Scam warning

A warning is being given about a possible scam involving letters from bogus overseas debt collection firms following a string of complaintsfrom local people.

East Sussex County Council's Trading Standards Service is asking local residents to be on their guard for the letters the contents of whichcould cause real distress - especially to vulnerable and older people in the community. Dozens of residents have complained about the letters which are fromfirms outside the UK and claim to be collecting money on an outstanding debt.

Trading Standards Officers are particularly concerned about the threatening nature of some of the letters which include references to possible court action and the use of doorstep debt collectors. Officers say it appears that the aim is to frighten people into passing on theirpersonal bank account details.

Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Cabinet Member for Community Services is extremely concerned about the situation. "To threaten people in thisway, especially if the recipient is an older or vulnerable member of our community is an absolute disgrace. "These letters appear to be just another scam and another way forfraudsters to obtain personal and financial information.

My advice is that if you have no knowledge of dealing with the company concerned thenignore the letter and recycle it." Trading Standards officers say that one letter received by a residentwas titled 'notice of issue of litigation proceedings'.

Other examples state that the resident has an outstanding debt which has been passedonto the debt collection company to deal with. The letters claim that failure to pay could result in legal proceedingsand/or county court judgements against the consumer.

They also warnthat this could lead to the consumer having difficulty getting credit inthe future and include the threat of using doorstep debt collectors. Other letters may also try to get the consumer to phone the company todiscuss the issue.

This could then lead to the resident having to makea costly call via a premium rate telephone line.

"From the information that our Trading Standards Officers have received,the people who have been sent these letters have never dealt with thecompanies that are claiming they are owed money," said Councillor Tidy."It appears to be just another scam and another way for these unscrupulous people to fleece the public." If people have concerns about this issue they can call Consumer Directon 08454 040506. To find out more about the work of Trading Standardsvisit the County Council's website at eastsussex.gov.uk/consumeradvice.