Scams

Scams

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Fraud, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

Police are warning the public to be on their guard against fraudsters operating cost-of-living scams.

Chair of Scamwise NI Partnership, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Superintendent Joanne Gibson said: "Police are warning the public to be on their guard against fraudsters operating cost-of-living scams."

Possible approaches from scammers include making false offers of energy refunds, energy discounts, tax rebates and cost-of-living payments. All of these scams will be an attempt to get your personal or banking details.

How the Scams Work

Fake Application Texts: Scammers send text messages with malicious links claiming you must pay a fee or enter bank details to "unlock" or "claim" your £100 oil voucher.

Impersonation Calls: Fraudsters call pretending to be from the Department for Communities or local councils, asking for personal details or payment information.

Phishing Emails: Fake emails mimic official NI Direct or government portals to steal login credentials or financial data.

Protecting Yourself:

Applications are Free: The official application process via NI Direct is completely free. You will never be asked to pay to receive your voucher.

No Cold Calls or Texts: Government bodies will never text, email, or call asking for bank account details, PINs, or upfront processing fees to grant the oil payment.

Check the URL: Only use official government web addresses ending in .gov.uk.

"Please, do not let yourself be fooled,” said Superintendent Gibson. “The easiest way to stop a scam is to apply these five rules -

- hang up the call immediately;
- always delete texts requesting personal information or bank account details;
-never call the number back;
-never click on links in text messages, or respond to unsolicited texts;
-never ever transfer money at the request of someone you do not know.

This last one is really important, and it will really key in preventing these criminals gaining access to your money and you losing out, so it’s worth reiterating you should never transfer money to another account having received a call from someone you do not know."

If you have been a victim of a scam, report it to police on 101, or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Cyber crime and fraud are both serious criminal offences. If you have been affected by either, you should report it. Fraud is when someone tricks you into giving them money or information. There are many different ways someone can trick you; in person, over the phone, and online. 

To report an incident of cybercrime or fraud and for further information visit the Report Fraud website at www.reportfraud.police.uk.

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Get Involved

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