Don't disclose credit card details to people you don't know, warns OFT
Consumers are being warned by The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) never to give out credit card details to people they don't know, following the news that a car-selling scam is costing people £3 million every year.
Don't disclose credit card details to people you don't know, warns OFT”
Consumers are being warned by The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) never to give out credit card details to people they don't know, following the news that a car-selling scam is costing people £3 million every year.
The vehicle matching scam works when people who are selling their cars are approached by fraudsters who promise to find a buyer for the car for a fee.
However, in many cases there is no buyer and any money paid is lost.
There were 1,600 complaints to advice service Consumer Direct about the practice last year. Each consumer lost between £80 and £99. However the actual number of victims is thought to be much higher.
Motor trade lead officer of the Trading Standards Institute, Peter Stratton, said: "High pressure selling alongside cold calling makes this a very successful scam, often leaving the consumer with very little chance of obtaining redress."
UK payments industry association Apacs has also suggested ways in which consumers can keep their money safe.
The association recommends always checking credit card statements to ensure that consumers have not been victims of fraud or scams. Consumers should also never disclose their credit card pin, even if asked by somebody claiming to be from a bank or the police.
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