Police warning over phone scams

A number of people in the Coleraine, Ballymoney and Ballymena areas have recently reported receiving telephone calls to their homes or mobile phones from individuals purporting to be from their bank or other financial institutions.

These calls ask householders to 'confirm' their bank or credit card details, often on the promise that they are owed money in the form of overpaid fees etc.

A police spokesperson said: “These calls are not genuine. Your bank or credit card company will never call you and ask for you to confirm your account details.

“Most institutions have a system in place whereby customers will have previously agreed a password for use in telephone transactions and this is what they will use to confirm your identity.

“Thankfully in recent incidents householders have recognised that the calls were bogus and did not part with their information.”

Police also warn that this type of scam can come dressed up in a variety of different guises-fees refunded, supposed lottery wins, suspect holiday giveaways etc.

The spokesperson added: “All are designed to tempt you to drop your guard with the offer of a windfall. Don't fall for it. “Stop and think - If you haven't recently challenged bank fees -why would the bank offer to refund them, particularly over the phone with nothing in writing?

“If you haven't entered a competition for a holiday or if you haven't entered a foreign lottery, then how would it be possible for you to have won a prize?

“Always guard your personal and banking details and never disclose them to any unauthorised person. If you have received a call of this kind or are concerned by the intent of a financial promise, contact your local police for advice on 0845 600 8000.”