A previously convicted fraudster from Maidstone found himself back behind bars after his release from prison. Blake Paterson, who had served time for engaging in fraudulent online car sales, was released on licence in 2022. Unfortunately, he resumed his deceptive activities, scamming new victims.
Paterson had a history of deceiving individuals into making payments without delivering the promised vehicles. In addition to the standard licence conditions that allowed for his recall to prison if he reoffended, Paterson was also obligated to adhere to a Serious Crime Prevention Order.
Protect Yourself from Scams: A Friendly Reminder
Watch out for the various tactics scammers employ to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Be cautious when sharing personal information, whether in person, via email, or over the phone. If you ever doubt a call claiming to be from your bank, hang up and use their official, published number to contact them.
Unexpected calls from Microsoft (“Hello, I’m from Microsoft and you’ve got a problem with your PC”) are likely to be scam calls, they may even ask for you by name, but do not engage in conversation, just hang up. Microsoft do not make unsolicited calls.
When contemplating a purchase, especially on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, exercise caution, especially if the price seems too good to be true. Seek advice from someone familiar with scamming techniques or explore online resources for scam prevention tips at https://www.gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing.
If you encounter a suspicious email prompting you to click on a link or download an attachment, it could be a scam. Forward it to the government department at report@phishing.gov.uk, and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will investigate.
Stay vigilant and safeguard yourself from potential scams.