- Friday, 20 November 2009UK consumers who are already in debt are at an increased risk of falling victim to a telephone scam, it has been revealed.
According to Equifax, people who have existing arrears have become the primary target for a group of fraudsters.
The imposters pose as finance officials and inform the victim that their debts are to be repaid, provided the individual surrenders their account details.
This trend could see a number of citizens who are already in financial difficulty slip further into trouble and perhaps even come to adopt bankruptcy-avoiding schemes such as
individual voluntary agreements (IVAs).
Neil Munroe, external affairs director at Equifax, warned the public to be vigilant, insisting that legitimate banks or finance bodies would never ask for sensitive data over the telephone.
He said: "These fraudsters are very convincing and persuasive, calling victims repeatedly to try to get them to pay the fees needed to release the phantom funds.
"Anyone who provides their details over the phone risks their accounts being emptied by fraudsters, leaving them in even more debt."
Cifas, the UK's fraud prevention service, revealed there was an 11 per cent increase in fraudulent activity in the third quarter of 2009.
Recent IVA News23% of first-time buyers save for five years to raise a depositWed, 04 May 2011
Brits dealing with Finance Management should shop around for car insurance Wed, 04 May 2011
Parents, including those with Finance Management, advised to start saving for children's weddingsTue, 03 May 2011
Newlyweds may be in need of Finance Management plans after overspending on weddingTue, 03 May 2011
Renting rather than buying may be an option for Brits with Finance Management Thu, 28 Apr 2011
Consumers coping with Finance Management may want to shop around for cheap energy tariffsWed, 27 Apr 2011
Increasing number of Brits turning to loans for home improvementsWed, 27 Apr 2011
Brits, including those with Finance Management plans, to spend £267 on Royal Wedding Tue, 26 Apr 2011
Equity release can be used to 'become debt-free'Tue, 26 Apr 2011
| |
Money Debt and Credit Ltd, Registered in England & Wales No.05588842.
Registered Office: 45 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1SZ
Consumer Credit Licence Number: 0580960