Scam: Fraudulent 'Consumer Protection Representatives' Impersonating ECC-Net
The European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net) issues a warning about a new and alarming scam in which fraudsters impersonate ECC-Net representatives. They contact individuals by phone and email, falsely claiming they can recover lost funds. While these scammers often target individuals who have previously fallen victim to financial scams, it is important to note that anyone could be approached.
ECC-Net emphasises that it never requests payments or financial information and always provides its services free of charge.
What to look out for
The scammers employ convincing tactics, contacting victims via email and phone. They claim the ECC-Net has successfully recovered the victim’s funds, allegedly held in a Swiss bank in London, and require personal details for the transfer. Victims are pressured to act before a fake deadline. For example, they might state that 'funds must be claimed before 30 December, or they will be donated to charity'.
Fraudsters further bolster their credibility with false claims of collaboration with the European Central Bank (ECB), financial regulators, and even Interpol. The European Consumer Centres Network does not collaborate with these authorities to recover funds and distances itself from these fraudulent activities.
Important information: red flags
Here are key indicators that the communications are fraudulent:
- False email signature
The email signature refers to a 'Chief Inspector of the European Consumer Rights Centre (ECC-Net)'. This position does not exist. - Misuse of ECC-Net branding
The scammers might use incorrect names, such as 'European Consumer Rights Centre', or manipulate ECC-Net logos. - Suspicious email details
The sender's name in the email address often does not match the name in the signature. For example, it says the sender is 'Andrew Werner', but the signature says 'Andrew Platt, and the email address does not correspond to official ECC-Net addresses. - False urgency
Fraudsters fabricate deadlines and confront victims with the risk of losing their money if they do not act in time. Please note that ECC-Net does not offer services to recover lost funds and never contacts consumers to request payments or personal details.
Actions you can take
Have you received a suspicious message? Do not respond to the email, click or any links, or open any attachments. Handle your personal information carefully and do not share it over the phone. Instead, take the following actions.
- Verify the source
Find the official contact details of your local European Consumer Centre (ECC) and contact them directly using the official online form. Your local ECC will be able to tell you whether an email is genuine. - Be careful with personal information
Keep information such as bank details and identification documents secure. Only share such information through verified, trusted channels when necessary. Please note that ECC-Net never asks for bank details or other sensitive personal information. - Remember that ECC-Net services are free
The European Consumer Centre Network never charges fees for assistance. If you are asked to pay in advance or provide financial information such as an account number, stop communicating immediately. - Report fraud attempts
If you have received a fraudulent email or phone call, file a report with your local police station or their online reporting system. Please also inform your local ECC to help us warn other consumers about the scam.