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17/01/2023
Scam Warning Issued As Energy Payment Rollout Begins
People have been urged to be vigilant and on their guard against scammers looking to cash in, as households begin to receive their £600 energy payment vouchers.
Chair of ScamwiseNI Partnership, Chief Superintendent Gerard Pollock said: "People who pay their bills quarterly or use pre-payment meters will receive these vouchers in the post, along with an accompanying letter. If this applies to you but you receive an email, a text message or a phone call about the vouchers, purporting to be from Post Office NI, it's a scam. Please do not let yourself be caught out."
Chief Superintendent Pollock is urging people to make themselves aware of what to do if they're targeted in a scam.
He continued: "We know scammers have targeted the £400 energy rebate scheme in England, Wales and Scotland so I would expect criminals to be trying to exploit our Northern Ireland scheme. This may look like text messages similar to those received for that scam tailored for Northern Ireland and I want everyone to remember these texts are scams and delete them."
• 'Five rules to stop a scam'
"The easiest way to stop a scam is to apply these five rules," advised Chief Superintendent Pollock. "If you receive a call out of the blue or believe it to be suspicious, hang up the call immediately and never call the number back; always delete texts requesting personal information or bank account details; never click on links in text messages, or respond to unsolicited texts; never ever transfer money at the request of someone you do not know.
"We'd also encourage families to discuss this advice with relatives who may be vulnerable. Having a conversation and raising awareness about how to stop the scammers could make all the difference."
If you've been targeted by a scammer and have lost money, call police on 101 to report it, or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ and report it to your bank immediately. You can also make a report to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Information and advice is also available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni
Chair of ScamwiseNI Partnership, Chief Superintendent Gerard Pollock said: "People who pay their bills quarterly or use pre-payment meters will receive these vouchers in the post, along with an accompanying letter. If this applies to you but you receive an email, a text message or a phone call about the vouchers, purporting to be from Post Office NI, it's a scam. Please do not let yourself be caught out."
Chief Superintendent Pollock is urging people to make themselves aware of what to do if they're targeted in a scam.
He continued: "We know scammers have targeted the £400 energy rebate scheme in England, Wales and Scotland so I would expect criminals to be trying to exploit our Northern Ireland scheme. This may look like text messages similar to those received for that scam tailored for Northern Ireland and I want everyone to remember these texts are scams and delete them."
• 'Five rules to stop a scam'
"The easiest way to stop a scam is to apply these five rules," advised Chief Superintendent Pollock. "If you receive a call out of the blue or believe it to be suspicious, hang up the call immediately and never call the number back; always delete texts requesting personal information or bank account details; never click on links in text messages, or respond to unsolicited texts; never ever transfer money at the request of someone you do not know.
"We'd also encourage families to discuss this advice with relatives who may be vulnerable. Having a conversation and raising awareness about how to stop the scammers could make all the difference."
If you've been targeted by a scammer and have lost money, call police on 101 to report it, or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ and report it to your bank immediately. You can also make a report to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Information and advice is also available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni
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10 May 2023
Scam Warning As Over £1.2m Lost To Fraud In Just Two Months
More than £1.2 million has been lost to fraud in just the last two months, according to the PSNI. In March, victims of scams lost almost £612,000, followed by losses close to £690,000 in April. Chair of ScamwiseNI Partnership, Chief Superintendent Gerard Pollock said the staggering statistics illustrate how ruthless scammers are.
Scam Warning As Over £1.2m Lost To Fraud In Just Two Months
More than £1.2 million has been lost to fraud in just the last two months, according to the PSNI. In March, victims of scams lost almost £612,000, followed by losses close to £690,000 in April. Chair of ScamwiseNI Partnership, Chief Superintendent Gerard Pollock said the staggering statistics illustrate how ruthless scammers are.
04 April 2022
Warning Issued Over Easter Whatsapp Scam Messages
The PSNI have issued a warning over an Easter-based scam circulating on Whatsapp. The message, claiming to be from a chocolate manufacturer, encourages the recipient to open the message to win a "free Easter chocolate basket". This message is a scam and has been received by people in Northern Ireland and further afield.
Warning Issued Over Easter Whatsapp Scam Messages
The PSNI have issued a warning over an Easter-based scam circulating on Whatsapp. The message, claiming to be from a chocolate manufacturer, encourages the recipient to open the message to win a "free Easter chocolate basket". This message is a scam and has been received by people in Northern Ireland and further afield.
18 November 2022
Bank Of Ireland Launches New Text-Checker Service
Bank of Ireland has launched a new Text-Checker service to allow customers to verify if text messages are legitimate.
Bank Of Ireland Launches New Text-Checker Service
Bank of Ireland has launched a new Text-Checker service to allow customers to verify if text messages are legitimate.
05 February 2008
Scam Scam, and More Scam As NI Loses Millions
Over £100 million is lost in Northern Ireland every year from scams, according to government research. Every year, thousands of bargain hungry consumers fall victim to mass marketed scams such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and sweepstakes, fake psychics, get-rich-quick schemes and miracle health cures.
Scam Scam, and More Scam As NI Loses Millions
Over £100 million is lost in Northern Ireland every year from scams, according to government research. Every year, thousands of bargain hungry consumers fall victim to mass marketed scams such as bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and sweepstakes, fake psychics, get-rich-quick schemes and miracle health cures.
18 January 2022
Public Urged To Talk To Older Family Members About Scams
The PSNI has appealed to the public to talk to their older family members about the dangers of scams, following a rise in phishing text, phone call and Whatsapp messages.
Public Urged To Talk To Older Family Members About Scams
The PSNI has appealed to the public to talk to their older family members about the dangers of scams, following a rise in phishing text, phone call and Whatsapp messages.
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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.
