Be Scam Aware - potential scam that claims you are entitled to a refund due to over-paid bank charges.

Central 

Bedfordshire

Scam Aware

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards team would like to warn residents to be aware of a potential scam that claims you are entitled to a refund due to over-paid bank charges.

We have had a report from a consumer who received a telephone call, whereby the caller claimed to be calling from the "Ministry of Justice". The caller proceeded to inform the consumer that they were entitled to "a refund of £4990, due to overpaid bank charges". In order for this refund to be processed the caller said the consumer had to transfer a "release fee of £120" using a money transfer service provided at a local retailer. The caller then explained that the consumer would then receive a cheque for the amount owed and was asked to provide their address details.

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

Our advice to residents is that the Ministry of Justice would never cold-call you 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 or encouraged 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)

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Central Bedfordshire Council Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5TQ

Telephone: 0300 300 8136 Email: trading.standards@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

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