The number of “Nuisance” calls has risen in recent years from 21% to 40%, and according to OFGEN, nearly 40% of Scams start with a phone call.

Older persons may be particularly vulnerable as they rely on their phones for contact and companionship, so it is helpful to make elderly relatives aware of the dangers of cold callers.

These calls involve fraudsters trying to gain your personal and financial information, and are often referred to as “Vishing” – an amalgamation of “Voice” and “Phishing”.

Very often the fraudster has disguised their call identity by using an apparently legitimate number so appearing genuine; this is known as “Spoofing”. If you do receive a call from a company which is not expected then just hang up, and do not engage with that caller.

Common Phone Call Scams

 Technical Support scams - They may impersonate a company such as Microsoft or BT, and tell you there is a fault on your computer or Broadband. They then probably will ask you to download remote access software to gain access to your computer, or else install Malware on your computer.
 Impersonation Scams - Typically these may claim to come from your “Bank Fraud Department” telling you that your account or bank cards have been compromised and you need to transfer money to another so-called Safe Account, from where it vanishes. Similarly, calls may come from fraudsters masquerading as a Police Officer, Utility Provider, HMRC or DVLA.
 Prize Draw Scams – “You have won the Lottery or a Prize Draw!” Sounds good but is it? You may think you never entered the competition but they will convince you that you have, then ask for your bank details so you can “receive” the prize
 Financial Scams – you are called with tempting offers for investing your money in funds, schemes or perhaps in Bitcoins with the promise of huge returns. Since 2019, it has been illegal to make cold calls to sell Pension schemes, so any calls about Pension Schemes will be scams. This scheme may be extended in the future to ban any unsolicited financial cold call.

How can you stay safe?

 Never give out your financial information over the phone, and just hang up if you are unsure about the caller’s identity
 Register for “TPS” - Telephone Preference Service - this prevents bona fide companies cold calling you, so you will then know that any cold call is a fake.
 Many modern landline handsets have a “Call Blocking” feature so unwanted numbers can be added to the list of Blocked Callers
 Similarly many phone service providers can offer other call blocking services such as BT Call Guardian
 Scammers will often keep the phone line open after the call so even when you think you are calling a legitimate number you are still speaking to the fraudster. Wait for up to 15 minutes or make the call using a different phone line or mobile

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours

Please find enclosed details of a temporary road closure:

EVENT: Bridgnorth Filming

Start Date: 5th February 2025

End Date: 5th February 2025

Purpose: Filming takes place on WED 5-FEB between 09:30 and 16:00 Active traffic management (3 way stop and go) on High Street (Between Whitburn Street and North Gate), Whitburn Street and Church Street. Parking suspensions on Whitburn Street (bays outside 68 to Opp 6) from 08:00-20:00 5-Feb, East Castle Street (bays outside 20 to 27) from 17:00 4-Feb to 14:00 5-Feb, High Street (bays outside 6 to 8) from 08:00 4-FEB to 10:00 6-Feb, High Street (bays outside 79 to 84) from 08:00 4-FEB to 10:00 6-Feb, Northgate (bays opposite St. Johns Church) from 08:00-20:00 5-FEB, Northgate suspension of parking restriction o/s The Bear Inn from 08:00-20:00 5-FEB.

Works Promoter: Shropshire Council

Works Promoter Ref: Unknown (promoter_works_ref)

Enforcement pattern for Bridgnorth Filming:
All the time

You can view the details by clicking here: https://one.network/?tm=141813649

Should you have any queries regarding this closure, please call Customer Services on 0345 6789006, or contact the Street Works Team on streetworks@shropshire.gov.uk.