Police warn residents to be vigilant against scams
RESIDENTS in Antrim have been warned to continue to be cautious when dealing with unsolicited texts, calls, emails or letters offering to release money, refund fees, pay lottery wins or giveaway holidays, or other prizes.
It’s after some local people reported being contacted with offers of money that could only be accessed by paying a fee upfront, sending a money transfer or supplying banking details.
South Antrim DUP MLA, Pam Brown has welcomed the PSNI’s calls for local people to be cautious, she said:
“I am told by the PSNI that these scammers are very convincing and will stop at nothing to make you drop your guard. They are contacting people with offers of money or prizes which can only be accessed by sending money or supplying bank details.
“It is highly unusual that any legitimate business or organisation would ask this. If you haven’t inquired about PPI payments or personal injury compensation, entered a competition or foreign lottery then I would urge people to exercise caution if contacted.”
Ms Brown added: “It is essential that the public guard their personal and banking details. Your bank will never contact you asking you to confirm your account numbers or passwords.
“I would ask that the public bring this warning to the attention of older and more vulnerable family members and friends. If there are any concerns over contact of this kind it should be reported to the PSNI on 0845 600 8000.”
People are reminded that scammers are inventive and can be very convincing, however each scam has just one purpose - to tempt you to drop your guard. The golden rule is that if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is - don’t fall for it.
Stop and think - if you haven’t recently challenged your bills or bank fees then why expect an offer of a refund? If you haven’t entered a competition for a holiday or if you haven’t entered a foreign lottery, then how would it be possible for you to have won a prize? If you haven’t inquired about PPI payments or personal injury compensation, then why would someone be contacting you offering to pay it? It is also highly unusual for any legitimate company or organisation to demand a fee in order to release a prize.
Guarding your personal and banking details is essential as well. Never disclose them to any unauthorised person. Your bank will never contact you asking for account numbers, passwords or PINs.
If you have received a contact of this kind or are concerned by the intent of a financial promise, report it to police on the non-emergency telephone 0845 600 8000. Police would also ask people to bring this warning to the attention of older relatives and friends.
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Weather for Antrim
Tuesday 21 May 2013
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Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
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