Email Scam 'Using the Trading Standards Name'

Fake grants are being offered to recipients from a firm calling itself "Trading Standards Central UK".

Fraudsters are attempting to conduct cash scams on the general public by sending out emails under the alias of Trading Standards Central UK.

The bogus group, quite distinct from the official Trading Standards Central, has sent out emails offering fake cash grants to the recipient. The mailshot claims that Trading Standards Central UK has a pot of £1 million per year to give out to 100 lucky recipients.

Contained in the email is a list of ticket and reference numbers, which must, it is claimed, be used in order to receive the "prize".

Choosing to advertise the payments through using the Trading Standards name is especially bizarre - as Trading Standards Central offers a consumer advice service rather than grants to the public. The body has already disavowed any connection to the email.

Speaking to the BBC, Rob Gainsford at the Trading Standards Institute - the body which runs Trading Standards Central - commented: "It is particularly galling to find that they are prepared to take in vain the name of an organisation which works to protect consumers and businesses from scams and unfair practice."

While the identities of the email fraudsters have yet to be found, Mr Gainsford indicated that the body, police and the Office of Fair Trading were currently investigating the scam.

Other articles you may be interested in...

How to Stop Junk MailFed up with coming home to find unwanted post stuffed in your letterbox? There are ways to stop the tide of junk mail - we show you how.

10 Scams that Everyone Should be Aware OfKeep your wits about you because, whilst a recession is bad news for most of us, it is all just more ammunition for the ID fraudsters and money scammers.

How Can I Check if a Company is Legitimate?If you're worried about the authenticity of a company it's always worth double checking they're legit before you have any dealings with them whatsoever. We look at how you can find out whether you can trust a company or should avoid them at all costs.

4 Simple Ways to Protect Your Credit RatingIdentity theft may be at an all-time high but that needn't mean that you're its next victim. Outwitting potential fraudsters isn't rocket science - in fact a few simple steps will make you and your credit report instantly less vulnerable.

Don't Pass on your Personal Data when you Dispose of your Old ComputerYou don’t know where your old PC might end up after you dispose of it. Follow our advice and ensure that your personal data doesn't end up in the wrong hands.