If you happen to catch advertising on TV channels during the day time, you may be surprised at the lack of diversity in the products and services being advertised. Clearly there are certain demographics of people who are likely to watch TV at these points but the number of companies offering services relating to PPI claims and injury claims are very high. There may be a number of reasons for this, including the fact that TV advertising rates are likely to be more affordable during the day time but there is definitely a thought that people watching TV at these times are keen to obtain money.
This is something that could be labelled at virtually everyone because who wouldn’t want more money? However, even though the working day in Britain has changed considerably in recent years, there is still a feeling that people who watch TV in the day time may be out of work or on a shift pattern that may pay less than other shift patterns. This isn’t always true or necessarily the case but advertising at these times means that there is a chance for these companies to reach out to people.
A PPI claim can help people out
Many people are excited by the prospects of a PPI claim and who can blame them? Having the chance to obtain money that you weren’t aware of is something that appeals to most of us. It may not be a life changing amount of money along the lines of a lottery win but it can help people to enjoy themselves or make a difference in their life. There is also the added bonus that if you are due money from a PPI claim, you are actually reclaiming money that was yours. This is always going to be something that appeals to people and the feeling that you are getting one over the banks that caused so many financial problems and difficulties has to be seen as a positive thing for many people.
However, given that most people are aware of the potential of getting money from PPI claims, and most people are unaware of whether they are actually due money or not, it provides an opportunity for scammers and fraudsters. There is always a platform for people to make money out of other’s people situations sadly and Trading Standards teams across the United Kingdom have issued a number of warnings over scammers providing services that claim to help people reclaim money that is theirs.
Never provide banking details upfront
These fraudsters get in touch with people claiming to represent a company that has been dealing with banks and building societies regarding PPI debts and claims. The company will then say that they have a cheque waiting to be delivered to a person but in order for the individual to claim the cheque, they need to make a payment first. The most common request for payment has come in the form of a pre-paid card, usually a Paysafecard or a Ukash card. This is a way of having the money transferred to people without using bank details. This means that the person being asked for the cash is likely to be a bit more confident and comfortable about the transaction.
After all, many warnings are based on the importance of not providing banking details to fraudsters, something which these cards prevent from happening. Of course, once a card has been handed over, the person loses the amount of money that they have placed on to the card, and they find that there is no PPI cheque coming their way. It may not be the worst fraud in the world but it is still fraud and no one will feel good at losing money in any set of circumstances.
There is no doubt that fraudsters are smart and savvy, especially to the information that is being passed to the general public to keep them safe. This means that fraudsters will always look to keep one step ahead of the information but Trading Standards teams will always be on the lookout for new instances of fraud.
It is likely that defence solicitors will find that this is a style of fraud that is in regular use in years to come, so it is something that they will become well acquainted with in the near future. If you are contacted about a PPI claim, always be cautious and never provide money or banking details up front.
Andrew Reilly is a freelance writer with a focus on news stories and consumer interest articles. He has been writing professionally for 9 years but has been writing for as long as he can care to remember. When Andrew isn’t sat behind a laptop or researching a story, he will be found watching a gig or a game of football.
