Scam alert Dungannon

POLICE in Dungannon are advising people to be aware of a scam which has been reported recently.

The scam involved a text from a person claiming to be a family member encouraging the recipient to transfer money.

Superintendent Stephen Murray said, “In this instance a person purporting to be a family member 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.

“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.

“Please don’t get caught out.  If you get a message of this nature, please take time to make contact, by a reliable means, with your loved one.  So don’t enter into a dialogue using the same text or WhatsApp trail.”

For further advice and information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni.

If you have any concerns about unsolicited calls, emails or letters then please report it to Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk 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 Email  report@phishing.gov.uk if you feel unsure about an email you have received.