Bogus Loan Scam In Harlow

30 September 2011, 11:36

Police are warning people to be aware of bogus loan companies following a possible fraud in Harlow.

A Harlow resident was contacted by phone by a man purporting to be from a loan company stating she had qualified for an £8,000 loan.

The victim agreed to the loan to find she had to pay a set up admininstration charge of £186.

The victim was told the loan would be in her account within two hours.

Further monies were requested to pay into paypoint vouchers and further phonecalls stating there were complications over the vouchers.

The man on the phone requested the victim place more money in as lump sum and then to phone the company with a code to redeem the previous vouchers/monies.

To date no refund or loan has been received by the victim.

Investigating officer, Pc Lucy Percival said: "I want to warn people not to take out loans from people who contact them.

"If it sounds too good to be true, it normally is. If you need a loan, always shop around and go to reputable companies.

"Sadly this woman had forked out £740 before she realised this was bogus."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Pc Lucy Percival at Harlow police station on 101, or 0300 333 4444 if calling from outside Essex, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.