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Beware of bogus debt advisers

 
Benefit advisers are warning residents about new scams designed to exploit people affected by the credit crunch.

Dishonest organisations or indviduals claim to offer advice to the newly unemployed, but then charge people to guide them through the benefits system.

Greenwich Council Welfare Rights Service is urging residents not to be tempted to pay for advice that is readily available for free.

Find out where to get free advice

How can I spot fraudulent advisers?

In certain cases, the fraudsters set themselves up as freelance benefits advisers, and then use a premium rate advice line to charge £1.50 per minute.

Others offer representation at appeal tribunals but take a high percentage of the the proceeds, plus expenses as their fee.

Is there anything else I should be looking out for?

The council is also warning residents about the following:

    • advice agencies claiming to be charities, who are actually working for independent financial advisers who charge huge fees
    • legitimate companies who are targeting people who find it hard to get credit and offering them small loans at massive interest rates.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) scam
Residents should also be aware of authentic looking emails from revenue and customs offering tax rebates.

These are designed to trick you into giving  out your bank and credit card details.

HMRC have confirmed that only ever send notification of rebates in writing. They never email or telephone people to notify them of tax rebates.

They urge anyone who receives such an email to send them to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

How do I report a scam?

Every day, people throughout the UK fall victim to scams of one kind or another.

If you have been the victim of a scam, whether it was by post, telephone, email or in person, you can report it.

All reports will be investigated by Trading Standards and the Office of Fair Trading.

Report a scam now

Further information

Residents needing benefits advice should call the Welfare Rights Service using the details in the right hand menu.

Those needing debt advice, should contact the Greenwich Money Advice Service on 020 8317 3342.

More information on scams, making yourself more aware, current campaigns and guidance, can be found on our scams pages.


 

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