New research by the Office of Fair Trading indicates that 39% of people who have fallen victim to a scam in the last 12 months have lost out because they have been targeted by money transfer scams.

Victims are tricked into handing over their bank details or pay a one off fee believing they are entitled to an inheritance or think that they are donating to a charity.

The research found that:

- Nearly one in every twenty people (four per cent) lost money to a scam last year alone.

- Amongst these, the realistic nature of scams was the top reason for falling for them. When presented with a list of options (see point four in notes), 61 per cent said they think scams looking real made them get involved with them.

- Of those who reported being scammed in the last 12 months, seven per cent lost more than £4,000.

- 39 per cent of respondents who had been scammed in the last 12 months said they did not report it to the authorities.

If you think you have been a victim of a money transfer scam contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit: www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Don’t put up with it – report it! Don’t let them con you!

http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2011/09-11