Criminals con victims out of £25,000 by pretending to be police and bank officials

Police in Derry City & Strabane are urging people to be wary of scammers after the reports locally resulting in the significant losses.

In one of two reports made to police on, Wednesday, July 26, it was reported a man tricked the person he called on July 19, into believing he was police and to transfer money to help with an investigation.

In the other report made, a man claimed to be from a bank and convinced the person he called to transfer money. A line of enquiry, at this time, is both reports are linked.

Inspector Craig said: “Consequently, a significant amount of money has been lost, which is really distressing for those impacted. They believed the person calling them was genuine.

"They trusted the man they spoke with, but he exploited their trust in the most cruel and despicable manner. It is appalling, and those impacted will need time and support to recover.”

Inspector Craig appeals to anyone who may have had a similar experience, and believes it to have been a scam, but has not reported it to do so now.

"This means we can build a picture of offending and identify a pattern, or patterns, which could prove crucial in apprehending those responsible,” said Inspector Craig, who added: “It's never too late to make a report to police, to your bank or building society, or Action Fraud. There is lots of advice available to help and protect you and your money against scammers.”

Inspector Craig stresses police officers, civil servants or bank officials will never call out of the blue and ask for money to be withdrawn or transferred.

“If you receive a call like this out of the blue, it's a scam and you must terminate the call immediately,” said Inspector Craig.

The investigating officer added: “Fraudsters can be extremely convincing and use a variety of scenarios to convince people they’re genuine, which is why being aware of this type of crime is crucial.

"It's also important if you have older relatives, talk to them about scams to raise awareness, and reassure them help is available. Having a conversation about how to stop these criminals could make all the difference.”

Five rules to stop a scam

1. If you receive a call out of the blue or believe it to be suspicious, hang up the call immediately;
2. Never call the number back;
3. Always delete texts requesting personal information or bank account details;
4. Never click on links in text messages, or respond to unsolicited texts;
5. Never ever transfer money at the request of someone you do not know.

Action Fraud can be contacted via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040, or call police on the non-emergency number 101.

For further advice and information about fraud visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni We also have lots of information on our website at https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/scams-and-fraud

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