Beware of ‘road surfacing’ scams in Louth and Horncastle

Beware of ‘road surfacing’ scams in Louth and Horncastle

We have received reports of ‘road surfacing’ scams in the Louth and Horncastle areas and are informing members of the public across the county for awareness also.

It has been reported that chippings, commonly known as ‘tarmac’, have been offloaded onto two properties without prior agreement with landowners, with payment being requested for work and materials that have not been sought. Fabricated stories for depositing materials have been given.

We are making our community aware of this activity, asking that you to notify us immediately with as much detail as possible (vehicle registrations, prominent clothing or characteristics of people of note) if you become aware of any other instances.

You can get in touch a number of ways:

By calling 101, stating reference ‘26000039877’

By emailing our Force Control Room via force.control@lincs.police.uk, quoting ‘Niche 26000039877’ in the subject line.

Or anonymously, via the Crimestoppers website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

Always call 999 in an emergency.

All intelligence is handled sensitively and confidentially.

You can also read the appeal on our website.

Personal fraud and how to prevent it

Fraud is when a person lies to you, or ‘scams’ you, to gain an advantage, such as taking your money or learning private information about you. This could be via email, text, phone or in person, either on the street or on your doorstep.

Some adults may be especially vulnerable to fraud and financial abuse. If you’re concerned about someone you know, contact your local social services and ask for Adult Social Care.

With a little knowledge you can protect yourself from fraudsters too:

Learn the ten golden rules to prevent fraud (see below).

Find out about the most common types of fraud

For more information and help and to report fraud, go to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre.

Ten golden rules to prevent fraud

Remember these ten golden rules to help you prevent fraud and beat the scammers.

Be suspicious of all ‘too good to be true’ offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.

Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision.

Don’t hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s.

Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comfortable with.

Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.

Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email.

Don’t just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a company’s success.

Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.

If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help.

Don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there’s no shame in being deceived. By reporting it, you'll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.

Get help or report a scam

If you think you’ve uncovered a scam, been targeted by a scam or fallen victim to fraudsters, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at Action Fraud.

Reporting crime, including fraud, is important. If you don’t tell the authorities, how do they know it’s happened and how can they do anything about it?

Remember that if you’re a victim of a scam or an attempted scam, however minor, there may be hundreds or thousands of others in a similar position. Your information may form part of one big jigsaw and be vital to completing the picture.

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