Phone scams seem to be a modern day scourge, affecting most of us. A new one came to light recently when I was phoned by someone with an Indian accent called 'Alex', claiming to be from Claims Advisory Group, working for the UK Government. I was informed I was due a cheque for £3,000 for overpaid bank or building society fees and asked me to confirm my name, date of birth and my bank as they wanted to write out a cheque for me, so I gave a false name, birth date and bank name. He said his Manager would phone me the next day.
True to form, the next day the 'Manager' phoned me, though I'm sure it was 'Alex' who'd spoken to me the day before. He again asked me to confirm my details, and again I confirmed the false ones. He said their representative, 'Mr Robinson', was in my area and would call round with my cheque, and though they don't charge for their services, the representative did as he was independent. His charge would be 10% and as my cheque was now £3600 then I'd need to pay him £360 when he called.
It was then I said I thought it very strange as I'd never had to pay for money that was owing to me, but if they'd kindly like to take the fee off my monies owing to me to save time, they could then post my cheque for £3240 through my letterbox.
'Alex' said 'forget it' ..... and hung up.
People - please be aware of phone calls like this. Always be aware and never give personal details over the phone. Genuine callers would never ask for personal details.
Stay safe.
Not a lot to do at this time of year really, except keep any weeds in check. These can proliferate in mild wet weather. If we get snow, it can lay on and break branches, so although it looks lovely, it's a good idea to brush heavy snow off any delicate branches.
I have lived on Masefield Crescent for the last 16 years, however have lived in Abingdon since 1981 as it was my first posting after joining the RAF in 1980. I served on 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton until March of this year when I heard of an opening at The Tower of London as a Yeoman Warder, commonly known as Beefeater. The criteria is very strict for applicants, you must have held the rank of Warrant Officer in either of the three services, you must have completed at least 22 years service, I had done 35, and you need to have been awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct medal.
In our last newsletter we mentioned that the Residents' Association was contacting Oxfordshire County Council Highways Section about the overgrown state of this short, but much used footpath. We were pleased to see that the ivy that was badly obstructing the footpath was soon cut back and the cuttings later removed from the adjacent verge. The other problem was the obstruction of the exit railings by a hedge next to the warehouse. People have said it is increasingly difficult to get buggies through the gap. It has taken the Residents' Association nearly three months to get an answer from the County Council about this problem but we have just heard that they have now instructed the warehouse to cut back the hedge.