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HMRC issues scam warning to taxpayers in Gedling borough over fake refund offers

Gedling Eye Reporter
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HMRC issues scam warning to taxpayers in Gedling borough over fake refund offers

Taxpayers in Gedling borough are being warned about bogus tax refund offers.

With the Self Assessment tax deadline now passed, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people to be wary of tax refund scams. 

Fraudsters could set their sights on Self Assessment customers, with more than 11.5 million submitting a tax return by last month’s deadline. 

They warn that taxpayers who completed their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year by the January 31 deadline might be taken in by an email, phone call or text message offering a tax rebate. These phishing scams are designed to use personal details for selling on to criminals, or to access people’s bank accounts.  

HMRC said they responded to 207,800 referrals from the public of suspicious contact in the past year to January – up 14% from the 181,873 reported for the previous 12 months. More than 79,000 of those referrals offered bogus tax rebates.  

Kelly Paterson, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said: “With the deadline for tax returns behind us, criminals will now try to trick people with fake offers of tax rebates. 

“Scammers will attempt to dupe people by email, phone or texts that mimic government messages to make them appear authentic. 

“Don’t rush into anything, take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.” 

HMRC will not email, text or phone a customer to tell them that they are due a refund or ask them to request a refund. Customers receive repayments into their chosen bank account, and can see any transactions in their online HMRC account and in the HMRC app. 

Customers can help fight phishing scams by reporting any suspicious communications to HMRC: 

·         forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk  

·         report tax scam phone calls to HMRC on GOV.UK 

·         forward suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599 

In the last year to January HMRC also reported 26,443 malicious web pages to internet service providers to be taken down. This is a 29% increase from the 20,385 referred by HMRC for removal the previous year. These sites aim to deceive taxpayers and steal their personal information or money. 

They copy the design and branding of genuine websites so criminals can trick people into giving away their personal details. This information is then used to access people’s bank accounts or sold on the web. 

HMRC is reminding customers to be vigilant to any potential scam activity, protect their personal information and report any suspicious activity. 

Gedling borough Wetherspoons pubs hike prices for the second time in six months

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling borough Wetherspoons pubs hike prices for the second time in six months

Wetherspoons has announced price rises of an average of 3% on its food and drink products at its pubs across Gedling borough amid rising costs.

Some items have risen by nearly 4% from February 1, however, some items saw a lesser rise of around 1% and 2% – with the average rise across all bar and food products being 3%.

The pub giant, which runs sites in Arnold, Carlton and Mapperley, said the price increase came into effect from February 1.

Wetherspoon said in a statement: “Most prices in Wetherspoon pubs have increased by 3.95%.

Wetherspoons chairman Tim Martin used the group’s January trading update to rally against a disparity in costs hitting pubs and supermarkets.
Woodthorpe Top
The budget pub chain, which owns The Woodthorpe Top, said the price increase came into effect from February 1.

“Some prices have increased by less. Ruddles Bitter has increased by 1%. Bud Light lager, Stowford Press Cider and Doom Bar bitter have increased by 2%. Draught Pepsi has not increased.

Chairman Tim Martin used the group’s January trading update to rally against a disparity in costs hitting pubs and supermarkets.

He said labour costs in pubs were about 30% of sales, compared to around 10% in supermarkets, meaning retail stores were able to offer lower prices.

Martin said: “Wetherspoon, like most pub companies, has seen some big increases in costs. We believe that our prices remain competitive, even after these changes.”

Wetherspoon, which runs 814 sites across the UK, posted an optimistic trading update in January and said like-for-like bar sales had risen 11.8%, food by 7.9% and room sales by 3.1%.

Cancer survivor who became romance fraud victim warns others to be wary of online threats

Gedling Eye
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Cancer survivor who became romance fraud victim warns others to be wary of online threats

A ‘heartbroken’ cancer survivor who was conned out of thousands of pounds in a romance fraud has warned it could happen to anyone.

Karen, who lives in Nottinghamshire, met her would-be love interest on an online gaming platform. He tricked her into believing he had feelings for her, before grooming her into handing over money over the months that followed.

The romance fraud started when the 66-year-old downloaded SongPop Classic, a music-based game which allows players to compete against and chat with others while online.

She was approached by a man who claimed to be a 56-year-old Canadian working overseas, and despite not being on the lookout for romance when the conversation began, Karen was showered with compliments by the scammer and over time convinced that a romantic relationship was blossoming.

