Scam?

jimjames

[Deleted User] said:

Also, he will become a victim of more scammers.

I would also ask him if he has provided any other personal data to them. It is entirely possible that they have harvested some other information that could be used for other scams or fraud.

jaypers

There are obviously so many factors around the dynamics with your relative that I could not possibly understand. You say that you would not consider them particularly vulnerable to being scammed, and yet this is so obviously a scam and you feel that they will continue to go ahead with it. It needs some sort of intervention, even to the point of advising their Bank that you are concerned that someone you care about is about to be scammed. Not sure what the Bank could/would do and there is great inconsistency across the industry, BUT financial institutions have a duty to intervene where they know illegal activity is taking place. In many cases they can also be liable to refund the money, so if you tell them etc, who knows if that could be a factor somewhere down the line. 

You know clear and categorically that this is 100% a scam. Anything signed is irrelevant…..it’s meaningless. I mean just think about that for a minute……a scammer trying to sue someone over a contract they have agreed to steal their money! 

Good luck and I hope your relative is ok and comes out of this unscathed. 

[Deleted User]

As far as I know, just his signature on the form that they sent.

We've spoken on the phone to him and strongly told him that he is being scammed, I think he half realises it himself, but feels that by signing their form he has to proceed.

I don't think they have his address, but not sure, and uncertain what other information he has given.  We've spoken to him several times since he told us about this, but unfortunately we don't seem to be getting anywhere.

[Deleted User]

@jaypers He's a member of Which? magazine, and they warn strongly about scammers, we also advised him to contact Centrica, who have a clear warning on their site about this sort of thing.
It certainly sounds a good idea to contact his bank, and potentially the police.
Thanks for all the suggestions.

jaypers

[Deleted User] said:

As far as I know, just his signature on the form that they sent.

We've spoken on the phone to him and strongly told him that he is being scammed, I think he half realises it himself, but feels that by signing their form he has to proceed.

I don't think they have his address, but not sure, and uncertain what other information he has given.  We've spoken to him several times since he told us about this, but unfortunately we don't seem to be getting anywhere.

Is there anyone who can speak to him in person to reassure him? This type of stuff concerns me for the people being hurt, and at the same time makes my blood boil that it’s happening to people. There’s another tactic you can try, despite the fact that he isn’t tied to anything anyway as it’s not a valid contract, so the signature is meaningless, BUT…….

If you entered into the contract over the phone, online or on your doorstep, you have 14 calendar days to cancel the contract under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. 

I only mention this as if he thinks it is a valid contract the above may take the worry away for him about cancelling. They WILL contact him again, but you can worry about the next steps once you get the immediate issue boxed off. 

[Deleted User]

@jaypers Thanks for your comments.
Our son visits him each week, and I spent quite a while on the phone with him yesterday trying to persuade him to block this woman's number.  She has given him the impression that she's his friend, though, of course, she is his enemy.
We've told him that the so called contract should have a 14 day get out clause, but he isn't listening.
Going to contact him again today and keep nagging.

1spiral

[Deleted User] said:

@jaypers He's a member of Which? magazine, and they warn strongly about scammers, we also advised him to contact Centrica, who have a clear warning on their site about this sort of thing.
It certainly sounds a good idea to contact his bank, and potentially the police.
Thanks for all the suggestions.

Which have legal advice available for £9 per month + £29 joining fee. One call to them would only cost £38 (can cancel after first month)  in total and should set his mind at ease regarding cancelling the contract.

prowla

Does that mean my Centrica shares are about to go up 10x?

prowla

[Deleted User] said:

@jaypers Thanks for your comments.
Our son visits him each week, and I spent quite a while on the phone with him yesterday trying to persuade him to block this woman's number.  She has given him the impression that she's his friend, though, of course, she is his enemy.
We've told him that the so called contract should have a 14 day get out clause, but he isn't listening.
Going to contact him again today and keep nagging.

The best scammers make you think they're your bestest friend in the while world.

silvercue

Why don't you suggest your friend talk to their bank or even the police if you can't convince them.

I am struggling to understand how, despite the overwhelming evidence, that they still think this is not a scam.    And if they are suspicious that it is a scam but then think they are bound by a signature - you can find material online to prove that is not the case.  You could even talk to a solicitor who will tell them for a small charge.