PSNI: Public reports scams of £80k in a single day this week

The PSNI has issued an urgent warning after members of the public reporting being swindled out of £80,000 by con artists in a single day.
By Philip Bradfield
Published 14th Aug 2020, 13:33 BST
Updated 14th Aug 2020, 14:01 BST
Police are reminding people that scammers are using a variety of means to obtain their personal and banking detailsPolice are reminding people that scammers are using a variety of means to obtain their personal and banking details
Police are reminding people that scammers are using a variety of means to obtain their personal and banking details

The scammers employed a variety of means to swindle their victims. Some were cold-called at home by people claiming to be from an online retailer who were told they needed to make a payment. Others reported being threatened with arrest due to an outstanding fine or warrant.

• One victim reported being swindled out of £40,000 in an online romance scam.

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• Another victim was duped by someone claiming to be from a telecommunications company who told them they would receive a refund of £400. While they did received the £400, unfortunately £15,000 was also taken from their account.

Chief Supt Simon Walls urged older people in particular to be aware.Chief Supt Simon Walls urged older people in particular to be aware.
Chief Supt Simon Walls urged older people in particular to be aware.

• A further victim who had bought items for their business online lost £11,000.

• Another case saw a victim lose £16,000 in an online financial scam.

Other losses ranged from £34 to £2,200.

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Chief Supt Simon Walls said: “The threat of fraud, both online and offline, against the public is a constant focus for us and I want to take this opportunity to again appeal to people that on no account should anyone disclose their personal or financial details over the phone; always err on the side of caution.”

He added: “It’s also important that if you have older members of family, talk with them and tell them legitimate providers will never seek their personal details, such as banking information, over the phone.

“This is a really important conversation to have. “Guarding your personal and banking details is essential. Never disclose them to any unauthorised person.”

Victims of scams can report them via www.actionfraud.police.uk or tel 0300 123 2040 or via the PSNI on tel 101 or at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/For more information see www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or Facebook page @scamwiseni.

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