Denbighshire’s Trading Standards are urging consumers to be on their guard against unsolicited phone calls from people out to fraudulently obtain money.
The warning follows cases where some members of the public have received unsolicited telephone calls in connection with obtaining a loan.
The callers provide a UK based telephone number and request advance payments from £40 up to £350 to provide a loan. Instructions are given to the consumer for advance payments to be made by money transfer using a Ukash voucher.
Once the transaction has been made, the Ukash reference number is given by telephone to the caller, which enables collection of the cash from anywhere, not necessarily in the UK. The consumer then finds that no loan payment has been provided and the caller and those in receipt of the money are untraceable.
Those consumers who call the UK number to chase up the loan are often asked to provide a further payment due to a ‘problem with the application’.
Ian Millington of Denbighshire Trading Standards, said: “We advise that you should never give personal information or banking details to unsolicited callers. If you receive an unexpected call, always be cautious and never make an advance payment by any method unless you have taken steps to make sure the company is genuine and the payment is necessary.
“Be aware that the addresses and phone numbers used by these companies often appear legitimate but in reality they are simply transfer points and the user difficult to trace. Always ask for details to be sent to you in writing so that you can consider the offer. All UK loan companies have to be licensed by the Office of Fair Trading and up to date approvals can checked on the OFT Consumer Credit public register: www2.crw.gov.uk/pr
If you have been a victim of this scam then you must act fast to block any payment by contacting UKASH on 0808 234 6244.
If you have received any such calls then report it to action fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report it online at www.actionfraud.org.uk. For free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
