Fraud, Why It Pays To Be Vigilant – Stay Safe Online

Whilst property fraud and cybercrime are thankfully uncommon, identity fraud is regrettably increasing. In 2015, online identity fraud increased by a massive 86%. With regional figures showing Manchester and London as hotspots. This type of fraud has now topped the list of the worst fraud in the UK today (February 2017)*
The scary thing is people often do not realise that they have been a victim of identity fraud until it is too late. BLG is a responsible lender and will work with you to keep you and your details safe. However, working with us is a two-way street and no matter how good and safe we endeavour to be you also need to be vigilant to stay safe.

Below are a few simple suggestions to help protect yourself:

  • Carefully read all correspondence sent to you. Always telephone to check if you have any concerns.
  • Regularly monitor your credit report.
  • Shred documents: bank statements, utility bills, application forms, card receipts, etc. They can all give away information you would rather keep to yourself. More than three-quarters of all household waste contains at least one or more items that could assist fraudsters in stealing your identity.
  • Please take care when sending sensitive information in an email. We suggest attachments by way of pdf (particularly for bank details) or using the old fashioned way and calling us. We will always call you back to confirm.
  • Social media such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are fantastic platforms for networking and staying in touch but do take care with what you share. Fraudsters actively mine for personal data and it is surprising how much we unwittingly share.
  • Be alert to “phishing” – this is where fraudsters masquerade as a trustworthy company and email you for sensitive information.
  • Regularly check your privacy settings.
  • Password protect your devices – the more random the password the better. Of the 20,000 Yahoo passwords recently scooped up by hackers the most popular password was 123456.
  • Install anti-virus software and keep it up to date.
  • Take extra care on public WIFI.

If you think you have been a victim of identity fraud DO NOT DELAY, report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Dyan Letts is BLG’s Credit Operations Director

*source: CIFAS

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US

“We have used BLG for development finance for over 8 years. During that time we have found their knowledge and expertise in the property development industry to be second to none. Their loan process, pragmatic and flexible approach to lending and flexibility when required has supported our business needs throughout the period and provided us with support to deliver new homes in Bristol and the surrounding areas.”

“As property developers you never know the curve balls that you may get and a project that is great on paper may prove a bit more tricky.  This happened to us on a project that BLG have funded and throughout they have supported us.  Our business likes to be collaborative and when we hit those tough moments it really felt like we were working as a team with BLG.  If you have a decent project you can get it funded, but what you really need is a business that is there to support and advise you as well.  For us on this project it was BLG.”

“I approached BLG Development finance with an opportunity I had in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, to build 5 new build houses in 2021. My main contact was Anil Bains who is a Director covering Asset Management. Within very quick timescales, BLG provided me with indicative quotes in regards the finance levels they could offer me. Having considered those levels, I requested a valuation to be carried out which again was dealt with swiftly. We proceeded to completion. The build went very smoothly with monthly monitoring being carried out by BLG and monthly drawdown requests dealt with in a very timely manner. Due to a difficult time generally in the market in regards selling, I was in need of a six-month extension to the loan which again was appraised very quickly and granted. Having dealt with numerous funders over the last 20 years, I can only speak highly of my personal experience with BLG and would very confidently work with them again on any future projects. “

"From our side it has also been a pleasure working with BLG and the team there. We have found you easy to deal with, proactive in resolving any minor issues that have arisen through the project and shown great flexibility in working with us as a partner. We will certainly like to work with you on future partners."

“I really appreciate your hard work. We really like the way you communicate & I must say I haven't seen many people who are that approachable.”

“A very efficient processing team, dealing with the DD once deal credit approved, through to completion”

“Many thanks for your efforts on this one and getting it approved and sorted so swiftly, very much appreciated. I am sure I will be speaking to your over the coming months.”

“We had other funding options, but chose to use BLG again, as we work well with the team, who always provide very clear information and advice with a friendly approach throughout the funding process. Very efficient and always very helpful.”

“Many thanks Anil, it’s been a real pleasure working with BLG so far.  We’re lining up the next project too”

“We would recommend all staff we have dealt with at BLG, as we are very satisfied with the team and the initial offer/terms presented, then you and the funding team, through to the draw down team at valuation stage.”

“All documents are clear and the way you keep clients informed, all the way along the funding process, is refreshing for us”

“With regard to what should be improved at BLG, we work with many lenders in our business and we do not get the help and response we have had on the two projects with all at BLG on our funding for our developments.”

“We would particularly mention Dave Edwards and Tom Pitts as being central to having a smooth working relationship and being positive and helpful at all times. Their guidance in helping us navigate the project from inception to completion was invaluable. As was their patience, particularly at the beginning. We look forward to many future projects with the BLG team.”

“We would like to express our appreciation for your support on our development in Bristol. We were very pleased that, from the outset, you shared our vision of the project to convert a dated but classical building, that had outlived its usefulness as a school, into unique luxury apartments with views overlooking the city. We found our dealings practical and streamlined. Monthly payments were processed in an efficient and timely manner.”

“BLG are very good at communicating with clients and all documents are very clear and all at BLG are always happy to help.”

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