Tag: awareness campaign

Drivers warned of rise in moped scammers stealing people’s details

Drivers are being urged to avoid exchanging unnecessary details after an accident, such as pictures of their insurance certificate and driving licence, following a rise in a new crash for cash tactic involving identity theft – warns the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).

Since last summer, the IFB has discovered over 1,100 fraudulent motor insurance policies were taken out by moped scammers using stolen details of crash for cash victims, which can result in significant emotional distress and financial hardship for those affected.[1]

The issue links to a £75 million insurance fraud scheme, which to date has seen 4,700 innocent road users deliberately targeted by two-wheel scammers in collisions across London, and more recently, in the South East.[2]

To help protect the public from this devastating new scam, the IFB has launched an awareness appeal to urge road users to watch out for the warning signs and report it to CheatLine.

John Davies, Intelligence & Investigations Manager at the IFB, said: ““This latest trend shows just how relentless moped scammers are, as not only are they putting innocent road users at risk and accusing them of causing collisions, they’re now stealing their details to commit financial crime and it’s having a horrendous impact on victims.

“It’s important to remember, if you’ve had an accident and the other driver wants a photo of your insurance certificate or driving licence, that’s a red flag – you only legally need to share your name, address and vehicle registration number. Don’t be pressured into handing over anything else.

“We’re working closely with insurers and the police to stop this fraudulent activity. Anyone who believes they have evidence of a crash for cash or thinks their details have been stolen for an insurance scam, should report it to CheatLine.”

Detective Inspector Marek Coghill at City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), said: “Organised criminal gangs continue to cause collisions with innocent parties’ vehicles for the purpose of benefitting from bogus insurance claims and stealing the identity or policy details of the innocent party.

“These ‘crashes’ often occur at low speed, particularly junctions, incurring minor or no impact, and little damage to either vehicle. The value of the insurance claims is often inflated, for repairs, storage, and replacement vehicles, which makes this lucrative criminal activity attractive for fraudsters. It is important that the public remain alert to this type of fraud, and we encourage communities to share knowledge of this offending.

“If you witness or are involved in a collision and suspect it is Crash for Cash fraud, gather as much information as possible. This could be the make and model of the moped, its number plate, livery, or the clothing that the driver is wearing.

“These details could be invaluable in disproving a fraudulent claim. Report the incident as soon as possible to the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s CheatLine.”

The scale and impact of crash for cash moped scams

Crash for cash moped scams have been on the rise since 2021. They are common across London, and recently there have been growing reports in South-East England; including in Chelmsford in Essex, Hertford, Rickmansworth and St Albans in Hertfordshire.

While anyone can be affected, victims are more often women who are driving alone or with their children, and there have been recent reports of elderly people being targeted.

Unlike traditional crash for cash scams where fraudsters slam on their car brake to cause a collision with the victim behind, moped scammers drive into oncoming traffic. They often hide out of sight in a side road or parking space, then drive into victims as they head towards them, before throwing their moped to the ground, taking photos and accusing the other driver of fault.

In this latest development, moped scammers are exploiting the need to exchange details after a collision, by pressuring victims who may be in a distressed or confused state, into showing a copy of their insurance certificate or driving licence, which is photographed at the roadside.

The fraudsters then steal their details, which can be used in a range of financial crimes. Notably, this includes taking out fraudulent insurance policies, which are used to facilitate bogus claims linked to crash for cash activity.

In one case, a victim of a moped scam who was pressured into showing their details, had over 40 insurance policies taken out using their stolen information, which was discovered after they started receiving letters in the post.

In other instances, the scammers are also using these stolen details to hijack victims’ existing insurance policies and implicate them with fraudulent insurance claims.

The IFB is working closely with the insurance industry and IFED at City of London Police to disrupt the issue, which so far has helped to prevent thousands of fraudulent claims from being paid out. As moped scammers’ tactics continue to evolve and become more aggressive, the public is being urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicions to CheatLine to help bring the fraudsters to justice.

