IN THE NEWS
CONCERNED CABBIE SAVES GATESHEAD PENSIONER FROM FALLING VICTIM TO FRAUD
A Gateshead pensioner has avoided falling victim to fraud thanks to a con- cerned cabbie. Chroniclelive reports that on 21 April, the woman, in her 80s, was contacted by con artists claiming to be from Barclays’ Fraud Office. She was tricked into believing she had already been targeted by a stranger trying to make purchases with her card. The fraudster convinced her that in order to safeguard her money she needed to withdraw £2,000, which she would then post to an address. She then called a taxi to take her to her nearest Barclay’s branch. Once inside the car, the driver overheard the woman
on her mobile being told by scammers that she was not to tell bank staff why she was withdrawing the cash. Alarmed by the conversation, the driver escorted the pensioner into the branch and flagged down a member of staff to warn them of the situation. Bank staff were able to intervene and swiftly called officers. DCI Caroline Ord, of Northumbria Police’s Cyber Crime, said: “This type of fraud is particularly awful as it sees fraudsters deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable in our communi- ties and preying on their fears. “In the past few days, we have had
three similar reports were elderly people have been targeted and asked to with- draw and post large sums of cash. “Thankfully, each time bank staff have raised the alarm and prevented hard working people from losing out.” She added: “Please talk to your loved ones about ‘courier fraud’ and help us reinforce the message that a bank will never ask anyone to withdraw cash or send anything via a courier. “Remember, police officers or your bank will never ask you to hand over money, or transfer funds. If you receive a call like this do not interact with them - hang up and report it.”
PARLIAMENTARY TAXI & PHV AWARDS 2022: RECORD NUMBER OF MPS NOMINATE DRIVERS AT AWARDS CEREMONY
A record seventeen PHV and taxi drivers were nominated by MPs for this year’s Parliamentary Taxi and PHV awards, culminating in a ceremony at the House of Commons on 20th April. Hosted by Labour MP Daniel Zeichner, in association with FREE NOW, taxi and PH drivers joined MPs to celebrate those drivers who have supported their local communities and spoken up for the trade. The annual awards were founded in 2019 by Daniel Zeichner MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taxis, with the aim to bring the industry together to celebrate drivers and inspire passengers. Oxford taxi driver Sajad Khan was given a special commendation by Daniel Zeichner, following his nomina- tion by Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, for his dedication and service to the trade, having been secre- tary of the Oxford Licensed Cab Association (Colta) for over six years, and a cab driver for 27 years. The help and care he gives passengers and
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those in need in the city were highlighted in his nomination, not- ing that he often drove rough sleepers to the shelter for free in his cab, and the particular atten- tion he has given to passengers who have re- quired medical attention. One passenger suffered a seizure, and he attended to her until the arrival of the ambulance.
Anneliese Dodds MP, said: “I am so pleased that Mr Khan has been recog- nised for his brilliant work by this award. Over his many years of service, Mr Khan has led by example with high standards, professionalism and care.” Daniel Zeichner MP said: “I established these awards in order to help pay trib- ute to the contribution that drivers
make to their local communities and to shine a light on the industry more widely. It’s fair to say, speaking to MPs and drivers at this year’s ceremony, that the contribution they have all made in their local areas has been enormous. In light of the struggles that so many drivers have faced during the pandemic, the acts of generosity and kindness as well as the leadership of the sector many have shown, are all the more incredible and show the sector at its very best. “I congratulate all the excellent drivers who were nominated by their local MP and thank them for going above and beyond.” Sidonie Lopez Silva, senior public affairs manager at FREE NOW said: “We are incredibly proud to be a part of this important annual fixture in the taxi and PHV calendar. This year felt partic- ularly special, given the impact of the pandemic on so many drivers. FREE NOW is delighted to help honour these outstanding individuals who all thoroughly deserve recognition.”
MAY 2022
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