Police issue warning after phone scam

Crime prevention officers in the Newry and Mourne area are reminding members of the public never to give out personal details over the phone to unsolicited callers.

The warning follows an incident where an elderly resident was phoned by a person who asked if she had a lifeline unit.

When the resident confirmed this the caller told her that if she provided them with a cheque for £200, she would receive £2000 back. This was a scam.

You should never, ever confirm any personal details to unknown callers. If you are unsure of a caller or feel that something is not right then ask for details to ascertain their identity.

Ask where they are phoning from, where they have got your details from and where they have obtained your telephone number.

Ask them if there is a number you can phone them back on or if there is another representative from their company that you can contact. 

Legitimate companies won’t have a problem with you calling them back. Never give your personal or bank details details over the phone to an unsolicited caller.

Police would encourage anyone who receives a call of this nature to terminate the call and contact police.

If a caller display is available, note the incoming number and give it to police- this will help trace the origin of the call.

Police can be contacted on 0845 600 8000.

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Posted by Emma Taylor on Dec 25 2012. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry