Co Tyrone Firm Scammed Out Of £50k

A spate of recent scams in Northern Ireland has seen several individuals and firms targeted, with one Co Tyrone business losing just under £50,000.

Police released details of the mandate fraud incident after emails belonging to the company where compromised. It was reported on Thursday 29 August that a number of emails were received, resulting in three separate payments being made to a scammer, totalling just under £50,000.

Detectives are investigating in a hope of recouping the funds.

Meanwhile, an elderly woman from Lisburn was conned out of around £2,000 on Wednesday 11 September. The victim lost the money after she was contacted by someone claiming to be from a telecoms provider, informing her of a hacking issue with her router that could be corrected by gaining access to her laptop.

Unfortunately, the unsuspecting victim downloaded two programmes onto her computer, enabling scammers to take the money.

Also reported in the Lisburn area on the following day, staff at a bank managed to stop a scam before it was too late. After conversing with a man online, a woman had been convinced to transfer £10,000 into an account. Fortunately, when she visited her bank to authorise the payment, staff realised something was not right and thwarted the fraud.

Police have reiterated their appeal for vigilance when it comes to scams- reminding people to discuss the issue with their loved ones and ensure they are scam aware.

Chief Superintendent Walls said: "For businesses, we advise checking thoroughly before making any payment. Double check that the accounts to which the payments are being made are the correct accounts and never disclose account details to any unauthorised person or allow anyone access to them via your computer."

Anyone concerned about unsolicited calls, emails or letters is urged to report it to Action Fraud via the website or by calling 0300 123 2040. Police can also be contacted on non-emergency line 101.

Visit Scamwiseni for further information and advice.



(JG/CM)