Warning over PPI scam (From Northwich Guardian)

Warning over PPI scam

2:00pm Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News

POLICE are warning residents about a new scam that has already conned 10 people across Cheshire.

Victims have lost a total of around £5,000 to the scam so far, with incidents reported in Northwich, Winsford, Crewe, Sandbach,Warrington, Chester, Macclesfield and Poynton.

Scammers cold call their victim, taking their details and offering to enquire as to whether or not they are eligible for a refund on mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI).

The victim will then receive a call a few weeks later, telling them to buy ‘Ukash′ vouchers in order to receive the refund.

‘Ukash′ vouchers are used to buy goods online and are available in shops and post offices.

The fraudsters will then request the 19-digit code on the voucher, enabling them to steal the money.

They will then continue to call back to request more money. The victim will not receive the PPI refund.

The fraudsters are targeting the elderly for this scam in particular.

PCSO Melissa Mellor said: “We would like to highlight this scam to people and ask them to make their elderly relatives and friends aware about it.

“We would ask that anyone who receives a call of this nature, or who believes they may have been a victim, contact police as soon as possible via the non-emergency number, 101.”