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East_End_Life_23Jun2014

Who’s heading for victory? Dads show off their skills in school football tournament see page 10 NEWS FROM TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY Don’t fall victim to bank card swindle Warning after vulnerable residents hit by ‘courier fraud’ with the feeling of insecurity that may last forever. “My officers, working with our borough partners, will continue to pursue these unscrupulous criminals. Please help us by making sure anyone you know who may be vulnerable to courier fraud is aware of this scam.” Officers are advising people to be aware of the following: ■ Police and banks will never ask for your PIN or bank card; ■ Never give your PIN or bank card to anyone; ■ If you are contacted by someone who asks for these, hang up; ■ Use a different line to report the call to police on 101 or allow at least five minutes for the line to automatically clear; ■ Call 999 if you see a crime being committed. If you have information about courier fraud or any other crime contact police by dialing 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The Little Book of Big Scams can be downloaded here: www.met.police.uk/docs/ little_book_scam.pdf EDDIE GOES EAST ISSUE 1015 23 – 29 JUNE 2014 Your gnashers are in safe hands State-of-the-art dental hospital opens in Whitechapel see pages 18 & 19 WWW.TOWERHAMLETS.GOV.UK Free valuation: 020 7791 5333 www.city-fox.co.uk *Terms & Conditions Apply 190 Mile End Rd London E1 4LJ Sell your property in 30 days 105 LONDONPHONECOMPANY.COM BY JESSICA ODUBAYO ELDERLY and vulnerable residents are being warned against falling v i c tim to so- called courier fraud, following 43 reports of the crime to Tower Hamlets Police over the last year. Courier fraud is a sophisticated crime where scammers telephone the victim, claiming to be someone from their bank, or the police. BBC London radio presenter Eddie Nestor hit the streets of Tower Hamlets on Tuesday, June 17 with Mayor Lutfur Rahman, on a whistle-stop tour of the borough. He visited regeneration schemes including Poplar Baths and the Ocean Estate in Stepney, St Paul’s Way Trust School and East London Central Synagogue. Eddie, right, is pictured outside the synagogue with (from left) Mayor Rahman, chair of Tower Hamlets inter-faith forum Rev Alan Green and Leon Silverman, synagogue president. The crooks then convince the person to reveal their PIN number and hand their credit or debit card to a courier or taxi driver, who may not know they are being used as part of the scam. The victim may be asked to ring the number on the back of their card, thereby further convincing the victim that the call is genuine. However, the scammer keeps the line open so that the victim unknowingly talks to another member of the gang, posing as a bank employee. Earlier this year, trainee special constable Naiem Hussain was jailed for two years for trying to cheat 86-year-old Doris King out of £10,000. The 21-yearold, from Mansell Street in Whitechapel, took Mrs King to her bank to withdraw the money after telling her she may be prosecuted if she did not co-operate. Suspicious bank staff called the police and Hussain was arrested. Borough police commander Dave Stringer said: “These crimes affect people who are among the most vulnerable in our community. As well as the financial loss, they are also left In praise of the volunteers Unsung heroes win awards for years of selfless dedication see page 6


East_End_Life_23Jun2014
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