Mid Ulster scam victims '˜promised a cut of £18.7m'

It follows a report of a victim in the Draperstown area being scammed out of considerable sums of money. Detective Inspector Will Tate said, “The scam involves potential victims being promised a cut of a fortune of £18.7 million.

“We are concerned that more people could be convinced to send money and want to warn against this. The scam involves people posing to be legitimate government or bank officials, asking for assistance to get a fortune out of the country (south Africa) and has resulted in members of the public being harassed by phone/email and sending what appears to be legal documentation.

“We think it is important to highlight the nature of this scam and would appeal to anyone faced with a similar proposition, not to send money, particularly by ways of money-grams or money transfer arrangement, and which are irreversible and un-traceable.”

If you can help with enquiries please call the 101 number, quoting reference number 71814116. Alternatively information can be passed via the independent Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.”