Redland residents warned of bogus OFT scam in Bristol

Bristol City Council trading standards staff are receiving a growing number of complaints concerning an overseas scam from people claiming to be from the Office of Fair Trading.

"Consumers are told that the OFT can reclaim bank or other charges such as payment protection insurance rebates for them up to £5,000.. But they are told that this service requires an upfront fee to be paid by money transfer or that they need to disclose their bank account details" said Phil Parkyn, Principal Trading Standards Manager. 

The scammers are using a telephone number 0208 1444 785, but they are based abroad and it is difficult to take action against them once the scam has happened.  Some consumers have been asked to pay between £100 and £200 by Western Union or UK Cash, where recipients cannot be traced.

"The OFT is warning people not to pay money to bogus telephone callers claiming to be from the OFT. These callers have no connection with the OFT. The OFT do not ask people for money over the telephone."  Said Cllr Guy Poultney.  "Some consumers have been asked to pay between £100 and £200 by Western Union or Uk Cash, where recipients cannot be traced and we must remind people never to use these to make payments to people they do not know.". 

If people are suspicious they should not  not give bank details or money but contact  their Trading Standards department.