Canadian credit: don't fall foul
of loan fee scam
UK consumers seeking credit are being
stung for thousands of pounds by a new advance fee scam
originating in Canada.
Advertisements have appeared in local newspapers offering
fast loans regardless of credit history. The adverts,
which have a freephone number to call, are usually placed
in the classified sections of free or local newspapers.
Consumers who respond to these adverts are told that
their loan has been agreed but before they can have
the money they will need to pay a fee to cover insurance
of the loan. The consumers are asked to pay this advance
fee by money order via Western Union or Money Gram.
Once this advance fee is paid the consumer never hears
from the company again and the loan is never received.
The OFT is aware of victims who have lost up to £4,000.
For more information see the OFT
press release.
|
