16/05/2022
Warning Issued After Attempted Bank Fraud
The PSNI has urged people to be "on their guard" following an attempted fraud of almost £3,000 where a fraudster posed as a caller from the victim's bank.
The victim, who lives in the greater Belfast area, was contacted by a man who claimed he worked for the bank and told her that she had been scammed and needed to withdraw £2,700 from her account and bring it to her home address.
Inspector Pete Cunningham said: "He warned the victim, who is aged in her eighties, to advise her bank that the money was for home repairs, and not to tell anyone about this.
"Thankfully, the victim realised there was something suspicious about the call and what was being asked of her and she reported the matter to police.
"These scammers can be very convincing. The number from which they are calling may look authentic and the fraudsters will claim that they are actually contacting you about suspicious activity on the account, before making attempts to have you extract money from your account for them or to obtain your bank card details.
"Our message is simple – never disclose your personal or banking details to anyone over the phone or online, no matter how convincing they may seem, and never allow an unauthorised person to have access to such details.
"If you receive a phonecall or email from someone purporting to be from your bank and asking you to withdraw money, either hang up the phone or do not respond to their emails.
"If you get a similar call, please put the phone down and report the incident via our 101 system. Do not provide any personal details to the caller.
"Guarding your personal and banking details is essential. Never 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 are 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.
"For further advice and information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni . ScamwiseNI have recently issued some helpful videos which show how these type of scams can take place and the terrible impacts for the victims."
The victim, who lives in the greater Belfast area, was contacted by a man who claimed he worked for the bank and told her that she had been scammed and needed to withdraw £2,700 from her account and bring it to her home address.
Inspector Pete Cunningham said: "He warned the victim, who is aged in her eighties, to advise her bank that the money was for home repairs, and not to tell anyone about this.
"Thankfully, the victim realised there was something suspicious about the call and what was being asked of her and she reported the matter to police.
"These scammers can be very convincing. The number from which they are calling may look authentic and the fraudsters will claim that they are actually contacting you about suspicious activity on the account, before making attempts to have you extract money from your account for them or to obtain your bank card details.
"Our message is simple – never disclose your personal or banking details to anyone over the phone or online, no matter how convincing they may seem, and never allow an unauthorised person to have access to such details.
"If you receive a phonecall or email from someone purporting to be from your bank and asking you to withdraw money, either hang up the phone or do not respond to their emails.
"If you get a similar call, please put the phone down and report the incident via our 101 system. Do not provide any personal details to the caller.
"Guarding your personal and banking details is essential. Never 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 are 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.
"For further advice and information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni . ScamwiseNI have recently issued some helpful videos which show how these type of scams can take place and the terrible impacts for the victims."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2024
Appeal Following Theft Of 'Lifesaving Equipment' From Fire Station
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following he theft of "lifesaving equipment" from Carryduff Fire Station on Monday, 25 March. At around 8.30pm, it was reported to police that the fire station on the Comber Road was broken into. Around 8.
Appeal Following Theft Of 'Lifesaving Equipment' From Fire Station
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following he theft of "lifesaving equipment" from Carryduff Fire Station on Monday, 25 March. At around 8.30pm, it was reported to police that the fire station on the Comber Road was broken into. Around 8.
25 March 2024
PHA Warns Of Increasing Cases Of Tuberculosis In NI
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a warning over a steady increase in cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland since 2020. There were 77 cases of TB notified to the PHA in 2023, an increase from 68 cases reported in 2022 and 55 cases reported in both 2021 and 2020.
PHA Warns Of Increasing Cases Of Tuberculosis In NI
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a warning over a steady increase in cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland since 2020. There were 77 cases of TB notified to the PHA in 2023, an increase from 68 cases reported in 2022 and 55 cases reported in both 2021 and 2020.
11 March 2024
Appeal Following Robbery And Attempted Hijacking In Belfast
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a robbery and attempted hijacking in Belfast City Centre on Saturday, 09 March. It was reported to police, that at around 9.
Appeal Following Robbery And Attempted Hijacking In Belfast
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a robbery and attempted hijacking in Belfast City Centre on Saturday, 09 March. It was reported to police, that at around 9.
28 February 2024
SDLP 'Disbelief' Over Origin Of £400m Reallocated Funding
The SDLP have expressed their "disbelief" over the Executive's failure to clarify what impact a remaining £400m in reallocated funding could have on public sector bodies and community organisations. Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole was speaking after questioning Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald in the Assembly on Tuesday.
SDLP 'Disbelief' Over Origin Of £400m Reallocated Funding
The SDLP have expressed their "disbelief" over the Executive's failure to clarify what impact a remaining £400m in reallocated funding could have on public sector bodies and community organisations. Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole was speaking after questioning Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald in the Assembly on Tuesday.
12 February 2024
Over £713,000 Lost To 'Romance Fraud' In NI In Just 10 Months
More than £713,000 has been lost to "romance fraud" across Northern Ireland in the last 10 months, according to new PSNI figures. Ahead of Valentine's Day, the PSNI wants to raise awareness of this type of cruel and very personal fraud committed by criminals looking to swindle people looking for love.
Over £713,000 Lost To 'Romance Fraud' In NI In Just 10 Months
More than £713,000 has been lost to "romance fraud" across Northern Ireland in the last 10 months, according to new PSNI figures. Ahead of Valentine's Day, the PSNI wants to raise awareness of this type of cruel and very personal fraud committed by criminals looking to swindle people looking for love.