Police issue scam warning after Omagh woman loses £1,700

POLICE are advising people to be on their guard after an Omagh woman was conned out of £1,700 in a ‘despicable’ text message scam. 

The scams involve a text or WhatsApp from a person claiming to be a family member, and have the common aim of encouraging the recipient to transfer money.

The renewed warning comes after reports were received in recent days from victims right across the North, including one woman from the Omagh area who transferred almost £1,700 to an account.

Superintendent Gerard Pollock said, “We have noted an increase in the number of reports of this type of scam from individuals across Northern Ireland.

“In each case, a person purporting to be a family member, often a daughter or son, asks for money. Typically, the ‘child’ is short of money or late paying bills, and asks the recipient to transfer money into an account.  This is backed by a story that he or she has recently changed their phone or phone number.

“It’s a despicable act, which takes advantage of a person’s willingness to help out loved ones who are perhaps away from home.”

Some potential victims caught onto the scam by checking with the relative being imitated and have found out it’s a scam before transferring money. “Sadly, however, this isn’t always the case,” he added

“Fraudsters will use any means possible to trick people. While scams may come in all shapes and sizes, they have one thing in common – scammers rely upon the good faith and vulnerability of those they target.  Hard-earned savings can easily be gone in a flash and, with it, one’s confidence,” Supt Pollock concluded.

Anyone receiving these texts or WhatsApp messages are urged to check with the relative or friend involved and to not engage with the fraudsters.For further advice and information visit Scamwise NI or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page.

If you have any concerns about unsolicited calls, emails or letters then please report it to Action Fraud via their website or by phoning 0300 123 2040.  You can also call police on the non-emergency number 101.

If you receive a suspicious message, whether by email, website or text message you can take the following actions:
·         Email – if you feel unsure about an email you have received, you can forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Services at  report@phishing.gov.uk
·         Website – If you have come across a website which you think is fake, you can report it here Report a suspicious website – https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website
·         Text message – Report suspicious text messages for free to 7726.  Your provider can investigate the text and take action if found to be fraudulent.