A consumer who was looking for a loan on-line received a phone call unexpectedly from someone who claimed he was eligible for a loan of £1500.
The 'trader' requested that the consumer first send a payment of £155 via a voucher payment system to cover the first month's repayment. This the consumer did, but was subsequently asked for a further £450 in several payments over a short period of time, all of which the consumer again sent, using the voucher system.
The trader then claimed that the vouchers were invalid and that the consumer's credit history was not good. The consumer was then asked form a further £170 which he refused to send.
At no time did the consumer receive his £1500 loan.
This is an increasingly widespread scam, largely perpetrated by criminal gangs and often from abroad.
Consumers, however difficult they may be finding it to obtain a loan, should never agree to such approaches or send money. This is a scam and no loans are ever provided.
Advice on credit and debt is available from:
National Debtline - www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/
Citizens Advice Bureau - www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/money_management_index_ew.htm
Financial Services Authority - www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/yourmoney/
For more information on scams visit our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams
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