Warning over scam letter (From The Northern Echo)

Warning over scam letter

7:34pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Darlington

TRADING Standards officers are warning people about a scam letter that has been sent to a number of residents in Darlington.

The letter reportedly originates from Hong Kong, from a company called Hung Pang, which describes how you have the same name as their client, who has $10.5 million US dollars to invest.

It goes on to say that their client has had an accident in China and died with no next of kin and Hung Pang is proposing to transfer the money to you and split it in half The recipient of the letter is asked to call, fax or e-mail Hung Pang to arrange for the money to be transferred.

A number of Darlington residents have received copies of the letter in recent days and have contacted Trading Standards.

Chris McEwan, the council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration said: “I would strongly urge people not to respond to this, or any similar correspondence. As ever, if something looks too good to be true it probably is. These scams are designed to get people to reveal their bank account details or other personal information which can then be used illegally.

“These scams prey on the most vulnerable people in our community who may not fully understand the implications of replying or giving out information.

“I would urge people to make sure that their family and friends are aware of this scam and know that if they receive a letter like this from someone they don’t know they should simply throw it away.”

Anyone who like more information or advice about this, or other scams, should contact Consumer Direct on 08454-04-05-06.