Cumbria Trading Standards is reminding people to be on their guard against scam emails.
The warning comes after complaints that unsolicited emails are being sent to residents in the county asking them to spend 3-4 hours each week depositing someone else’s money into a bank account in return for 10 per cent of the money banked.
Phil Ashcroft, head of Cumbria Trading Standards, said "This has all the hallmarks of a scam: an unsolicited communication inviting the recipient to make easy money.
"I expect that the person would at some stage be required to give their personal bank account details to the sender, and there is the sting.
"It doesn’t matter whether the approach comes by email, post or telephone; if it is unsolicited and looks too good to be true, it probably is."
Scams can take many forms:
- an unsolicited contact, by telephone, email, post or in person
- the caller is pleasant and persuasive, but persistent
- the caller/sender needs a decision now
- they ask you to send money upfront
- at some stage you may be asked for your personal bank details
- they offer something for nothing, e.g. you’ve won a draw or lottery (even though you haven’t entered one)
- they offer a way to earn easy money, e.g. helping them to withdraw untold millions out of their country
- they’ll ask you to ring a premium rate phone number (all UK premium rate numbers start with 090)
Cumbria Trading Standards' advice is to be wary, especially of unsolicited approaches. If people think they have been the victim of a scam, they can call Consumer Direct on 08454-04-05-06 for clear and practical advice.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337