With all that is going on in the world at the moment, it is easy to overlook the problems closer to home. Whilst there is very little I can do to influence world events, I can help my constituents who are facing problems of their own and this is the part of my job I enjoy most and, when successful, is easily the most rewarding.
I receive hundreds of emails every day and many people phone my office or visit my surgeries with all manner of problems.
Recently, sadly, I’ve had a few people who have been victims of fraud and with Christmas approaching it seems like a good time to remind people and small business owners in particular of the need to be vigilant.
We’ve had a couple of classic cases of courier fraud recently. Remember, your bank or the police will never call you and ask you to verify your details by asking for your personal details or PIN number or offer to collect your bank card by courier. Never give large amounts of cash or your bank card to a stranger. If a person calls you and says they are from the bank or police and asks you to call back to verify, wait 5 minutes or so before you do – they may not have hung up and the line may still be open so they can pass the phone to an accomplice. Alternatively, use a different phone to call the number they gave you. Make sure the phone number is the number advertised by the bank on their website or on your bank statements.
Another fraud type for a small business to look out for is overpayment fraud. This is where a customer makes a large order, pays – often by cheque but not always and then changes their mind and reduces or cancels the order. The small business makes a refund but the original payment never clears. Be wary of new customers making an unusually large order. It is very easy for a new business to fall victim of overpayment fraud. Just ask yourself “is this order too good to be true?”
Fraud is a particularly unpleasant crime as not only does the victim lose a lot of money, they are left feeling angry and humiliated. I am sure there are many victims who never let on to anyone that they have been scammed in this way. It is just too humiliating.
If you have any concerns, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
For many this has been a difficult year and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have family and friends in parts of the world where there is unrest or trouble.
Finally, I hope you and your family have a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.
Contact Mike:
Web: www.penning4hemel.com
Email: mike.penning.mp@parliament.uk
Telephone: 01442 251126
