Scams, scams and more scams!
The gendarmes have issued a sobering new year message, reminding people, particularly the elderly, to be on their guard against scammers and con artists.
Ranging from knock-off perfumes to mattresses full of worms (!!), the range of known scams is staggering, and the skill of the perpetrators Oscar-worthy.
Wing mirror scam
Claiming that you have inadvertently damaged their wing mirror, often simulating the bang as you drive past their parked car, the scam artist offers to settle the issue without involving the insurance companies… to “save you money”.
A recent case saw the scammer enter an elderly gentleman’s house to discuss the matter, and proceeded to rob his home too!
No matter the risk of increased insurance policies, we suggest you always complete the constat amiable. If you’re dealing with scammers, likelihood is they’ll back down before you sign any document.
Overpayment scam
After leaving the supermarket, con artists flag you down in the car park, ‘kindly’ explaining that the cashier has made a mistake and that you have actually overpaid for your shopping. They request your card to proceed with a refund, promising to return it to you straightaway.
Obviously mistakes can happen, and there are kind folk about, but accompany the person back to the checkout before handing over your card!
Online scams
Between the winter temperatures, the energy crisis and delivery problems, wood and pellets for your fires are hard to come by. Scammers know this all too well and create fake websites, often usurping the name of veritable businesses, to sell cheap wood or pellets.
It’s a difficult one to prevent, but our advice is if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Undelivered packages
You receive a text message informing you of a delivery and asking you to click a link to verify/complete delivery details. They either ask for your credit card details to confirm the delivery or other personal details. The links can seem extremely realistic, often in the name of Chronopost or DHL.
If you are expecting a delivery, you will be able to check the delivery details through the original vendor you ordered from. Never click a link received by text.
How to protect yourself
Whatever the circumstances, if you suspect that you are confronted with a fraud, here is the P-O gendarmerie’s advice:
- Never let anyone that you do not know into your home: genuine door-to-door salespeople, charities and canvassers will not ask to come in and should not be offended if you do not invite them to.
- Tell the person that you have no money on you: do not part with cash or cards in any unofficial circumstances.
- Never sign anything: if you think you could be interested by the offer, take the documentation and tell the person you will return it to them at a later date.
- Report fraud: if you are the victim of fraud, contact the police as soon as possible. If you think you have identified a fraud, you can report it via the online platform, PHAROS.
