UK scam hits Woy Woy

State Member for Peats, Ms Marie Andrews. has warned about a UK real estate scam which has been targeting Woy Woy families with relatives in the UK and Western Europe.

must register as a beneficiary at the cost of 18 pounds sterling (A$44.50).

"However, advice from the UK Government says the company is not affiliated with the government authority that deals with deceased estates.

"The only body authorised to deal with deceased estates in the United Kingdom is the UK Treasury.

"Those who send their 'registration fee' never hear from this company again - their money is gone forever.

"However, anyone who sends this 'registration fee' is then bombarded with scam letters from other organisations.

"One North Coast man who sent his money subsequently received 70 letters from different UK and Nigerian con artists.

"These con artists are deliberately targeting areas like the Peninsula, which are home to a high proportion of European and UK migrants.

"Local families should not be misled by this bogus letter."

Ms Andrews said anyone who had paid the "registration fee" for this alleged deceased estate should ring NSW Fair Trading on 13 3220.

July 17