Avoid ‘too good to be true’ scam letters

West Yorkshire Trading Standards has had hundreds of complaints from people receiving letters which request the recipients full bank details before promising of large sums of money in return.

Despite appearing to come from a legitimate professionals such as a Government official or a Royal National Bank, Trading Standards wants to assures people that the letters are bogus.

The letters often claim that the recipient is the only person to receive one, and that 20 per cent of the money transferred will be given to those willing to help.

Graham Hebblethwaite, Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Joint Services said: “We cannot stress enough that people must never give their bank details to companies or people that they do not know. Providing personal details can result in severe financial loss for the respondent”.

Coun Andrew Pinnock, of the West Yorkshire Trading Standards Committee said: “These types of letters are always circulating and their intention is to take money from you, not give you any. Offers like this are always too good to be true”.

If you have an inquiry about any scams, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0845 404 05 06 from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. The advice is free. Call charges for 0845 numbers are around 6p per minute from a BT landline.