Top tips to stay safe from moped scammers

Look out

Be vigilant of anyone on a moped (or motorcycle) who is lingering unnecessarily or trying to hide out of sight, at the end or sides of roads or behind parked vehicles.

Know the signs

The moped scammer will drive head-on into their victim, may throw their moped down and even drop to the floor to fake an injury, before taking photos of the incident. They might also have an accomplice appear to act as a witness.

Collect information

If targeted, collect as much info about the incident as possible, including details of the other road user, any witnesses, photographs and recordings (local CCTV or dashcam footage).

Do not exchange unnecessary details

After an accident, drivers are only legally required to exchange their name, address and vehicle registration. Do not share further information; including copies of insurance certificates and driving licences.

Report it

If targeted in a suspected crash for cash scam, victims should tell their insurer and contact their local police force. Evidence can be reported to IFB’s confidential CheatLine service via an online form, or phoneline (powered by CrimeStoppers) at 0800 422 0421. 

Youth Vaping Awareness Campaign Hits The Scottish Parliament

VPZ, the UK’s leading vape retailer, took to the streets surrounding Holyrood yesterday in a youth vaping awareness campaign to highlight concerns around super-size disposable vapes in the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

A specially designed trailer was outside the Scottish Parliament to shed light on the alarming rise of illicit ‘Big Puff’ vapes and its impact on youth vaping.

The trailer featured two striking 1-tonne containers, one filled with legal 2ml vapes (35000 units) and the other packed with illicit, super-size disposable vapes (9000 units), showcasing the stark visual representation of the challenges the industry and policymakers could face if appropriate measures are not taken.

So-called ‘Big Puff’ vapes exploit a loophole in the vaping law that allows the sale of devices with greater liquid capacity than the legislated 2 ml.

By utilising an external plug-in tank of 10 ml, these vaping units effectively become a 12 ml product, which is 6 times more than the allowed vaping liquid in a disposable device. New devices are being approved by the MHRA weekly, some with more capacity than 12ml.

Despite being considered rechargeable, the super-size vape products are made with a low-quality battery, and an unchangeable coil which effectively makes them single use.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1900196678507856190

Greig Fowler, Director of VPZ – The Vaping Specialist, said: “We hope that our campaign will serve as a wake-up call to policymakers and the public, as it’s crucial that MPs act now to address the dangers of these super-sized disposables before the UK finds itself in the midst of another youth and environmental crisis.

“VPZ is taking a stand against the dangers posed by the unregulated vaping products that threaten to undermine the forthcoming disposable ban in June. Our mission is to highlight the urgent need for action and collaboration to tackle these arising issues to the public.

“Dr Caroline Johnson outlined amendment NC9 which would bring this area into check, however, that was discussed and rejected following a vote. The problem needs addressed now and not in 12-18 months’ time when the Bill is passed.

“If we fail to respond decisively now, we risk further harm to young people, an environmental disaster, and undermining vaping’s role as a smoking cessation tool, which has helped millions to quit smoking.

“We must work together to strike the right balance, protecting smokers and ex-smokers while preventing further damage to public health and the environment.”

VPZ strongly supports most of the Tobacco & Vapes Bill measures to tackle youth access, including restriction of naming, packaging, and marketing.

However, it believes that there should be a balanced regulatory approach to protect adult smokers looking to quit while effectively cracking down on illicit and unregulated products in order for the UK to reach its 2030 Smoke-Free goals.

VPZ has previously warned adult vapers that the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill could restrict some the favourite flavours that helped them quit smoking, potentially affecting around 3 million vapers and ex-smokers if passed.

VPZ has over 185 stores in the UK and has helped over 1 million smokers quit since it was established in 2012.

The Hill Group launches national schools engagement campaign on construction site safety

Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group has launched an important awareness campaign aimed at engaging primary school children about the dangers of entering a construction site.

