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Canadian scam targets pensioners
CANADIAN con artists are defrauding vulnerable Westminster pensioners out of thousands of pounds using an elaborate prize-draw scam.
Victims are told a £500,000 cash prize has arrived in the country and that further funds must be sent to UK “agents” to release it.
They are in fact a second set of victims who have been told they would receive cash from “sponsors”, which should be banked and sent to Canada.
The Office of Fair Trading, which is working with Westminster police and trading standards officers, say at least 22 elderly victims of have been identified to date – losing collectively at least £350,000 to a single scammer.
Sue Jones, who is head of trading standards at Westminster Council, said: “This is the first time we’ve seen people used as money mules through scams in the UK, but they are much more common in America and Canada.
“Unfortunately, it looks like we may see more of these as fraudsters invent ever more sophisticated scams.”
Anyone who is contacted about an alleged prize draw should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
While Westminster Council claims the camera is predominately for security purposes, shop owners and residents are angry that it is being used to issue parking tickets.
When £2,000 of damage was caused by vandals to a neighbouring restaurant, the camera failed to help identify the perpetrator during the investigation.
Waiting restrictions are in place on the road from 8.30am-6.30pm Monday to Friday, and until 1.30pm on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Kevin Goad, the council’s assistant director of parking, said: “We understand that parking in London can be confusing and are working hard to improve road users’ understanding of the rules.
“However, it is imporant to stress that while motorists are permitted to stop on a yellow line if they are seen to be loading or unloading, it is not permitted to park on a yellow line during controlled hours.”
In June, the council’s privacy restrictions came under fire when a Freedom of Information request revealed the camera zoomed in towards a bedroom window.
Neighbours have previously been assured that the rotating camera, which is manned by operators in the council’s CCTV centre in Lisson Grove, would automatically blur out when passing over residential rooms.
More than 10 per cent of all penalty charges – £5million a year – are issued as a result of the council’s 261 cameras. |
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