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Beware - Scam

sandra.douglas
  • 109 posts
  • # 75414

Hello All

I just wanted to warn people of a scam that I have managed to avoid in the hope that I can save others.

I had a call from somebody purporting to be from the Police Federation, offering me an exclusive advert in their magazine that goes out to their members in my area.  They were apparently sending out an article on getting tax affairs in order due to the HMRC cracking down on those with second jobs.

If I took up the offer, they would be sending my details onto their PR company which is Mode PR, based in Liverpool.  

They also offered me a 10% discount if I paid for an ad there and then.

I googled them and nothing came up regarding any scams.  I also called the Police Federation who said that they had had a number of people reporting Mode PR lately, and they are nothing to do with them.  Their words were "They may be a legitimate company, but are nothing to do with the Police Federation."

Beware anybody who gets a call (I have had 2 now - they should maybe check who they have called before they call again!!  The second one told me that Mode PR was a scam and they were nothing to do with them, but have not sent any of the information that I asked for on email!  I think he was trying to backtrack!!).

Regards

Sandra 
  • Member
  • Practice Licence
  • 26 posts
  • # 75417

I get these calls about 4 times a day!!!!!
Geoff
  • 180 posts
  • # 75463

There are always scams.

I have just had a call from someone who addressed me by my full first name (I only use Geoff usually) and told me that they were calling me from Microsoft Windows support desk regarding the computer I am using.

My response - "I don't think you are" was questioned whereupon I repeated the response and the caller hung up.

1471 came up with "the caller's number is not known" usually a sure sign of wrong doing.

My advice to everyone - if you are not 100% certain about the caller (and I agree that this can sometimes happen with new clients) ask for their number and call them back - preface it with "sorry I am on the other line, can I call you back?"


Keep safe guys.


Geoff
Peasie
  • Member PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 481 posts
  • # 75466

Geoffsaid:

I have just had a call from someone who addressed me by my full first name (I only use Geoff usually) and told me that they were calling me from Microsoft Windows support desk regarding the computer I am using.
I've had that one a few times. I can even tell by the accent what's coming up.
After they tell me they're from Microsoft or some computer security company I'll interupt them and say (in my most sarcastic voice) "don't tell me, I've got a virus". Then they'll say, "it's much worse than a virus".

I'll either just say "give it an rest" and put them phone down or they'll just get expletives thrown at them before the phone is slammed down.....or more likely placed back in it's pod (the annoying thing is you can't slam these things down).
gigagirl
  • 220 posts
  • # 75494

I am so fed up of scam calls, I don't do anything over the phone at all.  If my bank rings me, and they start with the "can you just confirm your address...." I don't do it.  Ever.  I say to them, if they want to tell me something - to write to me.  I only ever follow any instructions, if I myself have initiated contact with a company, and never when they ring me.
Clare
  • Member PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 195 posts
  • # 75515

There's also been one doing the rounds supposedly from the local Ambulance Service - they start off by thanking you for your last advert Undecided

  • Bruton Young Bookkeeping


  • Quote
  • Member PM.Dip
  • 37 posts
  • # 97529

Hi everyone,

I've just had a phone call from someone claiming to want to recommend my services to local police and fire officers who have second jobs. So glad I read the forum as I knew (almost) instantly that it was a scam. He backed off as soon as I wasn't playing ball and mentitoned that I was aware of a scam just like this. Just writing this post to keep it in peoples minds. I'm only just starting out in practice so I'm obviously quite keen for business and therefore potentially an easy mark. Don't get caught out!

 

Alison
sandra.douglas
  • 109 posts
  • # 97530

Willow Tree Bookkeepingsaid:

“

Hi everyone,

I've just had a phone call from someone claiming to want to recommend my services to local police and fire officers who have second jobs. So glad I read the forum as I knew (almost) instantly that it was a scam. He backed off as soon as I wasn't playing ball and mentitoned that I was aware of a scam just like this. Just writing this post to keep it in peoples minds. I'm only just starting out in practice so I'm obviously quite keen for business and therefore potentially an easy mark. Don't get caught out!

 

Alison

”

Glad the post helped Alison.

I have found what Garry said very true - if in doubt, ask them to put it in writing - if they won't then they are probably a little bit dodgy!

Thanks for the update 
  • Member PM.Dip
  • 37 posts
  • # 97537

He did offer to put the info in an email and asked for my email address. When I pointed out that if he had my phone no he should also have that info because they're always listed together, he promptly said goodbye and hung up. Funny that. He'd been quite chatty at the start of the call.

Alison 

 

 

 

 
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