Trading Standards Warning

Trading Standards are warning residents about a PPI Refund scam which is currently circulating in the islands.

An initial cold call claims that you are due a PPI refund for over £4000 and asks for some personal detail including your name, address and how long you have been living at your address.

Shortly after, a subsequent caller states you are due an even larger refund, and informs you that a cheque will be hand delivered by a person to your home and you are given a date and time for the delivery.

The caller then instructs you to purchase a  £150 Google gift card at a local supermarket to cover their administration fees.  You are told to buy this card prior to your delivery date.

A  spokesperson said “Anyone wanting payment by gift card is a scammer. The fraudsters want the code on the back of the gift card, it’s an easy way to steal your money. They will call you back and ask for the gift card number, and once they’ve got the code, the money is gone and it’s almost impossible to trace. There is no PPI refund, and no one will be delivering a refund cheque round to your home.

“Our advice is not to engage with cold callers, do not give any personal details, hang up and end the call.”

To report scams, CNES Trading standards can be contacted on 01851 822694.  For Consumer advice contact the Citizens advice consumer service no 0808 164 6000