1. The following received from Orihuela Costa branch Subject:- Fraudulent Police vehicle checks Origin:-   Policia Nacional

Warning:- A gang of criminals are operating in Spain dressed as Guardia Civil agents and with a look alike Guardia Civil vehicle. They are operating on secondary roads after dark and stopping vehicles on the  pretext of checking drivers for alcohol. They search the vehicles and steal from within. They scan or use cash cards from the vehicle and the victim does not know of the loss. Sometimes, they have used violence. They only operate after dark because their disguise is easy to detect in the daylight but they carry guns.

Action:-  

This is a general warning as it is not known what part of Spain they are in but if you are stopped by Guardia Civil agents  and you are not sure that they are genuine, contact the Police by using the 112 system.

Please pass onto those not on e-mail.

New Credit Card Scam:

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece that they want.

Note: the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

Someone calls you from "VISA"or from "MasterCard".

The scam works like this: "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA/MasterCard. My Badge number is ******. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for €497.99 from a company based in ******?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issue you a credit to your account. This is a company we have been monitoring and the charges range from €297 to €497, just under the

€500 purchase maximum that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (your address), is that correct?"

You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works.

The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card" (he will ask you to turn your card over and look for some numbers") “there are 7 numbers, the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card, these are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card”. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller him the 3 numbers, He will say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number.

The real VISA has told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to file a fraud report.

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BOGUS CALLERS
Teams of bogus “gas men” are working the area again. They will show you ID and credentials but they are phony. If you have not received a letter of appointment for a visit from the gas company with which you have a contract DO NOT LET THEM IN ! 

 
WHAT IS A BOGUS CALLER ?
Many burglars will not go to the trouble of breaking in if they don´t have to.
Bogus callers at your door will pretend to be any one of a number of authentic callers (not just gas men). They may claim to be officials from the Town Hall, service companies or other organizations. They may also pretend to be genuine dealers or salespeople. They may impersonate workmen and say that they need to come in and check something or to make urgent repairs. Even women and young children may be used to gain your trust and entry to your home. These types of bogus caller. all want to steal from you, trick you, or overcharge you for work they do (in a recent case one neighbour was charged 180 euros for a gas regulator (6/7 euros from the ferreteria, a length of rubber piping and five minutes use of a screwdriver !) It is therefore very important to make sure any callers to your home are genuine. Our advice is never to let anyone into your home unless you know them personally or they have been recommended to you by someone that you know and trust.
 
STOP – CHAIN – CHECK
Here is some simple advice to follow to help you to make sure your caller is not a bogus caller.
STOP – Think before you open your door. Are you expecting anyone ? Do they have an appointment ? (The reputable gas companies always make an appointment prior to a visit). If you can, look/talk to them through your door or window.
CHAIN – Secure the door bar or chain before opening the door.
CHECK – Use a door viewer if you have one to see the caller – ask the caller for proof of identity. Check it carefully, but keep the chain on. If the caller doesn´t have an appointment tell them to wait outside while you ring their office to confirm their identity. Use the number from the phone book and not the number on any ID card provided by the caller. Remember – genuine callers will not mind if you check. If the caller is legitimate, you can always ask them to return later in the day when you can have a friend or family member with you. If you have any suspicions at all – do not let the caller into your home. If you think you may be at risk then call the police on 112 or 696 465 481.
 
PROTECT THOSE MOST AT RISK
Unfortunately those at greatest risk from the bogus caller are the most vulnerable in our community such as the very elderly, women and those who live on their own.. That is what makes bogus caller crime such a despicable offence. You can help prevent bogus callers from operating in your area by looking out for potential victims and protecting them. If you have vulnerable, elderly neighbours, particularly those who live on their own, go round and talk to them. Make sure that they have a door chain fitted and that they check the ID of any callers they do not know. Also let them know that they can ask for your help if they are in any doubt and keep an eye out yourself for strangers knocking at their door.
If we looked out for our neighbours in this way we could greatly reduce the number of people who become victims of this very distressing offence.

