Warning to be on guard against scams (From Hereford Times)

Warning to be on guard against scams

2:04pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in News By Lydia Johnson

Police are warning people to be on their guard after a spate of scams have been reported this month across the force area.

According to West Mercia Police, there have been nine reports of fraudsters having called people, offering a refund for mis-sold PPI (payment protection insurance) or a tax refund in exchange for Ukash vouchers - which can be bought from any shop with a PayPoint - who are then asked to return the call and read out the voucher number, then used to redeem the cash value of the voucher.

A Hereford resident was recently conned out of money after being promised a huge PPI refund by someone claiming to be from her bank in return for a £120 payment via Ukash, and people have also been conned after having applied for loans online.

Although Ukash is a genuine company, it - as well as other money transfer companies - is often used by con-men to obtain funds deceitfully, and it says its vouchers should only be used at genuine merchants listed on their website and that people should never give Ukash details via email or telephone.

If you believe you are a victim of fraud you can report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or call police on 101.

Also, if you realise you have been scammed you can contact Ukash directly on www.ukash.com/uk/en/support/contact-customer-services.aspx and they will attempt to block the voucher code before it is used.