Hill is rolling out the campaign to all primary schools nationwide during Child Safety Week, 3-9 June, which is run by the Accident Prevention Trust. The campaign is centred around an educational video featuring Hill’s safety mascots, Jack and Jill, who demonstrate to children the rules that must be observed around building sites.

Child safety is a vital topic for the housebuilding industry; the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that each year, two or three children die after gaining access to building sites, and many more are injured.

The video, along with downloadable activity worksheets, will be accessible on Hill’s website, and the housebuilder will be engaging directly with primary schools in proximity to its current and forthcoming developments.

The initiative is supported by the Home Builders Federation (HBF), as well as the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Rhodri Williams, Technical and Sustainability Director at HBF, said: “Health and safety is vital in our industry, particularly as our members engage with communities where homes are being built.

“We are pleased to see child safety given a platform promoting awareness of best safety practices and protecting children. This will complement existing health and safety site practices in fostering safer communities for all.”

Lucie Wright, Head of Strategy at CITB, said:“Engaging with children to demonstrate the need for health and safety on a construction site is not just important for their wellbeing, but also provides an opportunity to introduce and promote the construction industry to younger generations – an urgent need for the industry.”

“Having workers that are trained and qualified in health and safety standards is vital for ensuring an employer’s workforce can keep themselves and those around them safe. It’s brilliant to see The Hill Group launch this initiative and raise awareness of health and safety on construction sites for children.”

The campaign was launched at Newport Primary School in Essex. Hill’s Charlotte Blair, the presenter on the awareness video, was on hand to deliver an assembly to the school on the importance of construction site safety with the help of mascots, Jack and Jill.

The assembly included a screening of the campaign film to all of the children and teachers at Newport Primary School which is located near Hill’s highly sustainable Hollymead Square development, where the housebuilder has collaborated on various school community activities since starting on site in February.

Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director at The Hill Group, commented “A construction site may seem like a fun place to explore for young children, but the risks of entering can be extremely serious.

“As a responsible housebuilder committed to prioritising health and safety, we actively engage and inform local communities about the work that we do, and site safety is a particularly important message to share.

“I’m very grateful to Newport Primary School for allowing myself, Jack, and Jill to present to the children, and we look forward to rolling out the campaign to more schools over the weeks ahead.”

Sherlyn Ramsey, Interim Head Teacher at Newport Primary School, commented: “It’s wonderful to see The Hill Group working towards safeguarding children in this way and informing them of the risks posed by construction site activity.

“The assembly was a great success, with the awareness video and campaign messages able to convey vital information in a fun and informative way to primary school children of all ages.”

Some readers may still recall an awful accident in Muirhouse back in August 1999, when brother and sister William (6) and Danielle (5) Welsh were killed by a reversing lorry when they played hide and seek on a construction site off Pennywell Road.

Dad living with Lyme disease urges people to be tick aware when enjoying the outdoors this summer

 
Glasgow father-of-three Rico Franchi, who has lived with Lyme disease for the past 12 years, has backed a national campaign to raise awareness of tick bites and the symptoms of Lyme disease.
 
With a new survey revealing over half of people in Scotland (54 per cent) don’t know what to do when bitten by a tick, the Scottish Government campaign drives home the importance of acting quickly if a tick is found on the body.
 
The research also highlighted how common tick bites are, with almost two thirds of people in Scotland (64 per cent) having been bitten by a tick, or knowing someone who has been bitten.
 
Forty-year-old singer and vocal coach Rico has been living with Lyme disease since 2010, when he first experienced symptoms including extreme fatigue and joint pain. He was diagnosed around two years later, and the disease continues to impact his day-to-day life. Today, he encourages people to be aware of the early signs and seek medical advice early if concerned:
 
“Rewind to 2010, I was super healthy, super fit, I was always in the gym, or playing football or practicing martial arts. But in the space of a couple of weeks, I started to develop headaches, muscle aches and severe fatigue.
 
