Detectives in Woking are investigating the latest scam which has come to light involving victims being asked to hand over money in order to claim Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) payments.
A woman in her 70s who lives in Woking was targeted last month by a caller claiming to be from a PPI company and telling her she was entitled to a PPI payment. However, to receive the payment, the caller told the vulnerable victim that she would need to pay 10% of the amount in fees first. The victim ended up handing over more than £500.
It is believed the caller is only targeting people who use vouchers issued by Ukash, the online cash payment provider, and officers are working with Ukash (a genuine company which is unfortunately being used to commit crime), as part of their investigation.
PC Carina Jewell said: "I am concerned that there may be more victims out there who don't know they are victims or victims who are too embarrassed to come forward.
"If you are contacted by cold calls, please be wary and be aware if you due some monies back from any company or organisation there should never be a charge involved to process the refund.”
PC Jewell added: "I would like to reassure local residents that I am working alongside Ukash as part of my continued investigation into this incident and urge any victims who believe they may have fallen for this scam to come forward.”