Lifeline are proud to be approved as Official IWASP (Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership) Support Partners.
The IOW Trading Standards Service originally joined forces with the Police, Fire and Rescue, Age Friendly Island and Citizens Advice Bureau to form a partnership called IWASP. These organisations work together to better protect people on the Isle of Wight from scams, doorstep crime, fraud and to support victims. IWASP doesn’t intend to stop there though, and are expanding partnerships, providing on-going support and information from a wide range of organisations and agencies, which now includes the multi award winning team here at Lifeline.
As part of our commitment to our Island Customer Family and our Community Social Responsibility, we are delighted to partner with IWASP and help to keep people here on the Island informed about the current operational methods of would be scammers. Throughout our daily operations we often come across reports of individuals and businesses alike who have been the victims of scam style crimes. These might involve unsolicited telephone calls, Text Messages, Internet Scams, TV License, Tax Refunds, Calls claiming to represent Utility Companies, Schools and a host of similar style attempts to solicit money from unsuspecting persons.
Mark Lee, Director at Lifeline Alarm Systems Ltd said: “Each year, millions of people fall victim to scams, we all need to do our bit to protect each other. I personally have been a victim of a scam and so have members of my family and close friends. We all think it won’t happen to us, but it can. I am delighted to partner with IWASP and help inform the local community and offer additional security and protection.”
Both our advice and that of Isle of Wight Trading Standards together with IWASP is ‘Be Extra Vigilant‘.
Current Scams
There can be hundreds of Scams in operation at anyone time. Especially here on the Isle of Wight, we can be seen as easy pickings. Also at risk are our elderly loved ones. Click here to read about some of the current Scams currently in operation across the UK and here on the Isle of Wight. Share this information and keep on the special look out for loved ones, vulnerable persons, elderly ones and keep them protected.
Our Standards
We hold very dear our high professional standards. To ensure that customers can have total confidence that representatives from Lifeline are genuine, here are a few of the standards and procedures we have implemented to keep clients safe:
- All Lifeline representatives will carry serial numbered photo ID
- Each member of staff has been security screened to BS7858
- All members of staff have been police DBS and PNC checked
- We do not engage in door stop selling
- Our third party accreditation body (NSI) audits us for compliance three times each year, and we appear on their accredited organisations list.
- Requests for works are verified in writing
- Quotations and proposals are submitted in writing
- ISO 9001 Quality System and Policy
- GDPR and Data Protection Systems and Policy in Place.
- Published Policies are open and available to view or download on our website.
- Locally based with Offices in Newport Isle of Wight.
- Cyber Essentials Accredited
- Vehicles are Tracked & Sign Written with company details
- Corporate Clothing is worn by field based staff.
How to protect yourself and others
Remember the A B C of Scams.
A – Never Assume a caller, email or text is genuine.
B – Never Believe a caller, email or text is genuine.
C – Always Confirm by contacting a trusted number, family member, friend, your bank’s fraud department or the police to check if it’s genuine.
If you believe you, a family member or friend are the victim of a scam then please contact Advice Line on 08454 04 05 06 or report it to us by using the online message to service .
Following this link https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/IWASP/Protecting-Yourself-Family-and-Friends will take you to the IWASP & Isle of Wight Trading Standards Website where you can find more helpful information on how to protect yourself and others.