HELP FOR CRIME VICTIMS
An office dedicated to helping the victims of crime has been officially opened in Torrevieja by Regional Justice Councillor, Miguel Peralta. The facility offers legal advice and practical help to people who have suffered at the hands of criminals. During the first six months, staff at the Oficina de Atención a las Victimas del Delito (OAVD) helped 919 residents – with 351 of the complainants documented as new victims of crime. OAVD workers reported that a total of 64 per cent of the victims were women.

PADRON
Have you registered on the PADRON ? The financial resources allocated to La Marina are in direct proportion to the number of people registered as living on the urbanization (ie on the PADRON). To date there are approx 10,300 on the PADRON (which means that about 50% of our community are not. To put it another way – for every ten people living in La Marina we are allocated financial resources for only five ! The PADRON is simply a register of people living in an area – it has no tax implications - either in Spain or the UK. Street lights, sewage, road markings, rubbish bins and garden waste collection, police, ambulance etc etc all have a cost implication. To meet that cost (and to improve the quality of our services) we need everybody to register. If you have not, it will only take a minute or two at the San Fulgencio Town Hall. There is now an English Councillor in the San Fulgencio town hall who will be able to help you with this.  

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PERSONAL SAFETY: This is information about crime and what you can do to prevent it. It is the job of the Police to fight crime, but we can help to bring crime down. Most crimes are against property, not people, and not many crimes are carefully planned. Young men commit most on the spur of the moment when they see the chance: possessions left in cars or a door or window to a house left open. But you can try to reduce the risk by securing your car and home. This will also help the Police, by giving them more time to tackle serious crime. That is good for you and your family, because it makes your neighbourhood a safer place to live.

The chances that you or a member of your family will be a victim of violent crime are low. Nevertheless many people are frightened that someone close to them may be the victim of an attack, and the best way to reduce the risk of attack is by taking sensible precautions. Make sure that your house or flat is secure. Always secure outside doors. If you have to use a key, keep it nearby, you may need to get out quickly in the event of fire. Don’t give keys to workmen or tradesmen, as they can easily make copies. A telephone extension in your bedroom helps you to feel more secure because you can phone the nearest Co-ordinator or the Police when needed. Never reveal information about yourself to unknown people and never say you are alone. Equally, keep all keys out of sight at all times. Thieves may steal them and then return to finish their crime at a later date. If you think you may have mislaid your keys, get them replaced immediately.

Use only your surname and initials in the phone directory, on the doorplate, and, if you have one, beside an entry system button. If you see signs of a break in at your home, don’t go in, see your nearest Coordinator in your area or phone the District Policeman or the Police. If you are selling your home, don’t show people around on your own. Please use professional accredited estate agents. When you answer the phone say only hello, don’t give your number. If you receive an abusive or threatening phone call, put the receiver down beside the phone, don’t say anything and walk away. This allows the caller to say what he wants. Come back later to replace the receiver. This may help the Police trace the caller. Always keep the emergency services’ telephone numbers close to your phone. In a panic situation you might forget the correct number. If in doubt call 112 or press the red button on your telephone, if fitted. In an emergency you can call the San Fulgencio local police in the patrol car and they will arrive within a few minutes: 696 465 481. 

OUT AND ABOUT: Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Carry your house and car keys in your pockets. If someone grabs your bag, let it go. If you hang on, you could get hurt. Your safety is more important than your property. If you walk home in the dark, get a personal attack alarm.  If you go running, jogging or cycling regularly, try to vary your route and time. Stick to well lit roads with pavements; avoid short cuts or dark alleys; walk facing the traffic; if a car stops and you are afraid scream and shout; get away as quickly as you can; don’t hitch-hike or take lifts from strangers.

If you think you are being followed and you have double-checked by crossing the street, try to go to the nearest place where there are other people. Don’t go to a phone box, as the attacker could trap you there. 

