Warning of scam phone calls issued by Office of Fair Trading

Consumers are being targeted by telephone scammers claiming to be from the government, the Office of Fair Trading, a high street bank or a legitimate claims management company. The fraudsters suggest that the consumer could receive payments, for example the repayment of bank charges or other debts.

The victims are asked to provide personal information such as bank account details and make an upfront payment first, often by money transfer.

These callers have no connection with Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) or any other government organisation. They have tricked and harassed victims into handing over hundreds of pounds, only to find that the call was a scam and they’re now even further in debt. No government body would ever call asking for personal bank details, offer money back on bank charges, credit card charges or mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance or to send money via Western Union.

The MoJ and the OFT would never contact consumers asking them for personal bank or similar details. These departments are now warning consumers not to pass on personal or financial details to such callers, or to transfer money unless you are confident the company is legitimate. If you have already done so, contact your bank as soon as possible to stop or check any unauthorised transactions and report the incident to the police.

Reporting the scam

If you believe you have been a victim of this scam you should report the matter to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website.

Your reports will then be passed on to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau and analysed to see if they can be used as part of a police investigation.

A list of registered claims management companies can be found at the claims management regulation website.

Source: Direct Gov