bulletin from Suffolk Trading Standards
Reports of scammers telephoning pretending to be from ‘Southern Electric’ offering £5000 credit ‘to help people through the Coronavirus crisis’ if they can collect a £520 cash payment.
The caller goes on to advice that they will visit the property of the resident to collect the payment, and then the credit will be added to their account.
Protect Yourself!
Be suspicious of unexpected calls, especially if you’re asked to make an up-front payment or to give your bank account details.
The safest thing to do is hang up.
Avoid making a payment to a company or person that contacts you out of the blue, especially if you’re asked to purchase a voucher, pay directly into a bank account, use a money transfer company, or to pay a courier.
If you think you have been approached by scammers, you should report it to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
If you think you might have been scammed, stop sending money to the company and individuals involved straight away.
If you have given them your bank account details, tell your bank immediately.