A warning has been issued after reports of Lincolnshire residents receiving calls from someone falsely claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice.
Scammers trick members of the public by suggesting that their intended victims could be owed money – often for repayment of bank charges, payment protection insurance or a court settlement – but first ask for an upfront payment inorder to receive the money.
In two of the cases reported so sar, people were asked to send £100 by UKash vouchers in order to receive £4,500.
The Ministry of Justice has issued a statement highlighting that these callers have no connection with it, HM Courts and Tribunals Service or other genuine organisations. It said people it contacted would never be asked for bank details.
Angela Kane, a senior Lincolnshire trading standards officer, said: “These fraudsters often targte people who they believe are vulnerable to scams, often those who are already struggling with debt.”