Be Scam Aware - potential telephone scam - overpaid bank charges

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards team is warning residents and small businesses to be aware of a potential telephone scam that claims you are entitled to a refund of over-paid bank charges.

We have had a report from a concerned consumer who has received a suspicious telephone call, whereby the caller claimed to be calling from the "Ministry of Justice" and was using the telephone number "0208 1448934". The caller proceeded to inform the consumer that they were entitled to "a refund of £9640, due to overpaid bank charges". In order for this refund to be processed the caller said the consumer had to purchase a "tax voucher" over the telephone at a cost of "£240". The caller then asked the consumer to provide their bank account details, claiming the "money would be transferred into the account within the next twenty minutes".

Based on the information provided we believe that this call is a scam and we would advise anyone to act with extreme caution when receiving such calls.

Our advice to consumers and small businesses is that the Ministry of Justice would never contact you by telephone and ask for your personal or bank account details. You should never give your details to anybody over the telephone unless you are absolutely certain of their intentions. Never be intimidated into making a quick decision and always take a moment to ask yourself whether the offer sounds genuine. If you show any interest in the offer being made, you may be identified as a possible target for a future scam attempt. If, at any point, you are unsure as to whether the offer being made or the caller is genuine, do not be afraid to hang up the telephone.

If you have any information about suspect rogue traders or would like to report a possible scam please initially contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, in order so that all relevant regulatory authorities can be notified.

In the meantime, please visit our website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/bescamaware for advice and guidance on how to spot a scam and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Kind regards

Trading Standards

(Community Safety and Public Protection)