Potential MSE scam invoving PPI?

[Deleted User]

soolin wrote: »

Martin has taken steps in the past to stop scammers using the MSE name

Probably before he sold the site to Money Supermarket! :eek:

I think Martin Lewis only takes steps to protect "Martin Lewis" these days....

Nasqueron

-taff wrote: »

This has been publicised prett much everywhere, television programs, the internet, newspapers etc.

Google Advance Fee Fraud.
It's been around since the 18th century apparently.....

Yeah I did a bit on this as part of my degree, the advance fee fraud (commonly called 419 after the Nigerian police code for this type of crime) does indeed go back to the fabled Spanish Prisoner scam where businessmen were targeted to pay a small sum to bribe guards to release a wealthy person from prison and get a big reward. The fact it is still happening proves it must work and they must get payments

Nasqueron

GailPB wrote: »

Leaves me wondering what the purpose of the call was as they said they would not take the card or money until the cheque had cleared.

Cheque would probably clear (or you'd see the funds in your account at least) after a day, idea being you give them the card that day then the bank bounces the cheque a few days later by which time the fraudster is long gone.

[Deleted User]

Nasqueron wrote: »

Cheque would probably clear (or you'd see the funds in your account at least)

It wouldn't clear, but would show as "pending" and, as you say, available funds. It subsequently bounces.

takman

GailPB wrote: »

Thanks all confirms my suspicions. I do block nuisance calls regularly, but just happened to be in to take this one. Very weird that it kind of rang true on some counts. I was going to wait for them to turn up and apologise that I did not have a one4all card yet.

So you gave them your address? What other information did you give them?

GailPB

I confirmed address (aarghh!) - but they had it already
did not give them anything else thank god

AnotherJoe

There is absolutely nothing about this which "rings true" you definitely need a call screening system in place to prevent more of these type of calls, the fact you spoke with them and gave them info means you are likely going to get more calls from similar scammers
If you get any more unsolicited calls, it's quite simple, unsolicited call = scam. Put the phone down.