Scam Awareness

Scam Awareness Are you being scammed! Sponsored by Seaford Rotary and their Business Partners

During 2019 Seaford Rotary and their business partners have been reproducing Police and Government information about scams that can help you to avoid becoming the next victim.

The Government and UK finance industry have launched a new initiative to promote awareness of scams under the banner ofTake Five to stop fraud. For this article we have taken extracts from their guidance for your information.

Stop take five! Remember that criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. Your bank or police will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money to another account. Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe. Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you. Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

If you receive a request to provide personal or financial information, you need to take a moment to reflect and step back from the situation. Yes, even if they say they’re the bank or other trusted organisation, you still need to take the time to stop and think about what’s really going on.

Deep down, you probably already know these basic rules on how to beat financial fraud – you just need to take a breath and stay calm enough to remember them.

Requests to move money: A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money to another account. Only give out your personal or financial details to use a service that you have given your consent to, that you trust and that you are expecting to be contacted by. Clicking on links/files: Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text. Personal information: Always question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number. Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic: Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Be mindful of who you trust – criminals may try and trick you into their confidence by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud. Criminals often use this to draw you into the conversation, to scare you into acting and revealing security details. Remember, criminals can also make any telephone number appear on your phone handset so even if you recognise it or it seems authentic, do not use it as verification they are genuine. Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot; they would never ask you to transfer money into another account for fraud reasons. Remember to stop and take time to carefully

consider your actions. A genuine bank or some other trusted organisation won’t rush you or mind waiting if you want time to think. Listen to your instincts: If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. Criminals may lull you into a false sense of security when you are out and about or rely on your defences being down when you’re in the comfort of your own home. They may appear trustworthy, but they may not be who they claim to be. Stay in control: Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It’s easy to feel embarrassed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations. But it’s okay to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it.

If you’ve taken all these steps and still feel uncomfortable or unsure about what you’re being asked, never hesitate to contact your bank or financial service provider on a number you trust, such as the one listed on their website or on the back of your payment card.

Phone and ask you for your PIN or full banking password, even by tapping them into your phone keypad.

Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping.

Ask you to transfer money to a safe account for fraud reasons, even if they say it is in your name.

Send someone to your home to collect cash, PIN, cards or cheque books if you are a victim of fraud.

Ask you to purchase goods using your card and then hand them over for safe keeping

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself every time you are contacted by someone you don’t know who asks for personal details.

If any of the following situations come about, do not give any personal details and seek advice from a family member or contact the company in question.

1 Has the phone call or offer come unsolicited? Was it expected or out of the blue? 2 Are they asking to confirm sensitive details such as your name, address or bank-account details? 3 Are they looking for a fast/instant response of some kind? 4 Are they asking for money? 5 Is the caller avoiding using the actual name of your bank or utilities company? 6 Are they offering a prize, free gift or trial? 7 If they say they are the police or investigating something, do not give away sensitive information. 8 Does an email from your bank or another company have an odd email address? 9 Is the formatting strange or are there spelling mistakes? 10 Are you being asked to change your password despite not sending a request?

MOCKFORD’S Blinds & AWNINGS

FITTING SERVICE TO HAVE BLINDS PROFESSIONALY FITTED, JEAN MOCKFORD, A QUALIFIED BLINDS INTERIOR DESIGNER, WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE, WILL BE PLEASED TO VISIT YOU & PROVIDE ADVICE & ESTIMATE.

Big or small Mockfords make them all!

Mockford’s the Blindmakers are a small family business who have

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been trading in Seaford and Eastbourne for over 30 years.

Find us at: The Industrial Estate, Green Street, Eastbourne BN21 1QN

REDUCING SOLAR HEAT AN EXTERIOR AWNING SHADING PATIO DOORS & WINDOWS IS FAR MORE EFFECTIVE THAN INTERIOR BLINDS AND ALLOWS YOU TO SEE OUT

Replacement vanes, weights, hangers and chain are also available from our showroom.

Canopy on our Seaford shop From 2001 –2011

Telephone: 01323 417518

Website: mockfordblinds.co.uk

Take the A259 from Seaford, on approaching Eastbourne go straight over the first set of traffic lights then take the next left into Green street. Once on Green Street there is a bus shelter on the right hand side opposite the entrance to a small trading estate where our showroom is located.

OPENING HOURS

WHATS NEW? CLIP ON PLEATED VENETIAN BLINDS DO NOT REQUIRE DRILLING OR SCREWS. IDEAL FOR GLASS DOORS

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Wednesday and Saturday between 9.30am and 1pm. If you wish to visit at other times, please telephone to ensure a blindmaker/fitter is on the premises to answer any questions and queries etc.

With over 2000 colours and fabrics to choose from, this is just a small selection of our available plain colours. OPEN TUESDAY to SATURDAY: 9.15AM –1PM We visit you with pattern books and samples to provide you with a free estimate and advice. To arrange a visit or for after sales service, please telephone: 01323 417518 anyt ime, any day

SRC DOUBLE GLAZING & REPAIRS COVERING SEAFORD, NEWHAVEN & SURROUNDING AREAS

01323 382149 01273 516166 MOBILE 07548 046879 Email: src.glazing@gmail.com TEL

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Are you stru gglin g to loc k your UPVC door ?

Try this simple 3 point test to see if your door needs adjusting before it breaks...

With one hand... 1. Push the door closed 2. Lift the handle and let go 3. Turn the key If you can’t do the above easily and have to hold the handle or force the handle to turn the key, then you need to get your door adjusted before it breaks. The weight of the door on a badly adjusted locking mechanism will eventually break, usually in the locked position!

For more information call Greg at Andy Anderson & Son Locksmiths 01323 899999/07973 129550 Double Glazing Door & Lock Specialist UPVC Door Adjustment & Lock upgrades