Coronavirus: Police issue warning after church members targeted by scammers during pandemic

PSNI officers have urged residents to be vigilant after con artists targeted Co Antrim residents in a bid to steal church offering envelopes from their homes.
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The advice has been issed following a number incidents across the region over recent days.

Church services have been cancelled across the province for a number of weeks in a bid to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

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This has resulted in weekly Freewill Offering envelopes not being donated.

PSNIPSNI
PSNI

The Times reported yesterday how churches had appealed to parishioners after residents in Ballyclare and Carrickfergus were targeted. To read this article, click here

Commenting on the issue today (Thursday), a PSNI spokesperson said: “We have received information to suggest that some individuals claiming to be good Samaritans are calling at elderly person’s homes offering to take weekly collections to their local churches and in some cases offering to collect prescriptions and groceries for a cash sum.

“We urge everyone to be cautious and follow this advice,·only use the services of people you know and trust, ensure you speak with a trusted member of your church to arrange collection or alternative methods for paying your weekly collections, be alert to online and telephone scams, do not share personal or financial details with anyone, keep your doors locked at all times.”

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The spokesperson added: “Use your door chain or peep hole. Check ID, call 101 Quick Check to confirm identity. Please display ‘no cold calling’ stickers or the nominated neighbour scheme.

“If you see something suspicious in the area that you live in, or are concerned about an elderly member of your community, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 101.”

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