The following warning has been passed to us by Thurrock Trading Standards following a complaint from a Thurrock resident. It highlights why we all have to be carefully when dealing with anyone we don't know, especially on the phone or by the internet. 

C applied online for a quick loan approx. £1000.  Received a telephone call almost immediately to say that C had been approved for £2000 but if they wanted this C had to show they were able to pay so T requested £69 upfront.

T suggested that C go and get UKASH vouchers and then transfer this into T account and the money would be with C in 20 minutes.  C sent electronic UKASH vouchers and then T said that the HMRC had blocked the transaction and that C had to pay a further £240 to allow the money to be deposited in C account.  C then realised a scam.

UKASH is electronic money

Remember, If it looks too good to be true, it most probably IS too good to be true.

Police have issued CCTV images in a warning over cashpoint crooks who are tricking bank customers out of hundreds of pounds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1jTFzyDa7Q

Thieves were caught on camera while stealing £350 from a man withdrawing money from a hole in the wall at the Santander branch in High Road Loughton.

A video clip and still photographs from the CCTV are now being released as part of an appeal for witnesses and also to warn all cashpoint users to be extra vigilant when using bank machines.

Please pass the details of this message onto anyone who may find its content beneficial

Police in Northamptonshire would like to make people aware of the following report on BBC’s “Watchdog” programme featured on 4 November 2010 about the following survey that is soon to be sent to over 1 million homes.