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.