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Lowestoft Online > Community > General Community > The Lounge > Topic: British Gas customers targeted in identity theft scam
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Trigger
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British Gas customers targeted in identity theft scam « Posted: 30 March 2011 at 10:04 AM »
Article from the Daily Telegraph:

Consumers are being warned of a scam that promises refunds of hundreds of pounds on gas bills if they send copies of documents that could be used to steal their identity.

The bogus offer of a refund comes in an email purporting to be from British Gas. One email headed “refund notification” said the recipient was due a refund of £722.80, but would need to fax copies of a passport or driving licence in order to receive it.

It said: “After the last annual calculation of your gas and electricity activity, we have determined that you are eligible to receive a refund of 732.80 GBP. Please submit the refund request and allow us 5-7 days in order to process it.  Please fax the following 2 documents in order to have us process your request ... a legible, colour digital photograph or scan of both sides of your government-issued ID (eg driver’s permit or passport).”

It also asked for the customer’s name and full address and gave a fax number with a Bristol dialling code. The email included a British Gas logo and gave the sender’s address as “info@britishgas.co.uk”.

The energy company advised anyone who received the email not to do as it asked.

Link to full article.
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East Point
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Re: British Gas customers targeted in identity theft scam « Reply #1 Posted: 30 March 2011 at 10:41 AM »
Thanks for that warning Trigger - we are with British Gas.
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They say the dog is man's best friend.  I don't believe it - how many of your friends would you neuter?
Trigger
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Re: British Gas customers targeted in identity theft scam « Reply #2 Posted: 30 March 2011 at 11:47 AM »
You’re welcome!  Just remember to  keep a look-out for any emails from BG - they don’t normally communicate that way - especially if it’s a (genuine) refund! 
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morty1753
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Re: British Gas customers targeted in identity theft scam « Reply #3 Posted: 30 March 2011 at 11:53 AM »
Quote from: Trigger on 30 March 2011 at 11:47 AM
You’re welcome!  Just remember to  keep a look-out for any emails from BG - they don’t normally communicate that way - especially if it’s a (genuine) refund! 

I think you will find that any reputable company that owes you a refund will communicate by snail mail rather than e-mail. And they certainly won't want copies of driving licence, passport or a photograph.
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"I" before "E" except after "C"..... That's weird
tedH
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Re: British Gas customers targeted in identity theft scam « Reply #4 Posted: 01 April 2011 at 12:38 AM »
Thanks trigger we are with british gas
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Sunny
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Re: British Gas customers targeted in identity theft scam « Reply #5 Posted: 01 April 2011 at 11:39 AM »
Good to hear thanks Trigger.
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