Warning over voucher scam

CHESHIRE police are warning residents about a scam involving iTunes as part of a rogue trader initiative.

The scam is used by fraudsters to extract iTunes voucher codes from vulnerable people.

Between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2018, 11,329 incidents involving iTunes vouchers have been reported nationally, resulting in £6,561,380 being lost to fraudsters.

For every incident, the victim receives a call claiming that they have an outstanding balance which needs to be settled urgently or they will be arrested. They are then informed that the only way to pay the debt is using iTunes vouchers.

Victims are advised to visit a high street store to purchase the vouchers and then call the scammer back and provide them with the codes from the vouchers to settle their ‘debt’.

Detective Chief Inspector Karen Jaundrill said: “The iTunes scam is particularly disturbing and can be extremely worrying for the victims.

“On each occasion the victims have been told they must purchase thousands of pounds worth of vouchers or face the prospect of being arrested, which has caused anxiety and concern.

“While the majority of victims did not fall for the scam, sadly we are aware of a number of victims who have lost thousands of pounds.

“As part of our ongoing work to prevent this type of fraud, we’re working closely with supermarkets and convenience stores to prevent vulnerable residents purchasing large quantities of vouchers.

“I’d also urge residents to talk to any vulnerable friends or family about the scam to help ensure that nobody else falls victim.

“The message is clear – no reputable company, nor any Government organisations, would ever call you and ask you to settle a balance over the phone using vouchers, nor would they threaten to arrest you.”

“I’d urge anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud to contact us on 101 or alternatively contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”