“It completely floored me, and my lifestyle changed completely. I basically had to conserve all my energy for work, and even then, I struggled. For over two years I searched for a diagnosis, which was frustrating, as it was hard trying to explain how I was feeling. Eventually, a friend’s dad who was a doctor suggested I get tested for Lyme Disease. Six weeks later my results came back positive.
 
“Like many sufferers, I can’t recall where I got bitten. Ticks are incredibly hard to spot so it could have been years before, even when I was a child, with symptoms only occurring years later.
 
“One of the worst things about Lyme disease is not knowing how you’re going to feel when you wake up in the morning, if it’s going to be a good day or a bad day. I play a lot of gigs and sing at lots of weddings, meaning late nights and long days, it’s quite an intense job. It’s challenging putting on a brave face most days, but when you’re self-employed, you must, and ultimately, it’s usually my family that suffers my complaints.
 
“I have my three kids, my wife and I love my job, so I am still able to live a happy life. I am fortunate because a lot of others with Lyme disease can’t. However, I would love to be able to do sport again, or just go for a big walk without feeling completely out of breath, and not always have to ration my energy.
 
“At the time I got infected with Lyme disease, myself and my parents didn’t know anything about Lyme disease or what to look out for. If we’d known, we might have caught it early and had it treated.
 
“So many people still have no idea what this invisible illness is. I hope this campaign helps create awareness of Lyme disease and associated symptoms and encourages more people to take precautions against tick bites when spending time outdoors, so they don’t have to go through what I did.”

 Two thirds of people in Scotland (66 per cent) aren’t aware of the earliest and most common symptoms of Lyme disease, which include a red circular rash on the skin, often described as looking like a bullseye on a dart board.

People can also experience cold or flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, headaches and muscle or joint pain. 
 
Ticks can be found throughout Scotland in wooded and grassy areas, so preventative measures when outdoors, such as sticking to pathways instead of going through long grass, using a repellent spray on clothing and not exposing skin can help reduce the risk of being bitten.
 
According to data, Scotland has 25% of UK cases of Lyme disease, and Professor of Molecular Microbiology for the University of Glasgow, Tom Evans, today reinforced that prevention is key to reducing the risk of serious infection:
 
“Ticks are in peak season in summer, and with people spending more time outdoors it’s important that they take steps to prevent becoming ill from Lyme disease.
 
“If you do get bitten, you should remove the tick as soon as possible to prevent infection. Using fine-tipped tweezers to gently grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull it steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing it. Special tick removers are also available from most pharmacies. You should wash the area with water and soap afterwards and apply an antiseptic cream.
 
“Lyme disease can be difficult to detect, and while most cases are mild, if not found early it can have serious and lifelong side effects. Therefore it’s really important to be aware of any symptoms in the weeks following a tick bite so it can be effectively treated.” 

Dr Emilia Crighton, Interim Director of Public Health for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “As long as you are diligent when out and about this summer, you should be ok.

“Being careful to check yourself for ticks after a trip to the countryside is really important and means if you’ve been bitten, you’ll be able to spot and remove the tick quickly, which help minimize the chances of Lyme disease. Otherwise, be aware of the common symptoms, particularly if you have been out in the countryside recently.”
 
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We definitely want people to spend time in Scotland’s beautiful outdoors, but with tick populations especially high in the summer months, we also want to make sure people do so safely.
 
“Ticks can be found all over Scotland so wherever you are spending time outdoors this summer, taking measures to prevent bites, knowing what to do if you are bitten, and being able to recognise the signs of Lyme disease will help avoid infection.
 
“More information about ticks and Lyme disease is available at NHS inform, and we’ve also placed information posters in pharmacies across Scotland where you can go for more advice about ticks.”
 
For more information about ticks visit nhsinform.scot/lyme-disease.