Firms in scam warning

CON artists have stolen up to £2m worth of goods including laptops, computers and televisions in a nationwide scam.

The scammers have been calling the sales departments of high-profile electronic companies across the UK, pretending to be an employee of fast-food giants McDonald’s.

They have then ordered electrical goods on a 30 to 90-day credit basis and arranged for them to be delivered to addresses in Manchester, where the goods have been collected but never paid for.

It is believed those behind the scam have also fraudulently obtained items such as food, wine and spirits in the same way.

Greater Manchester Police is urging other companies not to fall victim to this criminal enterprise and to remain vigilant.

The contact details being used by the offenders are: 08452-691 742 and 08452-691 745.

Detective Inspector Neal Colburn, from GMP’s economic crime section, said: “These con artists have ripped off a lot of companies to the tune of about £2m.

“Not only have they left these businesses seriously out of pocket, but they have also tried to tarnish the good reputation of McDonalds.

“I want to stress that throughout this investigation, we have been in close liaison with McDonalds who are in no way under suspicion.

“We are doing everything we can to identify those behind the scam and the courts have shown they take an extremely dim view of this sort of fraud.

“The offenders can expect a long stretch behind bars if we catch them.”

Companies who do not normally supply goods to McDonald’s, but are contacted by someone placing an order on behalf of them, are being urged to call McDonald’s to confirm the order and not use the details provided by the caller.

A spokesman for McDonalds said: “Our restaurants are not authorised to request high value goods and any McDonald’s genuine purchase can be checked by telephoning our accounts helpdesk on 0844 736 3611.”