Elderly Rostrevor woman targeted ‘a number of times’ by fraudsters

The PSNI’s Public Protection Unit is asking the public to be vigilant of scams and to keep an eye on older and more vulnerable relatives, neighbours and friends who are often targeted by fraudsters.

The request follows a recent incident where it is believed that an elderly lady in Rostrevor has been targeted a number of times by fraudsters who have contacted the lady by phone and asked her to forward money to release funds.

Detective Sergeant Claire McKernan said, “Fortunately this scam was spotted in time. There is no shame in being tricked by criminals who are skilled in manipulating and persuading people to part with their hard earned cash.

“All too often we see vulnerable people who are targeted over and over by the same fraudsters. We need your help to make sure this doesn’t happen to you or your relatives and friends.

“The first step is to be vigilant! Scammers are inventive and can be very convincing, however each scam has just one purpose – to tempt you into dropping your guard,” she continued.

“If you are contacted and offered a refund for bank charges or winnings from a lottery, 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 offering to pay it?

“Always be especially wary of any company or individual that asks for money upfront, it is highly unusual for any legitimate company or organisation to demand a fee in order to release a prize or a sum of money.

“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 elderly or vulnerable relatives or friends, please make them aware of possible scams and, where possible, be vigilant of any unexplained financial transactions.

Detective Sergeant McKernan added, “If you need advice or believe you are being targeted by scammers please phone your local police station on 101.”

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=51143

Posted by Newry Times News on May 26 2015. Filed under Community, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry