Fraudsters Forge an Interest in Latest Credit Card Scam

The governments are not the only people with a keen interest in our post boxes at the moment, with the beginnings of privatization of the Royal Mail. Out in the rural areas of Cheshire, fraudsters have started to target villagers’ external post boxes. 

The latest scam that has been highlighted by police, involve criminals going through a householder’s external mail box in order to gain personal data about the resident. They then use this information to register for a credit card. Then by keeping an eye on postal deliveries, they steal the cards and then use them to order expensive goods, on cards registered under the unsuspecting home owner’s name. 

Unsuspecting consumers billed for goods they never ordered 

This is only just starting to come to light as one unlucky individual found out when a card was put through his door by a delivery company, who had tried to deliver cameras and other equipment worth around £9,000, all under his name, and none of which he had ordered. This scam is now on the increase with a number of people reporting they have been getting deliveries that they knew nothing about. One scam merchant tried to collect a parcel from the sorting office but fortunately staff became suspicious and didn’t hand the parcel over. 

Postal workers unable to strike back 

So now we have to be aware not only about what we throw out in the refuse or recycling, in case it contains our personal details, but also keep a lock on our post boxes, in case we are being targeted at the front as well as the back door. The post box has been under a great deal of scrutiny lately, as on 27 September the sale of shares in Royal Mail started, with members of the public being able to apply for shares online until 8th October. 

In case we all being feeling grateful for the opportunity to be offered a piece of what technically is “public property”, it is worth pointing out that by starting the share sale now, then it is more or less guaranteed that the Royal Mail will be in the private sector before the workers have a chance to strike over this sale. It will be very interesting to see if a private company or companies can match up to this very unique “one price goes anywhere” daily delivery organization. So, whilst we are trying to keep an eye on our post boxes and protect from would be fraudsters and scammers, maybe we also need to reflect on what else the future holds once the Royal Mail leaves the realm of the public sector.

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Bogus Driving Instructors, Please Check Instructor is Genuine and DSA Registered

Amid safety concerns, police issue warning to learner drivers to check that driving instructors are qualified and DSA approved, due to spate of arrests of suspected illegal tutors 

As any experienced driver knows, there are numerous challenges and dangers awaiting unwary learner drivers on the UK's roads - road hogs, drivers pulling out suddenly without checking for on-coming traffic, broken traffic lights, confusing signage, slippery surfaces, and animals loose on the road amongst others. However, according to the police, would-be drivers face their very first danger when getting into the car with their driving instructor. 

It seems that an average of one instructor per day is reported to the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on suspicion of being an illegal tutor. In fact, in a clampdown on the practice, since 2011 the DSA has conducted 30 campaigns in areas where driving schools traditionally tutor learners. Cars showing L-plates or driving school branding were stopped and checked. 

As a result of DSA investigations over the past four years 39 bogus instructors have been found guilty, and a further 93 have been arrested. The discrepancy between the number of arrests and convictions is partly due to the difficulty of proving that the learner paid the instructor for lessons.  

DSA registered instructors 

In the year 2012-2013, there were some 41,000 driving instructors permitted by the DSA to give lessons throughout the UK. The vast majority of these were fully approved instructors. However, trainee instructors, who are allowed to teach for six months before full registration, were also included in that number. 

According to the Driving Standards Authority, all driving instructors who are registered should display a green badge for the current year, on their windscreen. This should contain a photograph of the instructor and a reference number, as well as the expiry date. Trainee instructors should display a similar pink badge.  

Police and DSA concerns 

The police and DSA are deeply concerned about the problem of bogus driving instructors, for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is a considerable risk to personal safety in getting into a car with an unknown person, who may, or may not, have passed a criminal check. Therefore, it is essential that all learner drivers check the credentials of anyone they propose hiring as an instructor. 

Furthermore, it is clearly very important for the learner concerned that the instructor can equip him or her with the skills required to pass the driving test. A trained and approved driving instructor will be able to do that. However, there is a further concern among police and DSA officials that bogus instructors might be able to coach someone through the driving test, but not have sufficient skills to train that learner to become a safe, competent and confident driver. The authorities are worried about the long-term safety issues that this may cause. 

One other problem can be that the 'instructor' may not have valid insurance on the vehicle used for driving lessons. In the event of an accident, this could have serious consequences for other road users, not to mention the learner at the wheel, who could possibly be injured, but not covered under an insurance policy.  

Taking the time to check out an instructor could be a valuable investment

Given the importance of the matter, not to mention the ease of confirming the truth, all learner drivers should take the time to check the credentials of an instructor. Does he or she display a valid green or pink badge on the windscreen? Does the photograph match the person in the car? 

Any learners, who have concerns about the identity or qualifications of a driving instructor they already use, or are planning to use, should postpone the next lesson until the situation has been clarified with the DSA. Report any worries to the DSA, and to the police if necessary. 

Stay safe! 

For further information: 
Who can teach a learner? https://www.gov.uk/driving-lessons-who-can-teach-you 

To check instructors approved by the DSA https://www.gov.uk/find-driving-schools-and-lessons#before-you-start 

To report a suspected illegal driving instructor https://www.gov.uk/report-an-illegal-driving-instructor

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UK Home Office “Go Home” Vans On Collision Course Yet Again

Last month the Home Office took the unprecedented step of sending mobile billboards out around the streets of London, basically telling illegal immigrants to this country to Go Home, (which is supposing they still have a home to go back to).The vans were only driven around London for one week but the ripple effect caused by throwing this particular large pebble in the pond, is still being felt. On 14^th September, French designer Fabien Delage, was in the news as apparently the Home Office had used his “Plane Crash” font without permission on the side of the hoardings.

The Home Office are trying to contact the copyright owner, to sort out this most recent dispute about its immigration tactics, in order to reach an agreement. I must say though, that the font being used namely “Plane Crash” seemed particularly apt in this context. However you stand on the issue of immigration, there would seem to be better ways to go about advising those who are here illegally, to reconsider their UK habitation. 

Font of all knowledge? 

Mr Delage feels that his business may be in jeopardy due to the linkage with this particular campaign, but until it was pointed out, I would say it was the meaning of the words that I focussed on, not necessarily the form or shape of the printed words. The designer of the font, whose fonts are free for personal use, stated that his partners and customers feel he is linked to the UK campaign which has been, in his words, very unpopular abroad. He is now seeking financial recompense and the Home Office are following up on the ownership and copyright of the font. 

Capital venture not countrywide investment 

Human Rights group Liberty took the opportunity to send out its own van, and union Unite are looking into whether the UK government acted illegally, and stirred up racial hatred. The Immigration Minister rose to the defence of the vans saying that it was more about making it more difficult for people to work illegally in the UK. Surely, illegal workers don’t all migrate to London so if that was the case, why didn’t they have a van in every major city across the country?

Probably because this was just a testing of the waters to see what reaction they got?
Or they may feel there is a cost issue involved?

Both ways, they have paid quite dearly for their little “experiment”, and if Monsieur Delage wins his case, they are going to have to pay out a lot more (sorry did I say they? As bona fide taxpayers, then we shall be the ones footing the bill- yet again)

Your contributions as always - welcome

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Good Customer Service? Don’t Bank On It!

Small to medium business make up 99% of all private sector business in the UK, the small business sector is growing more rapidly than any other (small to medium being those employing up to 49 people). The vast majority of small businesses are really small in that they employ less than 10 people, with most of them sole traders and having a work force of one.

Why am I telling you all this? Well, because it would seem that although small businesses appear to be the saviour of the UK economy at present, they do not feel treated to the same customer service as the big boys of trading, when it comes to banking.

Banks are “not listening” when it comes to the small business sector 

The Federation of Small Businesses surveyed their members recently and 56% of them believe that banks do not care for the small business owner.  A third of them highlighted the cost of fees that they have to pay in banking charges as being too high, these on average can range from £1,075 to around £4000.

Feeling the banks do not care for the little person on the street is not necessarily confined to a business owner, nor is the feeling of confidence in our banks confined to members of the public. The reputation of our banks is down to an all-time low with the mis-selling of PPI, following on the heels of the Northern Rock and other banking crises.

However, instead of working hard to ensure us that our money is safe in their hands, to review the customer service they offer to the smaller companies that are the lifeblood of the economy, what have the banks gone and done? They are setting up a new (and no doubt costly) organisational monitoring standards body to keep an eye on the behaviour of bankers in the UK. 

