East Cowes

Latest scam warnings

• We have had a report about a drainage company that has quoted £7000 for work that cost just £700. They allegedly carried out a camera survey at the property of an elderly resident before quoting the exorbitant amount. Ensure that you are dealing with a trusted trader or using someone who has been recommended before engaging traders to carry out work on your property
• The parking fine scam appears to be doing the rounds again. This comes in the form of a text or email stating that you have outstanding parking fines and advising you to click on a link to make the payment due immediately. DO NOT click on the link this is a SCAM. The IOW Council will never contact you via text for an overdue parking ticket, no legitimate parking company would know your mobile number or email address!
• Lots of reports of emails received purporting to be from Microsoft claiming that your email box will be deleted if you don’t click on a link and update. This is a SCM do not click on any links
• Calls claiming to be from BT Open Reach stating that your internet IP address is being used for illegal gambling and wanting you to switch to a different IP address to ensure it will be secure. This would probably allow scammers access to your home internet meaning that it wouldn’t be secure especially when making payments etc
• Hampshire and IOW Police are reporting an increase in recording of communications purporting to come from Companies House. Companies House will never contact you by phone/text/email and ask for secure information – this will be a SCAM

Scam text claiming to be from EE saying that they couldn’t accept the direct debit payment

This scam comes as a text claiming to be from EE saying that they couldn’t accept the direct debit payment and advising to click on a link. This is a phishing attempt to steal your personal information.

What to do:

• Do not click on a link in a text or email.
• If you are concerned, contact your bank and check that the payment has been taken.
• If unsure, contact the company (EE) directly.
• You can forward the text to 7726 where it will be used as intelligence.

Fake adverts on Wightbay – advertising kittens for sale

A resident has reported scam adverts on Wightbay. These fake adverts are advertising kittens for sale, however when you show an interest they ask for a deposit and refuse to allow you to see the kittens before making a payment.

What to do:

• If you are looking to buy anything advertised locally, you should always inspect it before handing over any payment.
• Do not commit to a purchase if you haven’t seen the goods – this applies to anything, not just pets.

Scam email purporting to be from the NHS Prescription Service

One of our officers has received an email purporting to be from the NHS Prescription Service telling you to click on a link – this is a scam. The email came from a fake email address, not a genuine NHS one.

What to do:

• Do not reply to the email.
• Scam emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk where they will be used as intelligence to disrupt the scammers.