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Charisma
Prattler
Joined: 03 Jan 2004
Posts: 163
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Posted: 8/25/2004 11:04:48 AM
Post subject: off-topic: something for nothing? -I doubt it. |
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Some of you here seem quite knowledgable, so maybe you could help me with my little dilemma...
Over the past month I have received three letters saying that I would be entered for a prize draw, that I had won, and then that I had to claim the money. I never entered a prize draw, I don't know how these people even know my address and I have never heard of a company called 'Hospital Plan Insurance Services.
If it IS a card fraud scam, where they get you to send them your card number and signature, then its very well done. Apparently, if I send them the letter back TODAY, I can double the money I've already won (they won't state how much), to up to £60,000.
In the envelope I got today, they are a few leaflets with peoples' photos on holding up their winning cheques and quotes from them saying "I never thought I'd win, I'm glad I did it" etc.
There's even a FAQ leaflet for sceptical people like me. Questions like "How do I know you'll send the cash prize?" are answered with "we put everything in writing so you can be sure we'll keep our word"
Here are some others they've anserwed:
Are there any catches?
"...Even the bank details required are simply those you give every time you write a cheque-you are covered by the direct debit Guarantee shown on your Prize Claim form. If you do not have a Bank or Building Society account, a friend or relative can enter their bank details."
How come you have contacted me?
"To attract your attention to aluable protection everyone should have. we therefore co-operate with a number of reputatble firms, allowing their customers to examine our high benefit Disability Protection FREE, as well as the chance to win a Cash Prize."
So what do you people think? Is this a con to get bank details?
-They even have a website
www.HPIS.co.uk |
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Josh Z.
Qualificator
Joined: 13 Jun 2004
Posts: 31
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Charisma
Prattler
Joined: 03 Jan 2004
Posts: 163
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Posted: 8/25/2004 11:41:17 AM
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| ahh, I reached that page the same at the same time I saw your reply here. It seems alot of people have ran to message boards about it. I can see how alot of old ladies would fall for it straight away and if there was any way for me to stop this scam I would. *contacts Watchdog* |
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Paul
Venter
Joined: 01 Feb 2004
Posts: 215
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Posted: 8/25/2004 12:14:39 PM
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| If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. The BBC had this article on scams a while back, as well as this hilarious article on counter-scamming. |
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Charisma
Prattler
Joined: 03 Jan 2004
Posts: 163
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Posted: 8/25/2004 12:22:42 PM
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I did a bit more searching and found two people on separate message boards who did send away their account details to receive £5.
But then how is this 'company' benefiting by giving away even £5? Maybe they use your account details for online purchasing later on when you least expect it. I dont even own a debit card or cheque book, and even though my mum's probably has nothing in it, they may take something later.
I guess noones reported them because they give you £5. |
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ZenZhu
Vociferator
Joined: 22 Mar 2004
Posts: 669
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Posted: 8/25/2004 2:21:32 PM
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If you're interested in getting into real estate, I have a bridge you might be interested in.
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