05/03/2025
Police Warning Over Gift Card Scam Targeting Elderly
Police in Newtownards prevented an attempted fraud on Monday, 03 March, after an elderly woman tried to purchase gift cards following a suspicious request.
Officers intervened in the Bangor Road area, highlighting the evolving tactics of scammers who aim to obtain personal and financial details for fraudulent activities.
Sergeant King warned: "The lengths scammers go to nowadays are extensive and in many cases they themselves, can be charming and persuasive, leaving many of us now having to take a minute to question that email, that call or that text message before acting. However, that’s not always the case for some of our elderly or more vulnerable members of the community, who may not be aware that they are being scammed."
He emphasised the prevalence of gift card scams, where victims are pressured to purchase cards and provide the codes to fraudsters.
"If you are buying a gift card for anyone other than a person you know, it could be a scam, so please be on your guard at all times," Sergeant King stated.
He advised against responding to unknown calls and texts, sharing personal information with strangers, transferring money to unknown individuals, and clicking on links in unsolicited messages.
"The best way to fight scams and not lose money is to stop, check and report," he concluded.
Stop - Before you transfer money, purchase a gift card or disclose any personal details to anyone you do not know. Do not feel rushed or pressured by timelines - genuine callers will always give you time to consider your options.
Check - Check and verify who you are communicating with using a trusted source. Take time to verify callers on another phone line where possible and check images via an image search. If you are in any doubt do not transfer any money or goods.
Report - If you have been a victim of a scam, or perhaps you know a loved-one or friend who has, report it to police online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or call local officers on 101 and your bank immediately. You can also report online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Scam texts can be forwarded to 7726 for further assistance.
Information and advice regarding scams is available online at www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni
Officers intervened in the Bangor Road area, highlighting the evolving tactics of scammers who aim to obtain personal and financial details for fraudulent activities.
Sergeant King warned: "The lengths scammers go to nowadays are extensive and in many cases they themselves, can be charming and persuasive, leaving many of us now having to take a minute to question that email, that call or that text message before acting. However, that’s not always the case for some of our elderly or more vulnerable members of the community, who may not be aware that they are being scammed."
He emphasised the prevalence of gift card scams, where victims are pressured to purchase cards and provide the codes to fraudsters.
"If you are buying a gift card for anyone other than a person you know, it could be a scam, so please be on your guard at all times," Sergeant King stated.
He advised against responding to unknown calls and texts, sharing personal information with strangers, transferring money to unknown individuals, and clicking on links in unsolicited messages.
Stop - Before you transfer money, purchase a gift card or disclose any personal details to anyone you do not know. Do not feel rushed or pressured by timelines - genuine callers will always give you time to consider your options.
Check - Check and verify who you are communicating with using a trusted source. Take time to verify callers on another phone line where possible and check images via an image search. If you are in any doubt do not transfer any money or goods.
Report - If you have been a victim of a scam, or perhaps you know a loved-one or friend who has, report it to police online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or call local officers on 101 and your bank immediately. You can also report online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Scam texts can be forwarded to 7726 for further assistance.
Information and advice regarding scams is available online at www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni
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New Gift Card Legislation Urgently Needed
Northern Ireland needs new legislation on gift cards, following the news that Topshop, part of the Arcadia group, has introduced new rules restricting the use of vouchers for shoppers, having gone into administration The Arcadia group of shops, which includes Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Burtons, went into administration on Monday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
