I have been considering whether to alter our answerphone message to something like:
“Hello. Please leave your name, number and message and we’ll get back to you.”
At present, the message states that there’s no-one at home, which might send out the wrong message to the wrong people!
you could put
“Please ring back later I am having sex right now”
Hi this is Malcolm’s new answering service; it uses telepathy to read your mind. At the BEEP think about your name, then your number, then think about your reason for calling… and he will think about calling you back.
Asda £1000 Gift card
Watch out for emails offering a £1000 Morisons or Asda Gift Card.
You get asked to fill out a form to get the gift!
There is a scam, of this nature, about!
had one from amazon by a woman on recorded message saying there had been money withdrawn from my account, and to check push button 1 on the phone. same call twice yesterday
I have been told from a reliable source, that if you suspect that you get a time wasting (scam) telephone call, just pick up the phone but do not say anything. It rings off within a few seconds. It works as I have tried it.
If it is a call from someone you know they will answer with a “hello are you there?”
We’ve got a landline but rarely use it, it rarely rings and when it does we rarely answer … unless we’re expecting a call.
We’ve had a few dodgy calls in the last week: “Amazon”, “Your Bank”, (both recorded messages suggesting I press one). When I googled the numbers, no mention of anything …
I’ve since learnt that googling numbers is pointless because scammers now use software to disguise the true number they’re calling from.
Another PayPal scam warning:
Scam Warning - Fake Paypal Emails
Action Fraud is warning people selling items online to be on the lookout for criminals sending fake PayPal emails.
Between January 2020 and September 2020, 21,349 crime reports were made to Action Fraud about fake PayPal emails.
Victims reported losing a total of £7,891,077.44 during this time.
Those targeted included people selling jewellery, furniture and electronics via online marketplaces.
Reports of fake PayPal emails to Action Fraud made up a third of all reports of online shopping and auction fraud during this period.
How does it happen?
Criminals have been targeting people selling items online, by sending them emails purporting to be from PayPal. The emails trick victims into believing they have received payment for the items they’re selling on the platform.
Typically, after receiving these emails, victims will ship the item to the criminal. This leaves them at a further disadvantage having not received any payment for the item and also no longer being in possession of it.
How can you protect yourself?
Sellers beware: If you’re selling items on an online marketplace, be aware of the warning signs that your buyer is a scammer. Scammers may have negative feedback history, or may have recently set up a new account to avoid getting poor feedback. Don’t be persuaded into sending anything until you can verify you’ve received the payment.
Scam messages: Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.
How to spot the difference: A PayPal email will address you by your first and last name, or your business name, and will never ask you for your full password, bank account, or credit card details in a message.
If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Beware those who are expecting parcel deliveries, as most of us are at this time of year.
There is a DPD scam doing the rounds.
My friend got an email a few days ago, saying they couldn’t deliver her parcel (twice) so she had to now pay for them to come back again.
Today, I also received an email saying they were DPD.
They said they had tried to deliver my parcel but I was out and there was no ‘safe place’ to leave it.
They then said they needed to check the address they had was accurate so would I give them my proper address and postcode to make sure they had it right.
All this was lies of course.
For a start I was in all morning, and I know beyond doubt a DPD driver didn’t knock here.
Also I remembered them trying to catch my friend out, too.
I went on to DPD’s website to ask them if they were aware criminals were using their name, and found this:
Scammers are always trying to find new ways of duping people. That’s the first I’ve heard of that one.
Thanks Mups. 
Yes, thanks Mups, good to know and watch out for…B’stards!..
I’ve had a couple of emails from British Airways (allegedly) with a pic of an aeroplane. Addressed:
Dear [SALUATION_TXT],
… and they want me to click on something.
Although nothing has been clicked, the sender knows you have at least looked at/opened the e-mail. This is because you have the display of images enabled.
https://www.howtogeek.com/368201/how-people-can-see-when-you-open-emails-and-how-to-stop-them/
Amateurish!
Fortunately, virtually all of my junk mail goes straight to my Spam folder. I’ve never liked Spam. Any emails I don’t recognise which don’t automatically get ditched, I just mark as Spam for the next time.
Thanks mart, that’s interesting … 1x1 pixel, invisible to the human eye!
I’m not fussed about hiding the fact I’ve looked at an email, but thought I might try it anyway. I use btinternet.com but can’t find a Settings button. I could Ask the BT Community but don’t have the energy right now.
Yes, thats how I feel about 'em too, Foxy.
With the tremendous increase in online shoppers this year, I bet the scammers are taking as many opportunities as they can to catch us out.
I detest them.
To be honest Mups, I avoid shopping online as much as is possible these days…Call me ‘Old Fashioned’…
Beware of a an old bloke, in a Red suit, parking his sleigh outside your door, or even on your roof.
If you see one, tug his beard, to see if he’s real, and look closely at his credentials.
Then send him on his merry way!
