Detectives in Newry have issued a warning to members of the public following the report of a telephone scam on Wednesday, 31st January.
Detective Sergeant James Johnston said: “The injured party in this incident received a phone call from a man claiming to be from British Telecom.
“The caller stated he had a refund for the injured party.xa0 He asked them to log onto their computer and talked them through a process to allow him remote access to their computer-desktop. The man has then gained access to their online banking account and withdrawn over £28,000. This follows two other similar phone scam incidents which occurred recently in the County Down area.
“These examples show us how easily scammers can extract large sums of money from unsuspecting members of the public. It is therefore extremely important to take time to consider who it is we are speaking to when we receive an unsolicited call and always be wary of any individual that cold calls you.
“Be especially suspicious of anyone who asks for money, banking or credit card information or who asks to gain access remotely to your computer. It is highly unusual for any legitimate company or organisation to demand money over the phone or ask to gain access to your computer.
“If you are at all suspicious about a call that you receive, hang up and phone the organisation that 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.
“If you have received a call of this kind or are concerned by the intent of unsolicited calls, emails or letters then please report it to Action Fraud via their website:
“or by phoning 0300 123 2040, or call police on the non-emergency number 101.
“Further advice and information can also be obtained by visiting:
www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni
“And remember, if you can spot a scam you can stop a scam.”
