British HC warns people against hoax Internet scams
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
The British High Commi-ssion in the city Tuesday warned people against being duped by Internet scams, which claim to offer large financial rewards in return for an initial payment, reports UNB.
Head of Trade and Investment at the British High Commission Kevin Ringham urged for the caution following a number of recent inquiries from Bangladeshi nationals, who have received unsolicited e-mails, purportedly from UK companies.
The e-mails have told them that they have won large amounts of money on a UK-based lottery, or they have inherited a large sum, or been offered a lucrative job in the UK.
He said these hoax e-mails, from fake companies, attempt to defraud unsuspecting recipients by asking for bank details or requesting initial payments for the release of funds as 'insurance' or an 'administrative fee'.
Victims of the scam pay the fee but then never hear from the company again, Kevin Ringham added.
"These are hoax e-mails. The people behind them are attempting to defraud you by obtaining your bank account details or asking for money. We advise that you do not respond, give bank account details or send money," Kevin Ringham said. He explained that Internet crime, such as identity theft, is a growing international problem.
He mentioned that in the UK alone this has meant losses of approximately £1.7 billion a year and said that fraudsters using personal details to gain access to bank accounts, run up bills, launder money, create false documents such as passports or birth certificates and carry out benefit fraud.
"The UK is committed to tackling this problem. Raising awareness and promoting personal vigilance against scams and identity theft are important first steps," he added.
Head of Trade and Investment at the British High Commission Kevin Ringham urged for the caution following a number of recent inquiries from Bangladeshi nationals, who have received unsolicited e-mails, purportedly from UK companies.
The e-mails have told them that they have won large amounts of money on a UK-based lottery, or they have inherited a large sum, or been offered a lucrative job in the UK.
He said these hoax e-mails, from fake companies, attempt to defraud unsuspecting recipients by asking for bank details or requesting initial payments for the release of funds as 'insurance' or an 'administrative fee'.
Victims of the scam pay the fee but then never hear from the company again, Kevin Ringham added.
"These are hoax e-mails. The people behind them are attempting to defraud you by obtaining your bank account details or asking for money. We advise that you do not respond, give bank account details or send money," Kevin Ringham said. He explained that Internet crime, such as identity theft, is a growing international problem.
He mentioned that in the UK alone this has meant losses of approximately £1.7 billion a year and said that fraudsters using personal details to gain access to bank accounts, run up bills, launder money, create false documents such as passports or birth certificates and carry out benefit fraud.
"The UK is committed to tackling this problem. Raising awareness and promoting personal vigilance against scams and identity theft are important first steps," he added.