But things quickly started to unravel when she started to receive multiple phone calls long into the night and requests for money followed. It left her significantly out of pocket and mentally scarred by the whole situation.

Romance fraud, or dating scams, often involve individuals being exploited into sending money to criminals, who go to great lengths to gain their trust and convince them they are in a relationship.

It is one of the fastest growing and most common fraud types in Notts – rising almost fourfold from 43 reported incidents in the 12 months to 2020 to 166 incidents in the same period last year.

Speaking about romance fraud on Valentine’s Day today, as part of an awareness-raising campaign by the Nottinghamshire Fraud Partnership, Karen said she was left heartbroken and frightened by the ordeal.

Having moved to the area in 2012 to be closer to her mum after her cancer diagnosis, Karen believes the scammers preyed on her vulnerabilities.

The former elections manager said: “I used to play the game a few years ago, but before I started up again and without me knowing, it had been infested with scammers.

“This chap started talking to me as many people do, and he seemed like quite a nice, genuine sort of guy. We then moved on to other social media platforms which I now know is one of their favourite tricks because most of the gaming platforms have bots that routinely check for scammers for key words and so on.

“We would speak all the time and I believed his feelings were genuine, so of course over a long period you are bound to grow close to somebody.

“A lot of what he said was believable but his first request for money came when he claimed to be working away and he needed medicine, but it escalated from there and the demands became more excessive each time.

“The scam itself went on for months but the after-effects are going to last a lot longer. They know every psychological trick in the book you don’t matter to them.

“I like to believe in basic human decency, but he knew all about my health problems and still continued to scam me. It’s frightening but that’s what these people do.

“One of the hardest things to deal with is when people start saying you fell for a scam. You don’t fall for a burglary, you don’t fall for a mugging. You don’t fall for a scam, either. It’s a crime. You are a victim of a crime.”

Fraud is the most common of all crime types, with an average of 543 offences reported each month to Action Fraud in Nottinghamshire. However, this is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg with many offences going unreported.

The fightback against fraud intensified in 2023 as the Nottinghamshire Fraud Partnership was formed to protect individuals and businesses in Nottinghamshire from fraudulent activity, and better support those who have been victimised.

It brings together key organisations including police, local authorities, businesses, education sector and charity partners to strengthen the fight against fraud by sharing information and best practice and collaborating on a wider reaching, focussed and consistent approach to the issue.

The partnership meets quarterly and is facilitated and administered by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “I think it’s really brave for Karen to share her story to help stop others being victims of fraud.

“Around 40% of all crime is now classed as fraud and these numbers were the main factor behind us launching our Nottinghamshire Fraud Partnership Charter at the end of 2023.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner I am really determined to raise awareness of fraud which is why This month we have also launched the Red Flags of Fraud, to highlight some of the key warning signs for fraud to look out for.

“If anyone contacts you out of the blue by phone, email, text or on your doorstep, and makes you feel a sense of high emotion, whether that is panic or excitement, and then urges you to act quickly before you have time to think – these are all red flags for fraud.

“If the red flags are flying, stop, take five minutes to reflect and contact someone you trust for advice. And if you have been affected by fraud, please report it so you can receive help and support.”

Dating scams accounted for 4% of all fraud offences reported between September 2022 and August 2023.

Karen added: “It went on for months and months because they simply wouldn’t go away. They’d ring me in the middle of the night to keep my mind going.

“They manipulated me and they found out my likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses before using all of that to control me.

“The most frightening thing was the realisation that somebody can manipulate your brain to the extent that you are not in your right mind.”

Detective Sergeant Tara Clapperton, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Fraud Prevention team, said: “A lot of people hear about these scams and think ‘I wouldn’t be taken in by that’. But these scams are clever and that’s why it’s really important people exercise vigilance communicating with others online.

“It’s not dissimilar to grooming. Offenders will groom victims and it can happen over quite a long period of time.

“They tell convincing lies and it means that while victims think they are falling in love, they’re actually falling for a scam.

“If you’ve started an online relationship and the discussion turns to money – regardless of the reason or the amounts involved – then alarm bells should be ringing.

“Never send money to people you’ve never met in person, no matter how much you’ve spoken online. Talking to a real-life friend or family member can be a good way to sense check what’s going on.”

If you’ve been a victim of fraud, there are several ways to report it:

Violence and abuse against shop workers rises to 1,300 incidents a day

David Bratton
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Violence and abuse against shop workers rises to 1,300 incidents a day

Violence and abuse against retail workers soared last year, with the latest figures revealing that the number of incidents spiked to 1,300 per day.

