Thomas Cook scam warning

A WARNING has been issued after hoax callers have been taking their chances in wake of the collapse of Thomas Cook.

A number of people have said they have received a cold call from someone wanted to give them a refund on their holiday, even if they hadn’t booked one.

The caller allegedly says they are a refund agent from Thomas Cook and they need the long card number and security code from their debit cards.

Laura Louise Jones, 27, from Cardiff, was among those who were targeted.

She said: “I played along with the call and said ‘oh thank god, I’ve been waiting to hear about my refund’, it was all so convincing.

“He then asked permission to run through security and asked my name, date of birth and address. I gave fake details and he said I had passed security.

“He then asked if I had the card I booked my holiday with and asked for the number, expiry date and three digits on the back.

“I said to him, ‘the thing is, I have never booked a holiday with Thomas Cook, so that makes you a scamming p **** ’. He didn’t give his name or ask for mine. He didn’t ask for a booking number which would probably be the first thing asked for to get into the system and view the holiday.

“I called my friend straight away because she had a holiday booked with them and warned her. It makes me feel sick.

“I feel stressed that people have fallen for it. I can’t believe the lengths that someone would go to for money.”

It is understood a number of other people in Wales have also been targeted by the alleged phone scam.

A spokeswoman for Action Fraud said: “If you’ve been affected by the Thomas Cook liquidation, be aware that scammers may use this as an opportunity to target you.

“Be vigilant of unsolicited calls, texts or social media messages, asking for your personal or financial details, and don’t automatically click on the links in unexpected emails.”

If you think you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via its website.