Residents are warned to be on their guard against phone calls from fraudsters claiming to be from Action Fraud.
The Safer New Forest Partnership is alerting householders in the New Forest to a phone scam which tries to trick people into sending money.
The caller states that they are from Action Fraud and that the person they are calling is entitled to compensation from a recent incident. The scammer then asks for money to be sent via a Ukash voucher in order to process the compensation claim. The amount asked for is usually in the range of £200 to £400.
Action Fraud warns people not to pay out any money to these bogus telephone callers as it a scam and you will lose your money.
Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud reporting centre where consumers can report if they have been scammed or defrauded and is not affiliated with these scammers and would never be involved in processing claims for compensation.
You can report fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online using Action Fraud’s reporting service at www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-a-fraud-including-online-crime-questions
Cllr Jill Cleary, New Forest District Council portfolio holder for Housing and Communities, said: “This attempt to con people out of their money by impersonating an official from Action Fraud is despicable.
“It is just one of the latest scams, brought to the attention of the Safer New Forest Partnership, being carried out by fraudsters who prey on vulnerable people in our communities.
“I hope this will put people on their guard if they receive suspicious phone calls, remember never to give your bank details over the phone to an unknown caller, even if you are promised cash or other incentives. Just say ‘no’ and end the call.
“Never use these vouchers unless you are absolutely sure it is 100% appropriate.”
The Safer New Forest Partnership suggests residents may consider registering with the Telephone Preferential Service (TPS), which reduces, and in some cases completely eliminates, the nuisance calls you receive, on both your landline and mobile phones. Find out more online at tpsonline.org.uk/tps or call the registration line on 0845 070 0707.
