Cold callers cash in on debt misery
IMPOSTERS claiming to be from the Citizens Advice Bureau are preying on people with money worries with cold calls offering fake ‘debt help.’
Lynne Rawlings, manager of the Newmarket Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB), warned this week that commercial debt companies had been contacting individuals giving the impression they were from the CAB.
She explained that no-one connected with the CAB would telephone or text someone to offer debt management services.
“I cannot stress this too strongly,” said Ms Rawlings. “People need to be especially aware with the approaching festive season, and the possible Christmas debt hangover.
“Anyone getting a bogus call offering this kind of service should end the call as quickly as possible without giving, or confirming, any personal information.
“They should call Action Fraud on 0300 2040 or report it online at www.actionfraud.org.uk/report_fraud and tell the CAB.”
She added: “The problem is that while we set up debt management plans for nothing, commercial companies add substantial charges for what can be a poor quality service.
“These commercial companies trade on our reputation and don’t explain that they charge a fee. The standard of advice can be questionable too so the overall impact for the client is a poor service for high fees and obviously the larger the debt, the more the fees.
“I’m very concerned that this together with the extortionate interest charged by the pay day loan people, will cause massive problems going forward,” said Ms Rawlings.
“When people are having money problems they need to be helped, not exploited. We provide a top quality service and it’s all free.”
Newmarket CAB can be contacted on the new Access for All service on 01638 665999, between 9.30am and 2.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
The office will close for Christmas at 2.30pm on Thursday, December 22, and will re-open at 9.30am on Tuesday, January 3, 2012.
Newmarket CAB is at Foley Gate in Wellington Street, Newmarket.
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