The British High Commission in the city yesterday warned people against being duped by Internet scams, which claim to offer large financial rewards in return for an initial payment.

Head of’hade and Investment at the British High Commission Kevin Ringham urged for the caution following a number of recent inquiries from Bangladeshi nationals, who have received unsolicited e-mails, purportedly from UK companies.

The e-mails have told them that they have won large amounts of moneyon a UK-based lottery, or they have inherited a large sum, or been offeredalucrativc jobin thcUK.

He said these hoax e-mails, from fake companies, attempt to defraud unsuspectingrecipientsbyaskingfor bank details or requesting initial payments for the release of funds as 'insurance'or an'administrative fee'.

Victims of the scam pay the fee but then never hear from the com-panyagain, Kevin Hingham added.

"These arc .hoax e-mails. The people behind them are attempting to defraud you by obtaining your bank account details or asking for money. We advise that you do not respond, give bank account detailsor send money," Kevin Ringham said.

He explained that Internet crime, such as identity theft, is a growing international problem.

He mentioned that in the UK alone this has meant losses of approximately £1.7 billion a year and said that fraudsters using personal details to gain access to bank accounts, run up bills, launder money, create false documents such as passports or birth certificates and carryout benefit fraud.

"The UK is committed to tackling this problem. Raising awareness and promoting personal vigilance against scams and identity theft are important first steps,"headded.