Police fraud team issues warning over Good Citizen Award scam

Police have issued a warning about a phone scam where individuals are duped into thinking they have won thousands of pounds for being a '˜Good Citizen'.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Feb 2016, 12:54 BST
Updated 23rd Feb 2016, 13:55 BST

Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime, has been receiving reports of the 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.

The fraud team said the scammers 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).

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A spokesman for Action Fraud, which has close links to police forces across the country, said: “Fortunately, very few members of the public have lost any money as a result of this scam but have reported to Action Fraud in order to help build a picture of this fraud and protect others from falling victim to it.”

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PROTECT YOURSELF:

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 you receive a call that claims to represent such a scheme, it is a scam. End the phone call – do not give out any personal or financial data.

If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.