'It can happen to anyone' - PSNI warning over increase in scams

Police have received 35 reports of scamming in Northern Ireland over the last two days.

Of that, 24 people from counties Armagh, Down and Antrim reported attempts had been made to trick them out of money on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Some would-be victims received phone calls and automated voicemail messages from fraudsters claiming to represent HMRC authorities, threatening them with arrest if they did not pay taxes they owe.

Other callers to police said they received emails and calls demanding they pay money using bitcoin virtual currency or else they would post videos online of them watching footage of a sexual nature.

Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said: "In one instance, the fraudsters asked the victim to buy iTunes gift card voucher codes because they can be easily redeemed and easily sold on.

"The scammers don't need the physical card to redeem the value and instead get victims to read out the serial code on the back of their card over the phone.

"Thankfully in this case, the scam was spotted and no money was lost.''

In another instance, a man received a call from someone claiming to represent BT, who said their internet had been hacked and requested access to their account.

Mr Walls added: "We are reassured that people are able to spot these scams, and people are picking up the phone to report them to us.

"However, we would continue to urge members of the public to always err on the side of caution with any text, call, email or letter asking for payment or personal details in order to release money, refund fees, pay lottery wins or supply a holiday, giveaway or service.'

Although no money was lost during these incidents, in the past few months people living here have had huge amounts of money stolen, some losing up to £80,000.

Mr Walls said most of the victims of fraud never see the money again.

"Losing that amount of money, sometimes even if it's only £500, can have a huge impact on someone life. I know of situations where some peoples lives have been changed beyond recognition. They can't afford to fed themselves or heat their house. A fraud, scam, whatever you call it, can change someones life."

He has apealed to anyone who has been, or thinks they may be a victim of fraud to contact police on 101, or go to the Scamwise websitefor more details.