Derry public warned over ‘Blue light’ scam artists
Police in Derry are warning people and businesses in the city about con artists who claim to be selling advertisements for an emergency services magazine
The warning follows a recent report of a call to commercial premises in the Foyle area from a male purporting to be from the PSNI Crime Prevention Unit, selling adverts in a magazine and asking for money. Fortunately, no bank details were disclosed and the incident was reported to police.
A similar incident occurred in the Newry area recently when a male with an English accent called commercial premises and tried to sell discounted adverts in an emergency services magazine.
Police are warning this is a scam and if anyone has received these types of calls they should report it to their local police immediately.
“The important issue is to be able to distinguish the genuine from the bogus. It’s important to be cautious, even if the caller claims to represent a genuine organisation, or even a charity or the emergency services,” a PSNI spokesman.
“If you are unsure about any caller to your home or business, claiming to represent an organisation then contact the company or business to check if the call is genuine. Legitimate companies won’t have a problem with you calling them back. Never give your personal or bank details to an unsolicited caller.
“Or alternatively, telephone QuickCheck on 0800 013 22 90. The call is free and will be answered by a trained operator. They will take the details of the company, which the caller claims to be visiting on behalf of, and then contact the organisation to determine if the caller is genuine. If there is anything suspicious the operator will contact the police directly.”
Anyone who believes they may have been victim of this type of scam or has any concerns should contact police on 0845 600 8000.
Police say people should contact local police about any suspicious cold calls and never ever give personal or financial details to people you do not know.
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Weather for Derry
Thursday 20 June 2013
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