Cambridgeshire Police Fraud Alert - Recovery Room Scams (awaiting approval)

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scam warning

Advice from Cambs Police on Delivery room Scams

UK consumers are being increasingly targeted by recovery room scams. This is where fraudsters approach those who have been scammed or had failed investments, offering to help them get their money back for an upfront fee. This scam is particularly effective in cases where the person does not get a refund from their bank.

There is usually no explanation on how money will be recovered or, if an explanation is given, it is likely to be false or implausible. For example, falsely claiming to be the Financial Conduct Authority or working with the Government, Police, Action Fraud, to recover any monies which have been lost. Generally, recovery rooms insist on being paid a fee or transaction charge before carrying out any services to recover any losses.

How recovery room scams works

Recovery room scams usually follow on from the original scam where someone has lost money. The perpetrators of the original scam may operate the recovery room and contact the victim again pretending to be from a different firm or sell on their details to other recovery rooms. The scam tends to involve cold calling with high-pressure tactics and upfront charges described as a tax, solicitor, or administrative fees, which can result in losses that can be greater than the initial loss.

The recovery rooms often have professional-looking websites to persuade visitors they are legitimate and claim to have a UK presence when they don’t. These websites often make false claims to have successfully recovered money for other consumers involved in scams.

Recovery rooms generally use a web-based email address, such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or Russian search engine, Yandex. The Police, FCA, HMRC, banks never use webmail providers to contact consumers, nor does the Government, law enforcement agencies or law firms.

Be aware of clone firms

Many bogus firms will use the name, firm registration number (FRN), and address of firms and individuals who are FCA authorised. This is called a clone firm. Scammers may even copy legitimate websites, making subtle changes such as changing the phone number.

How to protect yourself

Always be wary if you are contacted out of the blue about recovering money lost due to fraud or due to a failed investment, or if you feel pressured to hand over money quickly or are promised something that sound too good to be true.  

Be wary of websites, phone calls, and online or social media adverts promising to recover any money you may have lost from investments or fraud.

If you get a phone call offering to recover your losses, ask how the caller has information about your lost money. Any report of fraud can only be shared between other law enforcement agencies. It cannot be shared with a private business operating a recovery room.

If you have been asked to pay a fee or provide your bank account, card, or other financial details, end all contact immediately and do not pay any money or provide any banking details.

Recovery room scams claim to provide services usually offered by claims management companies. A firm must be authorised to advertise or undertake these services in the UK. Check the FCA website Financial Services Register to make sure the firm is authorised. www.fca.org.uk

 

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