Chesterfield Online Forum

General Category => Chesterfield Discussion => Topic started by: Old Cruser on May 14, 2013, 10:45:01 AM

Title: Scam Mail
Post by: Old Cruser on May 14, 2013, 10:45:01 AM
This is I think a good idea - if it works?
many of us will have been concerend about a vulnerable person we know getting sucked in by the scam mail.
A Derbyshire Incentive

http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/news_events/news-updates/2013/may/news_items/help_trading_standards_put_stop_to_scam_mail.asp (http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/news_events/news-updates/2013/may/news_items/help_trading_standards_put_stop_to_scam_mail.asp)
Title: Re: Scam Mail
Post by: Pete on May 14, 2013, 12:06:22 PM
Worth a go I suppose, but these scammers are a resourceful bunch. Good luck with it, hope it helps.
Title: Re: Scam Mail
Post by: Big Dave on May 14, 2013, 03:02:27 PM
Surely the first thing to do is register with the Mail Preference Service to reduce the amount of unsolicited mail you receive?
http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/what/ (http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/what/)

I'm disappointed that there's no mention of this in the DCC press release or in the DT. Perhaps taking sensible precautions doesn't make good headlines.
Title: Re: Scam Mail
Post by: simondjuk on May 14, 2013, 03:51:25 PM
I hope it works too.  Although it wont stop the scammers, it might slow them down a bit.

Did you know, if you get unsolicited texts you can forward them on to your provider?
Title: Re: Scam Mail
Post by: Old Cruser on May 14, 2013, 04:04:43 PM
Simon I didn't know that. (I don't get them old bog standard phone).
Hubby does though and we are wondering 'how' they got the information he had an 'accident'
At a Sheffield hospital a few years ago he went for drinks and the assistant knocked the hot cup of coffee over his foot - he had sandals on and is diabetic. He had to be taken to the Northern General out patience for treatment it was just two days before a cruise to Norway. Made a right mess of his foot and ruined his holiday.
Since then he has regular texts about compo. which he won't do - wonder where they got the info from - or is a regular text to anyone???
I will pass that on to him
Thanks   :)
Title: Re: Scam Mail
Post by: simondjuk on May 14, 2013, 08:08:36 PM
The information is sold on but im not sure who starts it all off.

If you get a text and it says 'text 'stop' to opt out', don't do anything, just ignore it.  If you text back they know the number is live so you go on a list which then gets sold on and it repeats and you'll start getting more.

Same with answering calls you dont know who they are, same applies.

Ill try and find out the numbers you forward them too, I had them ages ago.  Its different for each provider
Title: Re: Scam Mail
Post by: Old Cruser on May 14, 2013, 08:12:36 PM
I never answer calls to my mobile if there is no name ie - they have to be on my calls list.
I have started reporting telephone calls from cold callers via the internet.
The only people who knew my hubby had his accident at the hospital were the nursing staff and amblulance drivers who transfered him down to the Northern General.
Title: Re: Scam Mail
Post by: simondjuk on May 14, 2013, 08:13:05 PM
Ok they seem to have changed it, forward spam to 7726 regardless of network provider.
Title: Re: Scam Mail
Post by: simondjuk on May 14, 2013, 08:15:14 PM
Im not sure TBH.  My guess is that its all on computers and someone has access.  Maybe freedom of information?

Otherwisde its probably just a mailshot.  I get them for car accidents, but ive been driving for 17 years and never had one.
Title: Re: Scam Mail
Post by: Old Cruser on May 14, 2013, 08:39:34 PM
The issue that annoys us with it is - if it is someone in the NHS surly it should come under confidentiality? What would happen if a GP breached it?
Not good who ever passes it on
Just had a thought!!
When we were last renewing our hols insurance I had to declare my fall when i injured my back/ cracked some ribs - it 'may' have been the insurance company??? Hubby had to declare the burn on his foot before we went away!!
Title: Re: Scam Mail
Post by: simondjuk on May 15, 2013, 06:50:45 PM
They could come from anywhere. You may have given your mobile number out legit and its been sold on from there.  You'd be surprised how info can be gained.

I only noticed the other day that my mobile number was on my facebook profile.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: Scam Mail
Post by: Pete on May 15, 2013, 07:11:17 PM
Going back to the original post, I remember a lady from around here starting a campaign to fight these monsters after her own mother was taken in by scammers and fleeced of a load of money - they had the old lady fighting with her own kids because she believed the scammers propaganda.

Here you go - a real eye-opener - http://www.thinkjessica.com/ (http://www.thinkjessica.com/)