Thomas McAvoy

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MP WARNS LOCAL BUSINESSES OVER ‘GOVERNMENT GRANT’ CON

Local MP Tommy McAvoy has warned Rutherglen and Hamilton West businesses about a scam letter which supposedly comes from the government.

A constituent handed in one of the letters into Mr. McAvoy’s office. The letter claims to be from a department called “UK Government Programmes,” which offers grants to small businesses and has been sent to a number of companies across the constituency and the rest of the country.

A yellow ‘post it’ note is attached to the front of the letter with a handwritten message supposedly from the recipient’s friend. The message on the ‘post it’ endorses the scheme and urges the reader to contact UK Government Programmes straight away.

Anyone phoning the supposed ‘hotline’ is then asked for bank details and a cash payment to receive a manual containing details of different government departments offering business grants. UK Government Programmes even has a website to promote this.

Mr. McAvoy wants to make clear that UK Government Programmes is totally fraudulent and that no such government department exists:

“This mailing looks as if it could be genuine. This kind of act typifies the clever ways in which con artists try to defraud people out of their hard earned money.

“The letter has been produced by a fraudster whose only intention is to steal money from unsuspecting members of the public.

“I asked a member of my office staff to phone the number to check its veracity but they only ever got an engaged tone. I am aware from some local businesses that when you do get through you are immediately asked for your bank details.”

A number of other websites, including internet forums have warned businesses of the perils of using this service and the fact that the same tactic is being used to target companies across the UK.

Tommy McAvoy added:

“This letter promising government funding is simply a scam to steal from my constituents. I must make it clear that no-one should even phone the number on the letter, as they run the risk of being conned out of their money. I will be sending this letter on to the local police.

“The police take matters such as this very seriously indeed. I would encourage anyone who has information regarding this letter to contact the local police.

“There are legitimate ways to access funding for businesses. For instance, Scottish Enterprise offers start-up funding for business through their business gateway scheme.

“It’s a sorry state of affairs when people have to be suspicious about everything they get through their letter box.”