The latest figures from the British Retail Consortium show incidents have risen from almost 870 per day the year before.

This rise comes despite retailers investing heavily in crime prevention, spending £1.2bn on measures such as CCTV, increased security personnel, and body worn cameras, up from £722m the previous year.

The rise in assaults was being linked to a spike in shoplifting, with the cost of theft to retailers rising to £1.8bn from £953m the previous year, meaning the total cost of crime to retailers stood at £3.3bn – double the previous year.

The cost of theft to retailers has risen to £1.8bn from £953m the previous year
PBosses at the Co-op have joined calls for the Government to introduce a standalone offence of assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker

The figures were taken from BRC’s annual crime survey which highlights the scale of violence and abuse faced by people working in retail.

Incidents, which include racial abuse, sexual harassment, physical assault, and threats with weapons, are now on a par with the levels seen during the pandemic, when staff bore the brunt of some people’s frustration with Covid safety measures.

While the total number of incidents climbed, dissatisfaction with the police increased, with 60% of respondents describing the police response to incidents as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.

Retailers are calling on the Government to introduce a standalone offence of assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker. This would ensure that retail workers have the same protection under the law as they do in Scotland, where a similar offence was introduced in 2021.

Helen Dickinson, the BCR’s chief executive, said: “Despite retailers investing huge sums in crime prevention, violence and abuse against retail workers is climbing.

With over 1,300 incidents every day, government can no longer ignore the plight of ordinary, hardworking retail colleagues. Teenagers taking on their first job, carers looking for part-time work, parents working around childcare.

“And while the violence can be over in a moment, the victims carry these experiences with them for a lifetime. And we all know the impact does not stop there – it affects their colleagues, friends, and the family our colleagues go home to.

“This is a crisis that demands action now.”

Birds Bakery unveils sweet treats for Valentine’s Day

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Birds Bakery unveils sweet treats for Valentine’s Day

Birds Bakery is showing some love this Valentine’s Day with a limited-edition range of treats for customers to buy for that special someone – from classic heart shaped Belgian chocolates to delectable Red Velvet Cupcakes.

Birds, which has stores in Arnold, Mapperley and Teal Park, is welcoming lovebirds across the borough to indulge in its delicious treats which also include a Billionaire Shortbread for just £1.65, a Gingerbread Valentine Person at £2.15 and a Chocolate Orange Frog for just £1.

Those wanting to put a smile on their loved one’s face can also choose from a selection of Milk Chocolate Hearts and Pink and White Chocolate Hearts, both at £1.35 each, which include a layer of Bird’s special strawberry Belgian chocolate. 

The Valentine’s Day range is available online and in stores now

For those who aren’t spending the special day with their loved ones, UK-wide delivery is available on February 14 through the bakery’s online delivery service.

Commenting on the Valentine’s Day range, Jamie Bird, director of strategy at Birds Bakery, said: “At Birds we love bringing joy and happiness to our customers throughout the year but Valentine’s Day is an extra special day to share the love. Whether it’s for a partner, family member, friend or even just a treat for yourself, there is something for everyone in this range.

“We believe that people are the heartbeat of our business, from the bakers and chocolatiers who create the products, to the loyal customers that come through our doors, this range is a token of our love and gratitude.”

The Valentine’s Day range is available online and in stores now.

Find your nearest Birds Bakery store online at www.birdsbakery.com/pages/our-stores and to place an order, click here.

‘It’s common sense’: Independent councillors promise to raise extra £20m to fix ‘broken’ roads from sale of HS2 land in budget amendment

Emily Sanchez
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‘It’s common sense’: Independent councillors promise to raise extra £20m to fix ‘broken’ roads from sale of HS2 land in budget amendment

A group of independent councillors on Nottinghamshire County Council say they have put together a legal, fully costed budget amendment that could deliver an extra £20m to tackle the county’s ‘broken’ roads and pavements over the next two years.

The Independent Alliance opposition group say the extra cash could be raised by borrowing the money from the sale of land around Toton Station – which is not needed after HS2 was cancelled. Toton Station was last valued for asset value purposes in April 2023 at £23m

The Independent Alliance revealed their plan would result in each borough and district in Notts receiving £5.2m for road repairs, each year for the next two years. 

The money would be in addition to the cash being offered by the Government to be spent on fixing road damage caused by Storm Babet.

