Menu
17/10/2016
Worker Loses £900 In Accommodation Scam
A Belfast hospital worker lost around £900 after being scammed trying to book accommodation in Europe for a short break with friends.
The consumer had gone on to a website that allows property owners across the world to advertise spare accommodation, such as rooms or apartments, that visitors can rent out for short term use. The consumer viewed details and photographs of an apartment in Amsterdam and then contacted the host by email. A price was agreed for the rent of the apartment for three nights.
Payment should have been made through the website, however the consumer responded to a fake method of payment email that came not from the website but the host. Unknown to the consumer they made a bank transfer 'offsite'. Only when they didn't get a receipt did the consumer suspect there was a problem. The website later confirmed that payment had not been properly conducted through their correct business channels. The consumer's money was lost and the accommodation, like the host, was bogus.
Bill Malloy from the Trading Standards Service, said: "Ingenuity knows no bounds when it comes to fleecing consumers of their money. With the internet, scammers and victims don’t meet face to face. The scammer can be anywhere in the world. Do not be rushed into sending off money to someone you do not know, especially by bank transfer. As a safeguard, try and use a credit card or debit card to make payment."
(CD/LM)
The consumer had gone on to a website that allows property owners across the world to advertise spare accommodation, such as rooms or apartments, that visitors can rent out for short term use. The consumer viewed details and photographs of an apartment in Amsterdam and then contacted the host by email. A price was agreed for the rent of the apartment for three nights.
Payment should have been made through the website, however the consumer responded to a fake method of payment email that came not from the website but the host. Unknown to the consumer they made a bank transfer 'offsite'. Only when they didn't get a receipt did the consumer suspect there was a problem. The website later confirmed that payment had not been properly conducted through their correct business channels. The consumer's money was lost and the accommodation, like the host, was bogus.
Bill Malloy from the Trading Standards Service, said: "Ingenuity knows no bounds when it comes to fleecing consumers of their money. With the internet, scammers and victims don’t meet face to face. The scammer can be anywhere in the world. Do not be rushed into sending off money to someone you do not know, especially by bank transfer. As a safeguard, try and use a credit card or debit card to make payment."
(CD/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2023
2nd Consumer Energy Charter Launches
The Consumer Council has announced the launch of the 2nd Consumer Energy Charter, designed to put in place extra support measures for households.
2nd Consumer Energy Charter Launches
The Consumer Council has announced the launch of the 2nd Consumer Energy Charter, designed to put in place extra support measures for households.
30 November 2023
The Evolution of Online Gambling in Ireland
In recent years, Ireland has witnessed a remarkable surge in the online gambling sector, marking a significant transformation in the nation's gaming landscape. According to Statista, revenue in Ireland's online gambling market is projected to reach €1.12bn in 2023.
The Evolution of Online Gambling in Ireland
In recent years, Ireland has witnessed a remarkable surge in the online gambling sector, marking a significant transformation in the nation's gaming landscape. According to Statista, revenue in Ireland's online gambling market is projected to reach €1.12bn in 2023.
21 September 2022
Lyons Launches Series Of Energy Advice And Support Videos
A series of consumer information videos providing energy advice and support to help households this winter, has been launched by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons. The consumer information videos are part of an energy information campaign involving the Department for the Economy, the Consumer Council and the Utility Regulator.
Lyons Launches Series Of Energy Advice And Support Videos
A series of consumer information videos providing energy advice and support to help households this winter, has been launched by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons. The consumer information videos are part of an energy information campaign involving the Department for the Economy, the Consumer Council and the Utility Regulator.
11 April 2018
Linwoods Announce 90 Job Cuts
Up to 90 jobs are to be lost at Armagh-based food business, Linwoods. The company has said that the business has been hit by "changing consumer taste" with the demand for white bread "falling dramatically". Despite the jobs cuts, the company said that its health food division was "thriving".
Linwoods Announce 90 Job Cuts
Up to 90 jobs are to be lost at Armagh-based food business, Linwoods. The company has said that the business has been hit by "changing consumer taste" with the demand for white bread "falling dramatically". Despite the jobs cuts, the company said that its health food division was "thriving".
09 June 2010
UUP Welcomes Energy 'Brokering' Report
Energy prices could be reduced for consumers through the co-ordinated bulk purchase of energy on behalf of multiple customers.
UUP Welcomes Energy 'Brokering' Report
Energy prices could be reduced for consumers through the co-ordinated bulk purchase of energy on behalf of multiple customers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
