LOANS

Trading Standards would like to warn people to steer clear of scam loan companies who take upfront fees but fail to provide credit or offer clearly unsuitable credit alternatives.

Please be extra vigilant when dealing with or taking calls from loan companies that want upfront fees and who are not interested in your credit history as they may take the payment then disappear with your money.

The Office of Fair Trading has reported seeing a 50 per cent year-on-year rise in complaints about loan scams, particularly credit applications which involve the consumer sending upfront fees through money transfer companies.

Some points to consider:

• Be cautious if a loan company cold-calls you
• Research the business offering the loan – look for a landline phone number and a physical address and ask for information in writing
• Check that the company has a credit license on the Consumer Credit Register at www.oft.gov.uk/ConsumerCreditRegister

If you think you may be dealing with an unlicensed lender and need confidential help and advice contact the Illegal Money Lending Team on 0300 555 2222 at local call rate, including inclusive minutes from mobiles, by email to reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or text loan (space) shark (space)then your message to 60003 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks

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FAKE JACKETS

A member of the public was approached by a male maybe of Italian origin who stopped his car, possibly a Fiat and asked for directions. The male claimed he had been on business in the area and needed to get back to the M6 motorway. Before driving away having been given the directions he pointed out that his boss had given him some clothing samples and indicated to several Giorgio Armani leather coats on view in the car.

Please do not be tempted to buy these items as they are likely to be either stolen or fake goods.

If you have been approached in such a manner or have any information that might help Police with their enquiries please call 0845 458 0000

If you have any further information relating to the above alert or for general advice please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or http://www.direct.gov.uk/

Please pass this information to family member, friends, neighbours and anyone you know who maybe vulnerable.
Cheshire Constabulary Western Watch Office supports Home Watch Schemes across Chester, Ellesmere Port, Neston and Vale Royal, and is based in the Western Partnership Office, Northwich Police Station.     E-mail  western.watch@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

TO CONTACT THE POLICE CALL 0845 458 0000

IF YOU WISH TO PASS INFORMATION VIA AN INDEPENDENT ANONYMOUS SOURCE YOU CAN
CALL CRIME STOPPERS ON 0800 555 111, OR E MAIL www.crimestoppers-uk.org