Police Warn Of New Credit Card Scam
Police have issued a warning about a new scam which targets personal and business credit card holders.
The alert was broadcast after a business owner from Chester was contacted by telephone by a person who claimed to be a representative of the Cheshire Police press office. The caller proceeded to demand payment by credit card for advertisements in a police publication.
“The recipient did not part with any details and when he threatened to contact his solicitor, the phone was put down,” said Dave Murray, a spokesman for Cheshire Constabulary.
He went on to say, “Cheshire police would like to reinforce the message that we do not employ the tactics of cold calling and we do not conduct business in this way.
“Should anyone be contacted by anyone claiming to be from the police requesting money, then contact the police on 0845 458 0000 to confirm that the request is genuine.”
It is thought that the fraudsters may widen this practice to extract money from businesses and individuals by claiming to be from publications, retail companies, utility companies or other services.
Sound advice is, if in receipt of a call asking for payment, always hang up and call the company back - using a phone number listed in Yellow Pages or a similar publication. Care should also be taken when disposing of receipts, as criminals could find a receipt for a recent purchase then call, claiming there has been a problem with the original payment.