PSNI issues another scam warning

Two men from counties Antrim and Tyrone have been scammed out of almost £20,000 pounds each.

Both victims received calls supposedly from internet and phone providers telling them there were issues with their service.

A man from Belfast received a voicemail on the 30th of January asking him to get in touch with the same internet provider he uses.

He called back the next day and was told there were issues with his broadband and he needed to download a programme so the matter could be resolved. But it gave the fraudster access to his computer and his online banking.

£19,800 was stolen from his account.

PSNI Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said: "This has been an awful ordeal for this man who believed he was communicating with a legitimate representative from his internet provider, but who in turn was swindled out of thousands of pounds."

In the second incident, which happened on Monday of this week, a man from the Omagh area received a call claiming to be from telecoms provider, saying he had issues with his internet.

Again the man was told to download some software - this time to his mobile device. This then enabled the scammer to take control of the phone and his online banking. Over £19,700 was taken from the account.

Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said it illustrates how convincing scammers can be:

"I want to take this opportunity to appeal to 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. Tricksters know all the scams and will often communicate with victims in a convincing manner.

“Our advice is that if you are at all suspicious about a call you receive, hang up and phone the organisation the person is purporting to represent to check their authenticity. Ideally, make the call from another telephone so you can be sure the original caller has not remained on the line. Never be pressured into a transaction over the phone.

“Guarding your personal and banking details is essential. Never ever disclose them to any unauthorised person or allow anyone access to them via your computer.

“If you have received a call of this kind or if you’re concerned by the intent of unsolicited calls, emails or letters then please report it to Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040, or call police on the non-emergency number 101.

“Further advice and information can also be obtained by visiting www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni

“And remember if you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam."

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