Fighting
Business Crime Together
Business
Crime continues to be a concern for Members. In recognition
of this, St Helens Chamber is continuing to push the
issue on both local and national agendas. We are urging
Members to share their experiences and views of crime
against business. This information will enable us to
keep up pressure on the police and government in the
fight against Business Crime. The results of the British
Chamber of Commerce’s National Survey 2001 were
instrumental in placing the issue of crime against business
higher on the Home Office’s agenda and have provided
the catalyst for a number of initiatives, including
the appointment of Regional Business Crime Reduction
Advisors throughout England and Wales.
The
fieldwork for the 2004 business crime survey will take
place during February 2004 and your support is vital
in taking forward business concerns both locally and
nationally. We would like to here about any crime related
issues that have affected your business, working closely
with both Merseyside Police and St Helens Council’s
Safer Communities Team and we maybe able to offer some
solutions. For further information please contact Sue
Waller on 01744 742089 or email sue.waller@sthelenschamber.com
Telephone
Credit Card Scams.
The Fraud Wing at Merseyside Police Force’s Crime
Operations Unit is asking the Chamber to make companies
aware of the following scam.
A
police colleague was contacted by phone and the caller
said that he was from the security and fraud department
at Visa Card. He gave a name and a badge number, which
we now know is fictitious.
He
said: “Your Card has been flagged for an unusual
spend pattern and I’m calling to verify if you
purchased a (this could be any item) for £497.99
from a marketing company based in (anywhere).”
When
you say no, the caller continued: “We will be
issuing your account with a credit for £497.99.
This is a company that we have been watching for some
time now and the charge figure is usually just under
the £500.00 purchase pattern, which flags most
cards. Before your next statement a credit will be sent
to you (gives you your address), is that correct?”
You say that it is.
The
caller continues “I will be starting a fraud investigation,
if you have any queries then call the 0800 number on
your card and quote this control number.” He then
gives you a six digit number and asks if you need him
to repeat the number.
He
then says: “I need to verify that you are in possession
of your card, turn the card over and there are seven
numbers. The first four are (1234 or whatever, these
are usually the last four embossed numbers on the face
of the card); the next three are security numbers that
verify that you are in possession of the card. These
are the numbers that you would use when you make a purchase
over the inter-net, to prove that you are in possession
of your card. Read me the three numbers.” You
give him the numbers.
“That
is correct, I just needed to make sure that the card
had not been lost or stolen. Do you have any questions?
Please don’t hesitate to call back if you do.”
The
telephone conversation finished, and the police colleague
did have a question to ask. When he phoned Visa Card
he was told that no such situation was in progress and,
that £497.99 had been debited from his account
within the last few minutes.
The
lessons to be learned here is that genuine Visa, MasterCard,
Barclay Card etc, will never ask for details of your
card numbers over the phone. The security number on
the back of your Credit Card should never be given to
anyone unless by your instigation.
Liverpool
- London Air Link Restored
St
Helens Chamber is delighted to see the restoration of
a Liverpool to London air link after extensive lobbying
from Chambers in Merseyside, alongside Liverpool John
Lennon Airport and the Daily Post. The long term sustainability
of this service will require the support of local people
and business community to secure the future of the route.
If the flight does not prove to be popular the service
will not continue.
The
new VLM service from Liverpool - to London City starts
on Monday 23rd February 2004, with five return flights
every weekday, plus two each Sunday and one on Saturday.
Flights are less than an hour with fares costing from
£73.30 return including taxes and charges. Book
online now at VLM
or call the VLM's Liverpool reservations number 0151
236 9696.
For more
information on representation please contact Sue
Waller on 01744 742089
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