SCAM victims in Worcestershire will be among the 3,500 people nationwide who will receive funds after they fell victim to an international, American-based mass-marketing scam.
Following a four-year investigation, more than £7,000 is to be handed back to 43 residents across the county.
This is mostly made up of small amounts but one person will receive more than £900 and several sums of in excess of £400.
US-based fraudsters who had targeted UK households, including some in Worcestershire with scam mail which targeted vulnerable people, especially those living alone or with long-term health conditions, and promised ‘guaranteed’ cash prize pay-outs.
Victims were asked to pay an upfront fee of between £25 and £40 before realising – often after having paid the fee several times – that there was no prize.
Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for Communities, said: “Falling victim to a scam is a distressing experience so I am delighted the proceeds of crimes from these fraudsters can be used to compensate people in Worcestershire, with the help of our trading standards team.
“The investigation shows wherever scammers are based, we will collaborate with our national and international partners to ensure they are caught. I would advise residents to be wary of any offers they receive promising cash and report it if you have any concerns – if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
The National Trading Standards (NTS) National Scams Team supported an investigation by the US Federal Trade Commission into the scam.
National Trading Standards has identified the victims and provided data to local authorities, along with the means of returning funds to residents.
Scams can be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
For advice, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