PARKING PLACES, TAXIS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT: If you are going to be out late, try to arrange a lift home or book a taxi; check that the taxi collecting you is the one you ordered; get the name of the taxi company and sit behind the driver. When you arrive home ask the driver to wait until you are inside your house. On Public Transport try to stay away from isolated bus stops, especially after dark; sit near to the driver. On a train, sit in a compartment where there are several people. If you drive a car, think about getting a car phone; make sure that your car is in good condition; keep doors locked when driving, and keep any bag, car phone or valuables out of sight. If you think you are being followed, try to alert others by flashing your lights and sounding your horn. Make as much

noise as possible. If you can, keep driving, until you come to a busy place, a police, fire or ambulance station or a bar. Make sure you have enough money and petrol. Always carry a spare petrol can, warning triangles, a reflective jacket and a torch. After dark, park in a well lit area. Look around before you get out. Have your key ready when you go back to your car. Make sure there is no-one in the car. Never cross the carriageway to use a phone. Look around. If someone approaches you, lock yourself in the car and speak to them through a small gap in the window, try to move your car and get away.

PERSONAL POSSESSIONS: A thief only needs a moment to make off with your valuables. Your coat hung up in a restaurant, your briefcase beside your chair; even your cheque book and cheque card left on the table while you pay the bill. Don’t look away; try to be careful at all times. Money, plastic cards - please don’t make it easy for the pick-pocket. Keep your purse and wallets safe at all times. Keep your cheque card separate from your cheque book - a thief needs both to write a cheque. Never let your handbag out of your sight. Have a safe in your house. Watch your mobile phone and your passport. Computer equipment is an increasingly popular target for thieves. Mark your property. If you have a portable computer, keep it out of sight.

HARASSMENT. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. ASSAULT: Everyone can help protect their community, family and their home by taking the simple crime prevention measures described in this leaflet but some crimes fall into a different category. They are committed for purely racial reasons. Racial harassment, domestic violence, assault at home, at work, in the Community, on the street - the Police and Neighbourhood Watch can help you. Help us to help you!

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: Most people are aware that drinking to excess can damage their health. Drinking and driving are the main cause of accidents on the road and off the road. Young people, like adults, need to know how to drink safely.

Set a good example by drinking sensibly yourself. Children pick up their early knowledge of alcohol by watching adults and are strongly influenced by what they see.

ABSENCE FROM HOME: Most burglaries happen when a house or flat is empty. Don’t advertise your absence when you are on holiday or even out at work or shopping. Mark your valuable possessions with your postcode or other identification.

CAR: Over a quarter of all recorded crimes are car thefts or thefts from cars. It is a problem that affects us all no matter where we live. It takes up valuable Police time and can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. Keep your car safe, make sure that all doors and windows are locked; don’t leave belongings in your car, nothing must be on display; remove the ignition keys; always try to park in a well-lit location. Look around at all times.

HOUSE AND GARDEN: A lot of burglaries can be prevented. Most are committed by opportunist thieves and in two burglaries out of ten the thief does not have to force his way in because a door or window has been left open. Burglars like easy opportunities. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR GATES LOCKED, many robberies are committed when the owners or holidaymakers are actually in the house and the thieves can gain easy access. Also, secure your garage at all times; GET AN ALARM FITTED. They don’t like locked windows because breaking glass attracts attention; they don’t like security deadlocks on doors because they cannot open them even from the inside and they have to get out through a window. Have good doors and windows with double locks; good gates and fences; secure your garage. By putting some chairs, shoes, towels on the terrace it makes it look as if somebody is in the house.

Bicycles and Motorcycles are a popular target with the thieves because they can be easily sold. They should be locked whenever you leave them, even if you are just going into a shop. Mark their frames.

Make sure that your garden shed is always locked and that your garden tools are well stored and secured.      

DENUNCIA: The Local Police and Guardia Civil recommend that you make a denuncia. Please don’t be afraid to denounce. If you have been robbed or assaulted you should go and report it personally to the Guardia Civil at Guardamar. You may need to take an interpreter with you. If you are assaulted or robbed on the La Marina beach you must report it to the Guardia Civil at Santa Pola. In either case, take a passport or residence papers with you. You can make a 'Denuncia' in English. Click Here for more info.

HOJA DE RECLAMACION: This is a complaints form that is issued by the Generalitat Valenciana. You can use this form to complain about any purchase in Spain or any service. By law, every business MUST keep copies of it and they must provide one if asked for by a customer. The Generalitat Valenciana will respond to every complaint received on this form.

You may wish to copy & paste the information stated below onto a document to retain close to your telephone for future reference.