Menu
11/03/2020
PSNI See Rise In Fraudulent Phone Calls
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant in the face of rising numbers of fraudulent telephone calls.
The PSNI said older people are at a heightened risk of falling victim to over the phone scams.
It's reported the fraudsters are posing as police officers, business representatives or members of the fraud department when calling potential targets and requesting their bank details.
Issuing a fresh warning for safety, Chief Superintendent Simon Walls set out basic personal protection measures and advised people to always err on the side of caution.
"No police officer will ever call you on the phone asking for money or personal banking details in this way.
"I would encourage people to take extra precautions to protect themselves from such callous callers. Be sceptical and on your guard, if you think something is suspicious about the nature of the call, it usually is a scam.
"I cannot stress enough just how important it is to be scam aware and to know how easy it is to fall victim to a scam if you don't spot the signs."
Families are advised to protect the older and more vulnerable among them by advising them against ever giving out financial details over the phone.
Legitimate companies will never seek personal banking information by telephone.
Chief Superintendent Walls continued: "Tell them that if they're at all suspicious about a call they 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.
"Scammers are creative and will do whatever they can to con people out of money. They don't care who their victim is, they just want the money and will employ whatever tactic is necessary.
"I would advise people to always err on the side of caution when it comes to people asking for your personal details. This is a really important conversation to have.
"Guarding your personal and banking details is essential. Never disclose them to any unauthorised person."
Further details regarding online and home protection against fraud are available online.
(JG/CM)
The PSNI said older people are at a heightened risk of falling victim to over the phone scams.
It's reported the fraudsters are posing as police officers, business representatives or members of the fraud department when calling potential targets and requesting their bank details.
Issuing a fresh warning for safety, Chief Superintendent Simon Walls set out basic personal protection measures and advised people to always err on the side of caution.
"No police officer will ever call you on the phone asking for money or personal banking details in this way.
"I would encourage people to take extra precautions to protect themselves from such callous callers. Be sceptical and on your guard, if you think something is suspicious about the nature of the call, it usually is a scam.
"I cannot stress enough just how important it is to be scam aware and to know how easy it is to fall victim to a scam if you don't spot the signs."
Families are advised to protect the older and more vulnerable among them by advising them against ever giving out financial details over the phone.
Legitimate companies will never seek personal banking information by telephone.
Chief Superintendent Walls continued: "Tell them that if they're at all suspicious about a call they 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.
"Scammers are creative and will do whatever they can to con people out of money. They don't care who their victim is, they just want the money and will employ whatever tactic is necessary.
"I would advise people to always err on the side of caution when it comes to people asking for your personal details. This is a really important conversation to have.
"Guarding your personal and banking details is essential. Never disclose them to any unauthorised person."
Further details regarding online and home protection against fraud are available online.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
02 August 2004
MLA hits out at rise in hoax USPCA calls
Mid-Ulster MLA Billy Armstrong has expressed his concern at the reported rise in hoax phone calls being made to the Ulster Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA).
MLA hits out at rise in hoax USPCA calls
Mid-Ulster MLA Billy Armstrong has expressed his concern at the reported rise in hoax phone calls being made to the Ulster Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA).
15 January 2009
Hunger Gets Bafta Nomination
NI-based Steve McQueen's film 'Hunger', starring Michael Fassbender as IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands, is back in the full focus today with its nomination in the Outstanding British Film category of the forthcoming British Academy of Film & Televsion Arts (Bafta).
Hunger Gets Bafta Nomination
NI-based Steve McQueen's film 'Hunger', starring Michael Fassbender as IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands, is back in the full focus today with its nomination in the Outstanding British Film category of the forthcoming British Academy of Film & Televsion Arts (Bafta).
20 December 2002
Survey reveals dependence on mobile phones
A new survey has revealed that less than one-in-five mobile phone users can easily recall the numbers stored on their handset from memory. The ICM nationwide survey of 1000 adults found that 84% of mobile phone users could recall less than half of the contact numbers stored on their phone, with 38% being unable to recall any numbers from memory.
Survey reveals dependence on mobile phones
A new survey has revealed that less than one-in-five mobile phone users can easily recall the numbers stored on their handset from memory. The ICM nationwide survey of 1000 adults found that 84% of mobile phone users could recall less than half of the contact numbers stored on their phone, with 38% being unable to recall any numbers from memory.
18 June 2007
Mobile phone users warned of scams
Mobile phone users are being warned to be on their guard against a recent spate of mobile phone scams. The warning comes from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service, following an increasing number of complaints against cold call salesmen, claiming to be from mobile network providers.
Mobile phone users warned of scams
Mobile phone users are being warned to be on their guard against a recent spate of mobile phone scams. The warning comes from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service, following an increasing number of complaints against cold call salesmen, claiming to be from mobile network providers.
-
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.
