RESIDENTS across Bromsgrove and Rubery are being warned about scam calls where there caller claims to be from the Ministry of Justice.
The scammers trick residents by suggesting to the recipient that they could be owed money for repayment of bank charges, payment protection insurance (PPI), or a court settlement.
But, before they can find out, the scammers ask for an up-front payment from the consumer in order to enable them to receive the money.
The bogus callers often ask for personal financial information such as bank account details, and consumers are often asked to use electronic money transfer services such as Moneygram, UKash vouchers or Paysafecard to provide an upfront payment.
These callers have no connection with the Ministry of Justice, HM Courts & Tribunals Service, or other genuine organisations. Fraudsters have already tricked and harassed some victims into handing over thousands of pounds, only for them to find that the call was a fake.
The MoJ would never contact consumers asking them for personal bank details, or request an up front payment by money transfer.
The MoJ is warning consumers not to pass on personal or financial details to such callers. If you have already done so, contact your bank immediately to stop or check any unauthorised transactions. Do not transfer money unless you are absolutely confident the company is legitimate.
It follows several recent case where scammers have used the Ministry of Justice logo and similar email addresses on e-mails to carry out similar scams online.
Anyone who has been a victim of this scam should report the matter to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, by calling 101.
Visit http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud to find out more or report cases.
