Don’t fall victim to overseas Office of Fair Trading scam residents warned

Bristol residents are being warned to wise up to a new overseas scam conning people out of hundreds of pounds.

Scammers are phoning from overseas through telephone number 0208 1444 785, claiming to be able to reclaim bank charges.

Principal Trading Standards Manager at Bristol City Council’s trading standards Phil Parkyn says: “Consumers are told that the Office of Fair Trading (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.”

Residents report being asked to pay money by Western Union or UK Cash in amounts of £100 – £200.

The OFT is warning people not to pay any money to these callers, but to contact Trading Standards instead.

The OFT will not ask people for money over the phone.