Young players, clubs, parents and intermediaries are advised about an increase in reports to The FA relating to a ‘trials’ scam.
Persons purporting to be licensed agents, registered intermediaries and football club employees are sending out spam emails and letters promising trials with various clubs.
The clubs and the agents/intermediaries whose names have been used have no knowledge of the potential ‘trials’ and have nothing to do with the scam.
The scam appears to work around promising trials to young players with various clubs and then asking the youngster or their family for payment in advance to cover ‘insurance and travel’. Once the money is sent (typically payment is requested via services such as ‘Western Union’), no more is heard.
If you have any doubts about any correspondence received purporting to come from a club or agent/intermediary you should contact The FA Financial Regulation team for advice.
Anyone who believes they are a victim of this scam should contact their local police force.
To view a list of registered intermediaries, or to find out more information about intermediaries and the transfer process in general, please click on logo below.
