At the TCA we are always warning our clients to be careful when dealing with timeshare sales representatives, even if they do seem genuine at the time, it pays to do your homework. However, lately in the UK there have been many more fraudsters on the loose, not solely in the world of timeshare, but in the street and our everyday lives.
Many people fear change, especially the elderly in our society, as they are not accustomed to using the internet, computers, digital transactions and such like. These can all be quite a scary to someone that has no technical knowledge or ability. So, when they receive a phone call from a trusted uniformed body such as the police, they tend to put their faith in them. Unfortunately, this is an error, one that a lot are falling for, especially at the other end of a phone, when the caller is not visible.
There has been one such case in the elderly couple from Bath last week whom were called in relation to fraudulent activities happening in their bank account. A so-called policeman had called the couple at home and explained that there had been unexplained transactions that had been happening in their account and they were investigating how this could be happening. The officer, supposedly from London, convinced the couple to withdraw hundreds of pounds from their account and then give it to a courier so that they could track its movements back into the account.
The poor unsuspecting couple did exactly as they were asked, withdrew the money from their branch, then went home and waited for the courier to come to collect the money. The mixed race ‘courier’ dressed in a high-viz jacket appeared at their door at 5.30pm on Tuesday 12th June, requesting the money from the couple. They very trustfully handed it over to the 6ft stranger standing on their doorstep, believing they were doing what was correct.
Unfortunately, they were just another of a long list of pensioners that have been conned out of their money in recent months in a variety of kooky scams. We would like to remind you all that professional bodies will never ask you personal details over the phone that will give away the access to your bank accounts. The bank may ask you to verify your name and address, or date of birth. They, or the police for that matter, will NEVER ask for your pin number.
Cash is not traceable, so NEVER hand over cash to someone that you do not know, and certainly not without having a receipt and asking proof of identity. If they are genuine they will not be offended that you ask for ID. If they start to get edgy, you can be pretty sure that there is something amiss, in this case, you should make an excuse to go back inside your house, so that you can alert the police by phone. Never let the person into your house while you are trying to alert the police, stay calm, say you are going to get what they want and ask them to wait a moment at your door while you get it. You can shut the door, then alert the police.
There are many scams out there, so please be aware, believe in your gut instincts, if you are not sure, do not part with your personal details or cash.
For more information regarding this article or assistance in any other timeshare related issues please contact the TCA on 01908 881058 or email: info@TimeshareConsumerAssociation.org.uk