Refund “Scam”

An Island resident has contacted the OFT concerning a phone call they received from someone who said they were from Money Saving Expert and had a £4,500 cheque for them in respect of a refund of PPI (Payment Protection Insurance) mis-sold to them by their bank. The caller correctly stated the person’s full name, address and date of birth.

The caller went on to say that they were in the local area today and would call around with the cheque – in return for the cheque they would require £190 in UKash vouchers to cover their costs. UKash vouchers are available from Co-op branches and some other retail outlets in the UK but they are not available from Co-op branches in the Isle of Man. Fortunately the householder became suspicious and reported the call to the OFT.

It is thought that this may be a scam along the lines of one reported by Staffordshire police last week: http://www.staffordshire.police.uk/news/news_releases/120809_fx_ukash_voucher_scam/.

Anyone who receives a call of this nature should contact the OFT on 686500. The Co-op has kindly said that they will direct anyone enquiring about UKash vouchers to the OFT for advice.