Posts Tagged ‘Lewis Hymanson Small’
Fraud victims targeted by bogus recovery experts
Legal and security experts are warning fraud victims to be alert for criminals claiming to be able to recover lost money.
People who have been cheated out of their savings are being approached by legal recovery companies promising to recover their money for a fee.
However, all too often the company is a front for the original fraudsters or another criminal who has been sold the victim’s details.
The Association of Chief Police Officers’ Working Group on Fraud discussed the crime and alerted forces to be aware of the threat.
Daniel Berke, head of fraud at law firm Lewis Hymanson Small, said;
“These are clever fraudsters, targeting innocent victims and conning them out of their last savings. Be wary of any firms that contact you directly claiming to be able to help, especially if they’re getting in touch before you have even contacted the police or your own legal expert.”
Jim Watson, managing director of Shred Easy, one of the UK’s largest confidential data destruction companies, said;
“You should avoid any company asking for cash to recover stolen monies. In order to stop fraudsters from getting hold of confidential information in the first place, you must always securely destroy confidential data such as bank statements, receipts and credit cards. Plus I would check the security of gadgets such as your computer/laptop, BlackBerry/iPhone and memory sticks. Try and make sure you create a password so only you have access to your private data.”
Official figures from the National Fraud Authority, which was set up in 2008, show that fraud costs the economy more than £30 billion a year.
Fakes and the City
So… it seems the new Sex and the City film has seen an upsurge in fake designer goods flooding the market.
The launch of Sex and the City 2 has seen record numbers of women rushing to the flicks to watch their favourite female characters and drool over their designer wardrobes.
However, fans trying to emulate Carrie’s clothes and Samantha’s style has seen the black market flooded with fake designer copies of Chanel jackets, Halston dresses, and Christian Louboutin shoes.
The surge in forged goods means that spotting a fake is harder today. Counterfeit items must be destroyed to stop the black market which contributes to wider criminal activity and presents consumers with poor quality items.
Jim Watson, managing director of Shred Easy, the UK’s leading shredding company, which destroys conterfeit documents, clothing and designer apparel said:
“Female fans trying to emulate their fashion idols should know how to spot fakes online and in the street. Look out for faded logos, cheap material, badly stitched labels, the age of the item, where it was made and distinct patterns like the official Louis Vuitton print.
“These items must be shredded to protect trade marks and to refrain from devaluing exclusive brands.”
Ian Lewis, a fraud partner at Manchester based Lewis Hymanson Small solicitors, said:
“The recession has meant more consumers are being targeted by fraudsters. Counterfeiting has far reaching effects, exposing consumers to poor quality goods, stopping local businesses from competing and helping increase criminality.
“If you have bought a fake item under the impression that it’s an original, you may have rights against the seller and should contact Trading Standards immediately. Your statutory rights may allow you to claim for false advertising.
“If you’re caught selling forged goods Trading Standards could punish you for fraud.”
The film’s costume selection was overseen by Emmy award-winning stylist Patricia Field and is reportedly worth £7 million.