THE July meeting of Sandford Women's Group proved to be an absolute mine of information courtesy of Crediton police and Janet Quinn from Trading Standards.

The subject of the meeting was "Don't get scammed".

Areas addressed by Janet Quinn included scams by various means: Doorstep sales; rogue traders, uninvited post (usually saying you have won money), telephone: both landline and mobile telephone, used by fraudsters either calling or texting.

These are usually impersonating your bank, other companies or friends.  Texts usually have a link which will compromise your computer and personal details.

Information gained can lead to having your identity stolen. Texts from family/friends saying they have run into difficulties and are in need of funds, usually they have lost their mobile phone or it’s broken because of this, they text you another number to contact.  Do not reply.

Janet said "If it seems too good to be true - then it is".

Don’t be fooled by the "Romance Scam", that "wonderful man” will eventually ask you for money with a sad sob story.  (We do know it happens the other way around but more rarely).

Something less well-known perhaps, on a number of media platforms is the "share request" often a post headed as “Lost”, it could be a child, a cat, dog or bracelet etc. You are asked to share this with as many others as you can.

This is information gathering, which enables scammers to not only gain lots of names but enables them to set new scams.   Also the best investments offered - avoid, use registered and regulated financial advisers.

Email, Janet repeated the most important factor is your password.  Never share it, or use the same password for everything.  Use two-factor ID, this is where you are sent a code to ensure it is you.

You can block email addresses in the same way as telephone numbers can be blocked.

Don’t use "pop ups", these are small adverts that suddenly appear on your screen.  Don’t respond to an email that is from someone you know to be dead.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Citizens Advice (CA) Action Fraud has lots of information on awareness and scam prevention.  The CA website will have information as will the Trading Standards website.  You cannot directly contact Trading Standards, you have to go through CA.

To report a fraud text 7726.  For email it is: report@phising .

One other clarification Janet gave regarding was consumer rights.

Many people wrongly believe they are entitled to a refund if they change their mind after purchasing goods.  Whilst many retailers will allow you a refund, this is their business model/practice.  It is not a legal requirement.  However, if the item purchased is faulty then you are entitled to a refund.

Although daytime television is not Sandford Women's Group recommendation, there are some very informative programmes on BBC1 in the mornings about all the above issues.

The police advice is that if you believe you are at risk or in any danger and need immediate support, call 999.

For non-emergency contact call 101.  It may be quicker to email Devon and Cornwall Police - look for Devon and Cornwall Police on the internet, where you will find email addresses.

We welcomed a new member to our group and would like to repeat that this group is open to residents outside of Sandford.  So come along and trial a session - it’s free the first time.  

It was then refreshments time with a variety of biscuits, after which we held the business section.

Next meeting: Garden design - Thursday, September 7 - 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Sandford Cricket Club. 

Sandra Ragalsky for SWG