Actions speak louder than words 

Surely, if they are not trustworthy or carrying out the job to the requirements of the financial standards or banking codes or treating their customers properly, then you would act accordingly, absolve them of their responsibilities and put in place retraining or new staff to ensure the job was being carried out properly?

Because that is what would happen to you or I, if we failed to get the work done to the correct standard and with the appropriate level of service. Bearing in mind it was not that long ago that the eight largest banks set up  the Professional Standards Board of the Chartered Banker Institute aimed at supporting ethical awareness and customer focus along with the competency of those working in the world of banking. 

Why then do we need another “watchdog”?

In order to get this economy back on its feet, then we all need to have confidence in a stable economic environment, and at the heart of this, confidence in our banking system. If they have to set up a second body to look over their shoulder to make sure they are doing what they are paid to do, then this doesn’t leave me feeling totally confident in them. Neither, it would seem, do the Federation of Small Businesses. 

 Good customer service, a reasonable system of charges and the knowledge that your money and investments are in good hands – what else is there? Your comments as always gratefully received.

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The Numbers Don't Add Up - Confusing Insurance Quotes

The 2013 top list of insurance companies from consumer advice publication Which? produced some very interesting results. Going through a list of 38 insurers, giving each a consumer score and rating their policies as well as Which? giving their feedback, NFU Mutual came out top of the list with John Lewis coming second. Age UK and Saga came 10^th  and 12^th  respectively with MoreThan at number 28 and Admiral at 36 out of 38. 

It was noticeable that many of the so called “traditional” insurance companies were not at the very top of the list, but the top two are very customer focused organisations. “It’s about time” and “never knowingly undersold” are the strap lines for NFU and John Lewis and they certainly seem to have applied these approaches to their insurance divisions. It is about time that insurance companies stop funding expensive, albeit often humorous, advertising campaigns and get back to their core values and deliver a product that does what it says on the tin for the right price. 

It’s a fair cop? 

 Looking through the report it seemed to me that a fair and standardised approach was taken to grading these companies, with an all-round approach to assessing their delivery and their worth. Why then is it so difficult for insurers to adopt the same methodology when dealing with their customers? For those of us who aim to find the best deal for insuring our cars and vehicles there are some very puzzling conundrums out there in the wonderful world of car insurance. For example, if you choose to insure your car with Liverpool Victoria or LV then the cost will increase depending on your day job. Being a bar manager or private investigator will increase your premium by between 23 and 28% although being a policeman will get you around a 9% discount. I find it interesting that a PI and a police officer could often find themselves doing the same sort of job activities yet their personal car insurance cost is very different. 

The true cost of loneliness

If you are divorced or single or have children then the insurance companies differ as to what they will quote. Apparently Direct Line will add 9% more if you are a driver with children, MoreThan don’t change their quote and the Co-operative and Aviva don’t even ask. LV quote 3% more if you are divorced, single or separated – really kick a person when they’re down then!

With the range of differences and options then it is not surprising that people struggle when it comes to choosing and understanding all the options available when insuring their homes, their cars, and their health. A number of us would seem to be turning to customer facing organisations such as retailers or the farming industry who have moved into the insurance line of work. Is this because when we do speak with them we get good service and a consistent line of communication? 

We have seen examples here of companies such as MoreThan who do not treat their consumers in an equable and fair manner. If companies wish to retain our loyalty and our custom in these economically tough times then they need to ensure that they use a transparent and standard approach to assessing our potential “risk”. It also helps if they have a Customer Service department that understands the definition of the words, “customer”, one who purchases, a buyer, a patron and the term “service” meaning to help, give assistance and benefit.

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1 Fraudulent Landlord+ 1 Unsuspecting Tenant = £2,394 per victim

Many pupils went back to school this week after a long and warm summer break, and, for some parents perhaps, a slightly too long holiday period. The roads suddenly became a lot busier as the school run started in earnest and many people went back to work. We are treated to the sight of numerous students wearing slightly too large blazers (they will grow into them!), scuffing brand new shoes along the pavement as they reluctantly turn up for the start of the new term.

