Alert over spate of scams across Derry & Strabane

Police in Derry City and Strabane are asking the public to spread the word to help stop scammers.
By Brendan McDaid
Published 16th Jul 2020, 08:26 BST
Reports of fraudsters targeting local people via phone and internet are increasing.Reports of fraudsters targeting local people via phone and internet are increasing.
Reports of fraudsters targeting local people via phone and internet are increasing.

The advice comes following a recent spate of scams in the city and district.

The most frequent type of scam locally fools the caller into thinking that they are being contacted by an internet provider representative who requires access to their computer or laptop to ‘fix a problem’. The other notable one this week is people being threatened with arrest due to an outstanding fine or warrant.

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Crime Prevention Officer Mitchel Freedman said: “Please take this opportunity to talk to your friends and family about these scams and what they can do to protect themselves. Tell them that if they’re at all suspicious about a call they receive, hang up and phone the organisation the person is purporting to represent to check their authenticity. Ideally, make the call from another telephone so you can be sure the original caller has not remained on the line. Never be pressured into a transaction over the phone.

“Scammers are creative and will do whatever they can to con people out of money. They don’t care who their victim is and will employ whatever tactic is necessary. Guarding your personal and banking details is essential.”

Anyone concerned they have been a victim of a scam can report it to Action Fraud via www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040. Police can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101.

For further advice and information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni