Trading Standards Update

30/08/2012 Dating Scam

Warwickshire Trading Standards is warning residents to be careful when using dating websites after complaints that some are being used by criminal gangs operating in Africa and beyond.

The criminals give the appearance of genuine dating website users to develop relationships with potential victims. Email and messaging services are used and photos sent, but the gangs usually decline video calls to prevent their real identities being revealed.

After a period of time of the relationship developing, money is requested, usually small amounts to cover expenses for family medical care, general bills etc. It is often claimed this can be paid back when a larger inheritance or similar is gained. The criminals then ask for much larger amounts for fees and administration associated with the bogus inheritance.

Requests for money will continue to come until the victim realises they have been conned or their savings are spent.

For more information visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams

30/08/2012 PPI Claim Back Scam

Criminals are using payment protection insurance (PPI) refunds to steal money from consumers warn Warwickshire Trading Standards. The gangs phone or email residents at random, telling them they are entitled to thousands of pounds of PPI reclaims. The potential victims are told to send over £100 in Ukcash vouchers to receive their claim. The money is sent but the victims receive nothing in return.

Consumers are warned not to pay up front fees to anyone who claims they are owed PPI refunds.

Further, consumers who think they are entitled to PPI refunds should be aware that there is no need to pay any trader to reclaim them. Even legitimate no win no fee PPI reclaiming businesses will take a fee (as much as 30%) for carrying out this work.

For advice on claiming for free, visit:

www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/news/whats_new_apr12_payment_protection_insurance_-_claim_back_for_free.htm

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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.

For more information on scams, visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams

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Simon Cripwell
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