‘Clamp down on scam calls’

In a Parliamentary question to the Home Secretary Theresa May, David Simpson MP asked specifically what the Department were doing to tackle these perpetrators.

In response, the Home Office said: “The Government takes all types of fraud extremely seriously. We are working closely with law enforcement agencies and industry to prevent criminals from using telephones to exploit vulnerable victims.”

David Simpson has called on the PSNI to liaise with the relevant law enforcement agencies to crack down on this growing crime.

“Many of us have fallen victim to the wide ranging phone scams that take place on a regular basis,” he said.

“This is a ridiculous level of expenditure during what is already a difficult time for bill payers. These cold callers will use any callous tactic to trick their victim to release sensitive financial information.

“I would also call on home owners to be extra cautious and to report any suspicious behaviour to the PSNI.”