Police warn of PPI con

Police in North Lanarkshire say people have been conned out of a three figure sum by the scammers who will contact you by phone or e-mail to advise you have money to claim back from previous loans you have taken out.

Community safety police officer Alan Mulholland explained: “If you receive one of these phone calls and the person asks you for money up front then do not entertain them as the chances are they are trying to steal your money.

“They usually ask you to send a sum of money via Ukash from a Post Office or similar then you don’t hear from them again.

“If you feel that you may have been inappropriately advised previously when taking out a loan then I would advise that you make the contact with a claim adviser, don’t just take a strangers word for it.”

PC Mulholland urged retailers to be extra caution when someone asks to send UKash vouchers.

He said: “I would also call on shop staff and Post Office workers to ask appropriate questions from someone who is looking to send Ukash vouchers.

“This may save them sending the vouchers to a stranger who is only interested in stealing their money.

“If you need further information on the matter then call consumer direct/ Scambusters on 08454 04 05 06.”

Ukash say the company are aware of scams of this nature, and insist they are doing everything they can to combat the problem.

David Hunter, CEO of Ukash, said: “At Ukash we are aware of scams of this nature. Ukash is regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) and enables consumers to use their cash online. Just like cash, if our customers are the only ones to have access to their unique 19-digit Ukash voucher code, only they can spend it.

“From time to time, fraudulent activity occurs when individuals posing as any of a series of roles attack vulnerable consumers asking for Ukash as payment.”

He added: “We are appalled that scammers are targeting people to defraud their money and we are actively working with the authorities to close them down. Our advice is that Ukash voucher details should NEVER be given to cold callers or doorstep sales people. The simple message is to treat Ukash with the same security as you would physical cash.

“Anyone who believes they have been targeted should report it to the police and to action fraud UK in the first instance.

“If they realise that they have been scammed they can also contact us directly via customer services and we will attempt to block the voucher code before it is used.”

For more information on Ukash including security tips, visit www.ukash.com.

What’s your view? Email our newsdesk or call 01236 725578.