PSNI issue fraud warning after victim swindled out of thousands of pounds

Police say criminals targeted a bank customer in Newtownards

The PSNI is urging the public to be vigilant after criminals targeted a bank customer in Newtownards.

This resulted in the victim being swindled out of thousands of pounds, police say. It’s reported that on Tuesday, August 5, a member of the public had been contacted by two banks where she has business accounts set up, police say.

Both banks advised that there had been fraudulent activity on the victim’s banking accounts, and that a “significant amount of money in each had been taken”.

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Local Chief Inspector for Ards and North Down, Keith Hutchinson added: “A number of police enquiries were conducted, but as the hacker did not appear to reside in Northern Ireland, the matter has since been referred to Action Fraud for further assessment.

“With criminals using increasingly sophisticated methods to gain access to individuals’ banking details, often through phishing emails, scam phone calls or text messages impersonating legitimate and reputable companies, it’s making it harder for members of the public to spot the truth, in that these people are criminals.”

He added: “We will continue to remind the public to never share their banking passwords, PINs, or one-time verification codes to anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank. Victims are often contacted unexpectedly and pressured into providing sensitive information or transferring money, so please be on your guard at all times. Protecting your personal banking details is essential.

“The best way to fight scams and not lose money is to Stop. Check. Report.”

Advice from the PSNI:

Stop – Before you transfer money 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, report it to police online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or call on 101, to your bank immediately, online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. You can also forward scam texts to 7726.

Further information and advice can be found here or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni.

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