by Breakwind
Wed May 05, 2010 9:35 am
From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8662097.stm
An e-mail scam claiming it can help passengers hit by the volcanic ash flight ban is under investigation after being uncovered by a Wrexham company.
The e-mails claim they are from the Civil Aviation Authority, and say travellers affected can receive £2,000 - if they pay an administration fee.
But the Wrexham based website Scam Detectives warns that the messages are fake.
The CAA said it will be asking the police to investigate the scam.
"It's a scam through and through" said Charles Conway, editor of the Scam Detectives website, which was set up to offer advice and information on the latest types of fraud and tricks used online.
"If you reply, you'll be asked for an 'administration fee' before your payment can be released and you'll never see a penny."
Delete e-mails
The e-mails being circulated claim to be from "Frank Adam, chief consumer protection officer at the CAA", and say compensation of £2,000 is available for those stranded by the Icelandic volcanic ash clouds, in return for the administration fee and personal details, including passport information.
But a spokesperson for the CAA warned: "I can categorically say that this e-mail has nothing to do with us. It's a scam - and we'll be asking the police to investigate."
The Scam Detectives editor, Mr Conway added this advice: "If you receive an e-mail claiming to be offering you a payment to compensate you for the inconvenience of being stuck overseas, you should delete it immediately without responding."
