PSNI warning as international student scammed out of £2700 by fraudster posing as police officer
The PSNI is issuing a warning after an international student was scammed out of thousands of pounds by a fraudster impersonating a police officer.
Inspector Knowles said: “[On] Wednesday November 5, a young woman studying in Belfast reported that she had received a call from a man claiming to be from the National Crime Agency (NCA). He told the young woman that she would receive a call from PSNI – a number which, when she searched online, was linked to PSNI - and that her visa would be cancelled if she did not make a payment to them.
“A further call was received a short time later from what appeared to be this PSNI telephone number. The criminal, posing as a police officer, again stated that the NCA would cancel her visa if she did not make payment to them. The scared young woman purchased £2700 pounds worth of gift cards and shared the codes via WhatsApp message.
“This is a despicable crime. Scammers use software technology to actually change the number displayed on a caller display to ‘spoof’ a genuine number.
"Police officers will never ask you to buy gift vouchers or send details to them by text message or WhatsApp. We will never contact you and ask you to withdraw or transfer money for any reason. If you receive a call like this, it's a scam and you should end the call immediately.
“It's never too late to report this type of incident to police, to your bank or building society or Action Fraud.
"If you have been a victim of a scam, report it to police on 101, to your bank immediately, online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.”
The PSNI is asking people to remember to Stop, Check, and Report:
- Stop before you give money to anyone you do not know. Do not feel rushed or pressured by timelines; genuine callers will always give you time to consider your options.
- Check and verify who you are communicating with using a trusted source. Take time to verify callers. If you are in any doubt, do not transfer any money or goods.
- Report if you have been a victim of a scam to police.