your account. You are asked to click the link to put in the correct details. Don’t act on these requests as, if you do, the scammers will have access to your bank account.
Lastly a worrying report from a resident that she received an Amazon scam call but it came from a local IW number. This number will have been spoofed by the scammers but we are far more likely to answer if we think it’s a local number.

Always be careful and wary of all unsolicited phone calls, emails, texts or callers and never click on links in messages.
If you have a vulnerable relative, friend or neighbour that you think might benefit from this information, please share it with them. Your help could save them from falling victim to one of these, or any other, scam.