The Tile Association (TTA) has issued a warning about credit card fraudsters who are targeting tile shops. The gang seems to be interested particularly in tiles of black quartz with mirror chips, which are a top seller for walls and floors.

TTA Executive Officer Lesley Reid told NSS that TTA is working with the fraud departments of credit card companies and a Police Fraud Squad in order to build up a better picture of the problem.

The fraudsters have targeted tile retailers. They have presented fraudulent credit cards to buy large quantities (around 50m2) of tiles at a time. 

Several TTA members have been caught by the fraudsters and TTA would like to hear from anyone else who has been targeted in order to build up a better profile of the crooks involved and to establish the extent of the problem.

It is believed the thieves have already got away with more than £100,000 worth of tiles.

If you have been caught out by credit card fraudsters, or have been approached by them but became suspicious and did not sell them anything, TTA would like to hear from you. They say all information will be treated in confidence.

Contact TTA on Tel: 0208 663 0946 or by email at info@tiles.org.uk