RESIDENTS are being urged to be aware of a ‘Good Citizen Award’ scam.
Action Fraud, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau says it has been receiving reports of an advanced fee fraud whereby suspects phone a member of the public and claim to be calling on behalf of the ‘UK (or British) Government Grant Department’.
They go on to state that the individual has won a Good Citizen Award – of typically £8,000 – and that the grant can be released for a fee (of around £210).
Action Fraud says so far few members of the public have lost any money as a result of this scam but is urging people to be aware of it.
It says there is no genuine ‘Good Citizen Award’ scheme in the UK that operates by cold calling ‘winners’ and asking for an upfront fee to release a grant.
If residents receive a call that claims to represent such a scheme, it is a scam Action Fraud says end the phone call – do not give out any personal or financial data.
If anyone has been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk .
