Police issue warning after Newtownabbey woman is targeted by scammers

Police are warning local residents to be vigilant after a Newtownabbey woman was targeted by scammers.

“A Newtownabbey resident received a phone call from a man claiming to be from a police service in England,” explained PSNI Chief Inspector John Allen. “He said the lady’s bank card had been used fraudulently and that they had someone in custody. He asked the lady to go to her bank and withdraw a large sum of cash. Fortunately this didn’t happen and the matter has now been reported to Action Fraud.”

He added: “Scammers and fraudsters are inventive and the schemes they use are varied, but the aim remains the same - to take money from unsuspecting members of the public. We all need to be vigilant of any contact from an unsolicited source, whether that is from doorstep callers, telephone, mail or online. Education is our best weapon, preventing people from becoming victims.”

For crime prevention advice log on to www.psni.police.uk