Trading Standards Scams Warning
Telford Trading Standards are warning of 2 recent incidents where scammers targeted residents in the Borough, attempting to steal money from them.
The first involved a banking scam where the scammer telephoned a lady and claimed there had been fraudulent activity on her bank account. They attempted to persuade her to withdraw £2,000 and pay it into another account. Fortunately, vigilant Post Office staff prevented her from falling victim to the scam and have reported the matter to the Police.
In a second incident, cynical scammers have been sending unsolicited text messages claiming to be from the “Winter Heating Subsidy Office” which is designed to lure recipients with promises of a winter heating subsidy. The scam includes a link that directs users to a fake government website, designed to appear legitimate and gather personal information. These scammers create a false sense of urgency in order to trick individuals into providing personal information or to click onto malicious links.
The official UK Government website gives some top tips on how to identify scams such as these. It’s important to look out for the following when receiving any unsolicited contact via phone or text:- The message or caller rushes you to act immediately.
- It is threatening in tone.
- It is unexpected or unsolicited.
- It asks for personal information, such as bank details.
- It asks you to transfer money.
- It offers a refund, tax rebate, or grant unexpectedly.
Telford and Wrekin Trading Standards would urge everyone to share this message amongst your family and friends to prevent them from falling prey to the scammers. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
In addition, suspicious text messages can be reported to 7726.
7726 is a number that most mobile customers using UK networks can text to report unwanted SMS messages or phone calls on a mobile. The number ‘7726’ was chosen because it spells ‘SPAM’ on an alphanumeric phone keypad – that’s a handy way of remembering it.
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Road Closure notices
Temporary road closure along Heath Lanes To A442, Cold Hatton.
RR Contracting are planning to undertake bridge repair works. The work is set to commence on Monday 25th November 2024 and will last for a duration of 12 days with an end date of Friday 6th December 2024.
The diversion route for vehicular traffic travelling westbound will be via Sytch Lane To Bolas Junction, Station Cottage To A442, Shropshire Boundary To Station Cottage, City Road, Ellerdine Village Hall To Ellerdine Heath Junction, Heath Lane, Heath Lanes To A442. For vehicular traffic travelling eastbound vice versa.
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Temporary road closure along Catsbritch Lane, Waters Upton in a south easterly direction only.
Stave-Con Ltd on behalf of Shropshire Homes are placing this closure to facilitate development works. The work is set to commence on Monday 18th March 2024 and will last for a duration of 246 days with an end date of Monday 18th November 2024.
The diversion route for vehicular traffic travelling in a south easterly direction will be via A442 Junction To Catsbritch Lane Junction, Waters Upton Junction to Sytch Lane, A442 Dukes Drive to Waters Upton, Cotwall Lane Roundabout to Shray Hill Farm. The diversion route for traffic travelling in a north westerly direction will remain unaffected._________
Temporary road closure along Link Road Between A442 And B5062, Crudgington. Stave-Con Ltd on behalf of Shropshire Homes Ltd are closing the road to facilitate development works. The closure is set to commence on Monday 12th February 2024 and will last for a duration of 312 days with an end date of Wednesday 20th December 2024.
The diversion route for vehicular traffic travelling southbound will be via A442 Dukes Drive To Waters Upton, Cotwall Lane Roundabout To Shray Hill Farm. For vehicular traffic travelling northbound vice versa.
The restrictions may not be effected for the whole period but it is anticipated that the roads will be restricted as and when traffic signs are in position and only for so long as is necessary to execute works.