What you need to know about iTunes scam doing the rounds in South Yorkshire
Police in South Yorkshire today shared a warning from the national Action Fraud team, urging people not to fall prey and end up £300 out of pocket.
Fraudsters claiming to be from the ombudsman cold-call potential victims, telling them they have a cheque for a large sum of money from a compensation claim.
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Hide AdVictims are told to buy around £300 of vouchers, usually for iTunes, to 'release' this fictitious compensation.
They are advised that a courier will collect the vouchers from their home address and a cheque will be sent to them in the post.
Action Fraud states: "The Financial Ombudsman Service, which deals with complaints from consumers about the financial services industry, is a free service for the public and it would never cold call households to ask for a fee in order to claim reimbursement.
"If you think a call claiming to be from the Ombudsman is suspicious you can call them directly on 0300 123 9123."
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Hide AdIt has offered people the following advice to protect themselves from fake ombudsman calls:
* Never buy iTunes or other gift vouchers if instructed to by someone claiming to be from a government body or official
* Never provide personal details – such as your address, phone number etc - unless you're absolutely sure a request is genuine
* Never hand over any payment to anyone claiming to work at the ombudsman – their service is free to all consumers and they would never ask you for money over the phone
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Hide Ad* Never provide any of your banking or credit card details unless you know for certain that the request is genuine
* Never give anyone your security information, such as your internet/telephone banking password or log-on details (no genuine banking firm ever asks you to provide this information)
* If you think you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 20 40 or by using the online reporting tool at www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud.