MSE confronts scammer sending PPI letter claiming to be from… MSE

The UK’s biggest consumer website, MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE), is warning consumers to beware of a scam letter it’s seen which claims to be from MSE, telling people they’re owed money as part of a PPI reclaim. An MSE reporter confronted the scammer by calling one of the phone numbers listed on the letter – only for them to insist that they were from MSE.

An MSE user forwarded the letter, which claimed to be from MoneySavingExpert, and said there was £12,128 ready for them to reclaim. The letter said that 'MoneySavingExpert' was based at 102 Petty France, Westminster – the home of Government departments and public agencies including the Ministry of Justice – and contained three phone numbers.

During the phone call the MSE reporter revealed he worked for MoneySavingExpert.com. Yet the person on the end of the phone chose to double down on the claims that they were in fact from MSE. When MSE called back to give a right of reply to this story, the person who answered declined to comment, then proceeded to insist they are from MSE.  

MSE never cold calls, knocks on doors or contacts people in this way and would never give permission for a claims management firm to use its name. 

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Kirsty Good, Head of Campaigns at MoneySavingExpert.com said: “For years MoneySavingExpert has been fighting a growing number of scammers who use our trusted name to con consumers out of hundreds, and at times, thousands of pounds.

“As a simple rule, be incredibly wary of anyone calling you, texting you, emailing you or knocking on your door, trying to sell you a product or service that you haven't requested. And know, MSE will NEVER come to your doorstep, cold call you, or try to sell you a product or service. We’re a journalistic website and we don’t do that.

“If you’ve received a letter like this one or you think you’ve fallen foul of a scam using MSE’s name, support is available from Citizens Advice Scams Action through its website or helpline.

“We are currently facing a scams epidemic in the UK – be extra vigilant.”

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What to do if you’ve been scammed

Below is a need-to-know checklist of what you should do.

• If you've already responded to a scam, end all further communication immediately.

• Call your bank directly and cancel any recurring payments.

• Report the scam to the police through Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or report a scam anonymously on its website.

• If you wish to seek further advice, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action through the website, or call its online scams helpline on 0300 330 3003. Alternatively, you can contact the Financial Conduct Authority's helpline on 0800 111 6768.