Report says Brits too easily scammed
(05 January 2006)

Brits' desperation to earn some quick cash has been highlighted by the disturbing number of people who have been caught out by at least one of an increasingly vast array of financial scams.

Which? has found that a staggering five million people in the UK have been caught out by such ruses – a worryingly high hit rate out of a total of 28 million people who have been targeted.

Automated phone calls which inform people that they have won a prize – and have lured two million people into calling a pricey premium rate number to no avail – are top of the scam charts, followed by dubious "official" letters advising of apparent wins on international lotteries.

Those who respond to such mail often get asked for a £75,000 down payment to free up their non-existent winnings, and sometimes see their bank details used and their accounts violated.

Email scams, such as those purported to detail vast riches available from a wealthy – and usually dead – African's bank account are also prevalent and believed by some, always to their deteriment.

Malcolm Coles, editor of Which?, said: "The con artists who run these scams are experts in fooling people into parting with their money. Unfortunately, it's rare to get something for nothing - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

"Avoid giving them the information they need by checking thoroughly before confirming email addresses or giving bank account details to anybody you don't know."

It's often tempting to believe apparently-good tidings when you’re tight for cash – but, rather than playing Russian roulette with what you do have, it might be infinitely better to take advantage of a safe, secure payday loan if your worries are short-term.

Paying back no more than £25 for every £100 borrowed, you're in no danger of being scammed and will be enjoying a trouble-free way to fund the things you want until your payday.


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