Current Scams

Local scams to look out for include:

  • Loft insulation. The caller identifies himself as Tom, first using a Bournemouth number, later using 01983 numbers. This is more likely to seem legitimate as it is a local number. The caller will offer you a free survey to find out if your loft insulation is causing damp issues. If you agree to the survey, they will book somebody in to come and have a look and we can almost guarantee they will find problems and then proceed to do the work for you at in inflated price. The Footprint Trust have advised us that in most cases, fibre glass loft insulation does not cause damp issues. If it does, it can easily be fixed by pulling it back from where it touches the roof which increases airflow. You can do this yourself. If you are unable to, a handyman should be able to do this for a reasonable price. Do not engage with these callers and don’t let them into your property.
  • Letters from companies regarding problems with solar panels. These may not be scam companies, it is highly likely they will find a problem and may cause further problems when working on your system. If you receive one of these letters and you are unsure if you have a problem or not, contact a local trusted trader who can advise you.
  • Doorstep traders​. Be wary of anyone knocking your door offering to do work for you. We’ve had reports of window cleaners coming from the mainland along with people offering to buy your gold. We would advise against any kind of doorstep trading.
  • Email from a friend asking for help​. We have had reports of peoples email accounts being hacked which results in scammers sending random emails to all of the contacts in their address book, asking for money and help. There may be links that they are asking you to click – DON’T! If you don’t want to ignore the request, check if its genuine with your friend.
  • An email from McAfee stating you need to update your Microsoft Windows version. Be very careful when you see messages claiming to be support for your device – don’t  click on unknown links. Talk to somebody who is familiar with IT.
  • Be wary about messages from Whatsapp updating their settings
  • Calls about your debit or credit card being used and large amounts taken, don’t follow the instructions on the call. Contact your bank and check with them. These calls will ask you to press for contact with an investigator who will then ask you for all sorts of banking details.

  • Scam texts and emails claiming to be various difference mail providers. These say you need to pay extra for a package or ask you click on a link which could install malware onto your device. The companies all involved state that they would never contact you in this way (how would they know your phone number?).

  • National Insurance scam using an 01983 number. Don’t believe just because it appears to be a local number that it is genuine, numbers can be purchased and are frequently cloned.
  • Google message to say that your phone has viruses and you have to click the link to repair the problem. Don’t click the link, this is a scam.
  • Banking texts being followed up by phone calls stating that there is a fraud on your account. They may even draw your attention to the number they are dialling from. It will be the banks number. Numbers can be cloned. Hang up do not engage with these criminals and call your bank on a number you have found yourself to ensure that your account is secure.

Be wary when receiving emails, texts and messages. Remember, genuine organisations will never ask you to click on links in messages or ask for your bank details.

For a complete, update to date list of current scams visit active local scams.

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