'If It Sounds Too Good To Be True It Probably Is'

The 'Little Book of Big Scams' gives advice on how not to get conned

Police in Chiswick have alerted local residents to a book which can give advice on ways to avoid being conned.

The Little Book of Big Scams can be downloaded for information on ways to help against becoming a victim of fraudsters. Television presenter Gloria Hunniford, of Rip Off Britain, has endorsed the book. An audio, easy-to-read and e-version of the book is available here.

Sgt Ed Ade (Riverside ward) said, "We have all heard stories of people who have fallen victim to online fraud, courier fraud, online dating and romance fraud, identity fraud and the list is long. Many people are not aware, but there is a book which offers advice on such matters "the Little book of Big Scams.

"Please feel free to share the document with friends and family. If we put the word out there and educate as many people as possible, I am sure our loved ones will not become victims of these callous individuals who are preying on innocent victims. Please spread the word around to as many people as possible and encourage them to read the book.

Many people are reluctant to report that they have been conned because they are embarrassed and feel foolish. There have been several reports of elderly people being taken in by bogus builders or contractors.

One of the biggest in recent times was in the Gunnersbury area. In September 2016 a team of roofers knocked on local doors and told one resident they were repairing a neighbour’s roof and would fix the few slipped tiles they’d seen on her roof. She didn’t fall it - her neighbour was not having work done to her roof - but others did.

One found that the estimate to repair a leak increased from just over £100 to over £1,000 and the leak remained. With another, the roofers disappeared immediately after removing an entire roof, leaving the house completely exposed to the weather and the resident about £3,000 out of pocket. The roofers made their way across London - to Ealing, Kew and beyond - conning as they went.

Thanks to vigilance from the Chiswick resident who wasn’t caught out - taking photos of the roofers, their van and its registration number - one of the rogues was caught, identified, tried. and jailed -at which point it was revealed he had been caught and jailed before.

The scammers use very powerful techniques. Police say "Please read it and please, please report anything suspicious that might lead to others not being conned. "

If you know anyone who has been a victim of such crime, please encourage them to report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk

April 15, 2018