Voucher Scam Warning to Long Eaton Residents

Community Protection's Trading Standards service

are warning Long Eaton residents about cold callers who are offering

to reclaim miss-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) on the

consumer's behalf in exchange for vouchers.

Trading Standards has received a number of

complaints from Nottingham city residents who have been approached by a

company offering to help them reclaim their PPI – if they provide them

with UKASH vouchers as their payment in the first

instance.

They then explain that a cheque for PPI is waiting for them and will arrive through the post shortly.

Companies often ask for a consumer's personal

details including banking information. The company then explain that

they will take their 'fee' in UKASH vouchers

Vouchers are often favoured by scammers as limited

information is provided on vouchers, making it difficult for them to be

identified. The scammers would then use the vouchers to buy things

online. Consumers never actually receive a cheque.

 Councillor Alex Norris, Portfolio Holder for

Community Safety, said: "Consumers contacted in some cases are

understandably keen to reclaim their miss-sold insurance so do not stop

to think about the consequences of giving a stranger their

bank details or other personal information over the phone.

 "Consumers are asked to buy UKASH vouchers from a

shop for a set amount of money. They then send the voucher code to the

scammers and often do not hear anymore from them. Trading Standards want

to encourage all local residents to think

twice before giving anyone their personal information – particularly

cold callers."

The amount of money consumers are asked to give to

scammers can range – however Trading Standards are aware of one case in

which a resident was asked to send scammers £540 in exchange for a

fictional cheque.

 If you or someone you care for has been the victim of this type of scam contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk