Warwickshire computer users have contacted Trading Standards after receiving an ‘official’ looking message on their computer screen, claiming to be from the Police. The message suggests that they have visited an inappropriate website and that their computer has been ‘locked down’. They are asked to send £100 in Ukash vouchers in order to ‘unlock it’. The scam is believed to be caused by an Internet virus.
16/05/2012 We have money for you scam
If you receive a letter, telephone call or email claiming you are owed money, usually for payment protection insurance, a personal injury claim, a lotto win or tax refund – then beware! If you show interest you will be asked to send £100+ in Ukash vouchers in order to receive the bogus payment. One Warwickshire consumer sent £3000 worth of Ukash vouchers to people he thought had obtained for him a refund for his bank charges.
16/05/2012 Cheque scam
Warwickshire businesses have reported receiving orders for goods and services, paid for by cheques which are for a higher amount than the real cost. One Warwickshire trader received a cheque for £2450 for a pilate class worth £35. The trader was asked to use the remaining money to pay for an air ticket for the ‘consumer’ and keep the rest! In reality, these cheques or either forged or stolen. The cheque initially clears and when the money appears in the traders account, the scammers hope that they will send money or pay for the air ticket. However, when the bank discovers that the cheque is bogus, the money is removed from the traders account and they have lost out!
More information on scams is available on our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams
You can also report a fraud to Action Fraud on: 0300 123 2040 or visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk
The Citizens Advice consumer service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues. Visit www.adviceguide.org.ukor call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or 0208 1850 710 (English language).
- Please feel free to cascade this information to whom ever you feel appropriate (including using the information in your newsletters/websites etc.).
- If you have any information you wish to provide to Warwickshire Trading Standards Service, either for our information, or to appear in future email alerts, please email me.
Senior Information Officer
Trading Standards Service
Communities
Warwickshire County Council
tel. 01926 414039
mob. 07771 975570
email. simoncripwell@warwickshire.gov.uk
web. www.warwickshire.gov.uk
My normal working days are Monday to Thursday
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