INTERNET SALES SCAMS

Reports of Internet Sales scams continue to appear and anyone selling items through Online or Social Media market places really needs to be aware of this type of scam.

How does it work?

• You, the seller, will list an article for sale.
• The scammer will make contact and negotiate a price and will then appear to send the money, often through a WISE account.
• The scammer then tells the victim that, in order for the money to be released, a Tracking Number needs to be provided, but you cannot get a Tracking Number prior to sending the item
• Once a Tracking Number is provided, this confirms to the scammer the item is on the way in the post, and there is little to nothing Royal Mail or any courier company can do to retrieve the item.
• The money has in fact never been sent by the scammer in the first place, and so the victim takes a double loss: the loss of money from the sale AND the loss of the item.

How can you avoid being scammed?

1. Research the buyer before you enter into any agreement or monies change hands. Check the website for any reports about the buyer you are dealing with
2. Never dispatch any item you are selling before you have received the payment and it is secured.
3. Take care not to provide unnecessary personal details that may give the Scammer access to your finances. Avoid giving out personal bank details to private buyers you do not know

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Please feel free to share this information with any relatives, friends or neighbours you think may be vulnerable.

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Take Five To Stop Fraud

• Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
• Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

I trust this message finds you well. My name is Ben Green, the Woodland Trust’s External Affairs Officer for our Central Region, working closely with local authorities including town and parish councils across a vast area, from Norfolk to Shropshire, Lincolnshire to Essex. It’s an exciting time to be collaborating for the benefit of nature, people and wildlife.
 
I am thrilled to introduce a wonderful opportunity for your community to receive free trees via our tree packs. To apply for your tree pack, please choose from the list provided and fill out our application form. We make two deliveries a year, in March and November, and we are currently accepting applications for tree packs to be delivered in March 2025.
 
Before applying, please ensure you have the six-digit grid reference for the land you wish to plant, permission from the legal landowner, and familiarise yourself with our FAQs for essential information.
 
Here are some of the available tree packs:
Hedge: Create a natural screen or connect existing woodland.
Copse: Plant a mini forest school classroom or a peaceful spot.
Wild Harvest: Grow an array of fruits and nuts for various uses.
Year-Round Colour: Enjoy beautiful blossoms, bright berries, and stunning autumn displays.
Working Wood: Fuel a log burner in 7-10 years or channel your creativity.
Wild Wood: Hardy native species for exposed sites and wet areas.
Wildlife: Establish food and shelter for wildlife.
Urban Trees: Designed for residential areas with limited space.
To apply and explore more tree packs, visit:
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/.
 
I am confident that your corner of England is filled with opportunities, and I look forward to receiving your applications and collaborating to enhance our environment.
 
Best regards,
Ben Green​​​​
Regional External Affairs Officer ‑ Central
Telephone: 
03432484051
Email: 
BenGreen@woodlandtrust.org.uk
The Woodland Trust, Kempton Way, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6LL
0330 333 3300
woodlandtrust.org.uk