Scams

Many of you will be aware of the "Nigerian" scam whereby a relative/government official contacts you by email with regard to the repatriation and/or  funeral service for a loved one. Usually these emails are badly written with poor spelling and grammar. They may offer to pay up front by credit card - this will almost certainly be a stolen card. Do not respond to this email. Forward it as an attachment (to preserve header information) to your local Police and to scams@fraudwatchinternational.com.

We have also been made aware of another Scam doing the rounds.
Basically, you receive a page which looks as though it has been torn out of a magazine, giving details of an alleged company offering grants for your business.  On the torn page there is a post-it note referring usually to your Christian name (therefore seeming personalized) exclaiming, phone 0800 072 1796...this is brilliant.  http://www.govprogrammesweb.co.uk/contact.html  - their web page.
After calling the number you are encouraged to buy a directory/manual costing a substantial amount of £££££ detailing grants you may be able to claim for your business. 
If your application for a business grant isn't successful they advise your payment will be refunded.
We advise NOT to contact them or send money.  If you are genuinely interested in business grants there are websites that search for grants FREE. i.e. www.businesslink.gov.uk.
It is also a good idea to contact your local Trading Standards office and also report any suspicious mailings to scams@fraudwatchinternational.com.
If you google the telephone number you will get more info. 
There is another side to this type of scam, when you dial the number you get transferred to a high rate premium number, costing hundreds of pounds !!

Rogue Traders

A CAUTION – internet funeral provider.
SAIF members have contacted SAIF regarding funeral service providers who promote funeral packages on the internet.
Funeral Directors should be cautious when dealing with intermediary business’ that are unfamiliar to them. Regrettably there have been instances throughout the country where a certain internet funeral service provider, after requesting services from a Funeral Director in the locality, has failed to pay the price agreed to that Funeral Director.
It is difficult refusing offers to assist those within your community, and of course reputation is always a consideration.  However, please bear in mind that an unknown intermediary may leave you ‘out of pocket’ and therefore it may be prudent to request payment before services are rendered and ensuring monies are received into your account beforehand.