If agreed, at the annual budget meeting, the group claim it will represent the biggest ever amount of money spent on fixing the county’s broken roads and pavements in two consecutive years. 

County Hall Nottingham
The amendment will be put forward to the council at the Annual Budget meeting
The money would be raised by borrowing the money from the sale of land around Toton Station – which is not needed after HS2 was cancelled

The amendment will moved by the Independent Alliance opposition group leader Councillor Jason Zadrozny and seconded by their Finance Spokesperson – Councillor Francis Purdue-Horan. 

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, leader of the Independent Alliance called their proposal ‘common sense.’ 

“Our alternative budget is using broken promises to fix broken roads,” he said. 

“In 2019, the county council spent £22,143,000 buying land around Toton Station in preparation for HS2.  As HS2 has now been cancelled, we will sell this land and use this money to fix our broken roads and pavements. 

The Government are now disposing of land bought for HS2 – so we are following Government policy to the letter.  I expect this to be agreed next week as, in our view – it’s common sense.”

Councillor Francis Purdue-Horan, Finance Spokesperson for the Independent Alliance opposition group said, “Ask anybody in Nottinghamshire, what complaints they have and they will talk about the broken roads and pavements. 

“Our budget amendment is a direct response to this.  It shows we are listening to and acting on their concerns.  It is a common sense, sensible move and deals with land the County Council don’t need.”

They have launched a “Love our Roads (and pavements)” petition to gain support for their amendment  https://www.change.org/p/for-notts-county-council-to-spend-an-extra-20million-fixing-our-roads-and-pavements  

Last week, the cabinet announced it would spend an extra £4m on road repairs as it proposed the budget for 2024-25.

This includes a 4.8 per cent rise in council tax.

But council leader Ben Bradley said they were still in a better position than many other councils.

Speaking last week, he said: “We are in the rare – if not unique – position of being able to set a balanced budget for the next two years despite a growing demand for services.”

The planned roadworks and road changes in Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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The planned roadworks and road changes in Gedling borough

A number of roadworks, and changes to the roads, are set to take place on Gedling borough’s roads during the next few weeks.

The roadworks and road changes include things such as speed alterations, repair works and changing the layout of the roads. 

Most of the roadworks are being undertaken by Nottinghamshire County Council while a couple are being led by Severn Trent Water, Cityfibre and OpenReach

These are the roadworks and closures you need to know about…

Chesterfield Drive, Burton Joyce
19 February – 05 March
Road closure
Responsibility for works: National Grid

Church Road, Burton Joyce
19 February – 23 February
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Earl Crescent, Gedling
16 February – 26 February
Road closure for large scale patching repairs along full length of road
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Ellington Road, Arnold
19 February
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Gardenia Crescent, Mapperley
16 February – 23 February
Road closure for large-scale patching repairs on junction of Gardenia Crescent whilst works carried out on Gardenia Grove
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Gardenia Grove, Carlton
16 February – 23 February
Road closure for large scale patching repairs from junction of Marshall Hill Driver to junction of Fraser Square
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

High Street, Arnold
18 February
Delays likely due to lane closure
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Westdale Lane East, Gedling
14 February – 16 February
Roadworks and delays likely
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Colwick Loop Road, Colwick
19 February – 07 July
Delays are possible due to lane closure for widening of the existing 2m shared use footway into an improved 3m wide shared use cycleway/footway between its junctions with First Avenue and Private Road No.1.

Coronation Walk, Gedling
19 February
Roadworks and delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Crawford Rise, Arnold
20 February – 22 February
Roadworks and delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Florence Road, Mapperley
16 February – 20 February
Roadworks and delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Nottingham Road, Burton Joyce
20 February – 23 February
Roadworks and delays possible between Massy Close and Crow Park Drive
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Sandfield Road, Arnold
19 February – 22 February
Roadworks and delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Southdale Road, Carlton
20 February
Roadworks and delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Wheatley Drive, Carlton
19 February – 20 February
Roadworks and delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Police issue image appeal after man barged into vulnerable woman’s home in Mapperley and stole cash

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Police issue image appeal after man barged into vulnerable woman’s home in Mapperley and stole cash

Police are appealing to members of the public to help trace a man who barged his way into a vulnerable woman’s home in Mapperley and stole cash.

They have issued an image of a man they want to speak to about two home burglaries in which vulnerable victims were targeted.

The first incident took place on January 10 in Mapperley.

The offender called at the home of the woman, who has learning difficulties, and pushed her out the way when she answered her door.