In a few weeks’ time another set of students will begin a new phase of their educational life as fresher’s week starts up in universities and colleges across the land. Some are heading for halls of residence, usually furnished and with kitchen facilities and others have managed to rent a room or house near to the main campus. Many may be still living at home, not being able to afford the living expenses as well as the fees or a lucky few may be in accommodation bought or rented by parents and guardians. 

Learning the hard way 

Just, however when you thought that you had got over the angst of A level result day, been accepted through UCAS onto the course of your choice, then there is a small window of opportunity to get your lodgings sorted out. Many FE institutions can guarantee a place in halls for the first year but there may be pertinent reasons why some choose to rent elsewhere. So when Action Fraud reported this week on the number of individuals who had been scammed by a landlord or a lodger, it certainly gave food for thought. Around £755 million a year is gained by fraudulent landlords costing individuals around £2,394 per victim. The usual ploy to get money out of unsuspecting would be tenants is to trick people into paying out advanced fees to rent a property.

If you have a child moving to another part of the country, trying to sort out where they are going to live is hard enough particularly if you don’t know the area well but there are a few tips to bear in mind before parting with your hard earned cash. 

Safe as houses? 

Sounds simple but make sure you go and visit the property first with the agent or landlord, before putting down a deposit. If you are negotiating through an agent, check that they belong to a professional trade body, landlords as well that are members of the National Landlord Association are usually a good sign. Don’t ever just hand over any cash, and if you can pay with a card, then you should get some protection from the banks. If in doubt you can always speak with the local Trading Standards people in the area you or your student is moving to, the local council or Citizens Advice Bureau will be happy to signpost you to the nearest office.

Once you are happy with the accommodation then the next step is to see how many boxes of essentials you can cram into your small hatchback- usually a surprising amount of clothing, mismatched kitchenware kindly donated by numerous members of the family, maybe even a few text books along with the laptop (sorry just got distracted by the pig flying past the office window) and you are ready to launch the first of the fledglings out of the nest. Then you get to do it all over again when they have to vacate the house for the summer break. Remember one in ten people have been scammed so check before you rent. Any comments, as always, welcome.

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When consumers became “hyper” active

In November 1964 American based retailers, Gem International Supercentre Incorporated, opened the first modern hypermarket on the outskirts of Birmingham. With parking spaces for 1,000 cars, around 50 departments under the one roof, including furniture, clothing, a pharmacy and hardware, this “windowless” store amazed the 30,000 people who turned up on the first week of its opening. Now occupied by an Asda superstore, this signalled the start of the introduction to out of town shopping to the British public. It also heralded a change in our consumer habits as we began to move away from the high street, although the blame for the demise and decline of the city centre cannot be set squarely at the foot of hypermarket. Online shopping, the cost of parking, inadequate public transport or suitable parking areas, lack of choice,you can take your pick, as these are just some of the reasons why we don’t head down to the city centre for our shopping spree. Walk down any high street in many towns or city centres and you would be hard pressed to say which conurbation you were actually standing in. The same row of mainstream clothing stores, a frozen food retailer, fast food outlets, a couple of charity shops and you could be just about anywhere. 

Consuming passion 

When Mary Portas spearheaded her campaign to bring back choice, support the independent retailer and breathe new life into the high street along with government backing, as someone with a retail background, I for one applauded the decision. At the same time, it was also necessary to review some of the crippling business rates imposed on city centre stores and smaller independent shops. However bids went out to all councils who put together their proposals to be a Portas pilot. 27 localities were chosen and grants given to shopkeepers to help rejuvenate the face of the local high street – the money going to the people on the shop floor so to speak. But, listening yesterday morning to Bill Grimsey,the former boss of Iceland and Wickes, not everyone is happy with this approach. 

Taxing times for the independent retailer 

Bill Grimsey is calling for all large retailers to give a one off levy, around ¼ of a percent of their profits, which will generate approximately 550 million pounds. This money would then be used to fund Town Centre commissions who will develop business plans along with local councils to help regenerate the city centre. To be fair to Mr Grimsey he also calls for a review of the business rates, citing the fact that many small retailers are taxed at the highest Zone A level because of their central locality whilst some out of town stores can be taxed at the lowest bracket as they are cited as “warehouse” status. However do we really need to fund another level of political commissions, steering groups and policy pen pushers? We should be supporting shops and access for consumers, not creating more “talking shops”. Your thoughts, as ever, welcome!

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