He demanded money before going upstairs and rummaging through her belongings.

The victim later discovered cash had been stolen.

Police have been studying CCTV in the area and made local inquiries and have now released the image of a man who they believe could have important information.

Police have been studying CCTV in the area and made local inquiries and have now released the image of a man who they believe could have important information
Police said they want to speak to the individual pictured urgently and have asked the public to get in touch if they know him

Officers are also investigating an incident on January 12 when an elderly man returned home to find his property had been ransacked.

The address, in Forest Fields, was broken into by intruders who gained access by smashing a window.

Officers were called around 3.10pm and the victim reported several items had been taken.

Police Constable Mia Furr, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Both these victims are vulnerable and have understandably been shaken by these break-ins.

“Burglary is a horrible, invasive crime and we are determined to track down those responsible.

“We want to speak to the individual pictured urgently. If you know him please get in touch.

“If you have any other information, or CCTV, dash-cam or doorbell footage, relating to either incident please contact officers.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 140 of 10 January 2024 or 457 of 12 January. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Work now underway to expand Farmfoods store at Carlton Square

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Work now underway to expand Farmfoods store at Carlton Square

Work has begun to expand a Farmfoods store at Carlton Square which will more than double the size of its store by extending into the former Office Outlet unit.

Farmfoods closed its current shop almost two weeks ago (Sunday, February 4) to start works on the expansion.

It will reopen in its bigger premises on Saturday, March 23.

Farmfoods fans are being reminded that their nearest store is on Southchurch Drive in Clifton until work is completed.

Wilkos closed its doors for good back in September. It was one of 400 stores that closed down after the budget retailer was plunged into administration.
Work has begun to transform the former Wilkos store into a larger Farmfoods outlet
The newly extended shop will take in all of the former Wilkos unit and more than double Farmfoods’ customer sales area

Wilkos closed its doors for good back in September. It was one of 400 stores that closed down after the budget retailer was plunged into administration.

The newly extended shop will take in all of the former Wilkos unit and more than double Farmfoods’ customer sales area.

A spokesman for Farmfoods told Gedling Eye: “I can confirm we have agreed to take occupation of the former Wilko premises at Carlton Square.

“The space occupied by our current shop and the space formerly occupied by Wilko will be combined into a single large shop that we will trade from.

Shopper Thea Smith,72, from Carlton, said she was looking forward to the store being expanded.

“I love Farmfoods and can’t wait to see what the larger store will have on offer.

“It will also be good for the other shops around here. I often come up here for a drink and a chat with friends and we have all said it’s been a lot quieter recently.”

But Jack Purkiss said he was hoping that another retailer would have taken up the former Wilkos space.

The 62-year-old from Netherfield said: “I’m not sure what a larger Farmfoods will offer. It would be nice to have something a bit different to add some variety for shoppers. A fishmonger would have been good or maybe a butcher.”

Residents in Gedling borough can show their love for potholes at ‘Valentine’s’ party mocking state of local roads

David Bratton
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Residents in Gedling borough can show their love for potholes at ‘Valentine’s’ party mocking state of local roads

Residents in Gedling are planning to hold a mocking Valentine-themed party next weekend to share their love for potholes and raise awareness of the borough’s crumbling roads.

Organisers are inviting people to meet at the Gedling Inn pub on Main Street in the village on Saturday (17) for a drink before ‘taking the party to a pothole’ and eating cake.

The Gedling Borough Love Your Potholes Party will take place from 2pm.

The event is being organised by members of the Gedling Borough Potholes Facebook Group

Exclusive car window stickers will also be on sale at the event and have been created by group member Brian Bailey, whose pothole-themed calendar recently attracted national media attention.

A group spokesman posting the party invite online wrote: “Please bring anything you can that will make the party go with a swing.

“Bring pothole cake, pothole jelly – also useful for filling potholes, Valentine’s cards expressing your love for potholes, pictures of your favourite potholes, banners, placards, flowers, pothole decorations: anything else you can think of that will be fun, look good in photos, and express our love for potholes.

“Bonus points and a round of applause for anyone who manages to dress up as a pothole.

They added: “The pub has no affiliation nor endorsed this; we just picked this as a meeting point”

The dedicated Facebook group was set up back in and so far has attracted 1,700 members members.

It is being used to alert drivers about the worst affected areas across the borough with pictures of the crumbling and deep craters that can be found across all areas of the borough being posted by fuming motorists daily – and also have a bit of fun.

You can see the party invite here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1877795686027704

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