Public warning to beware of text and social media scams

FERMANAGH residents have been warned to be on the lookout for scammers over the festive period.
Christmas sees a rise in money spent on presents and the crooks are determined to get their hands on your cash.
Scams of all kinds – ranging from emails, texts and social media messages designed to hack their way into your bank account – have been reported and while some are wary of it, others have not been so lucky .
Commenting on the increase in scams being reported, Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott said: “The increase in scams being reported locally is very concerning and the general public need to be made aware of it so that they are in a better position is to protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming a victim.
“One woman reported receiving a text message from her son saying that he had lost his phone and the one he was sending the text from had borrowed and called him on that number as he had no money .
“She was about to call the number when she realized that her son was at home and could not have sent the message. She said it was particularly frightening because it was worded in exactly the language her son would have used.
“Another scam is to receive a text message or email indicating that a package cannot be delivered. It then invites you to follow a link to a fake website where you will be asked to pay a fee for the item to be delivered.
“It’s usually such a small amount that you might be tempted to pay without even thinking about it, but by doing so you’ll be revealing your bank or card details.
“With all the financial burdens on everyone, especially in the run up to Christmas, a season of goodwill, we should all be more careful and attentive in all our dealings.
“We also need to make everyone aware of these scams as anyone of any age can be targeted.
“Talk to older or more vulnerable people and let them know what to watch out for and never, ever give out personal information or bank details.”
If you have been a victim of a scam, report it immediately to the police on 101, or online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ and to your bank.
You can also report to Action Fraud at: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040. Information and advice is available from ScamwiseNI at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns /scamwiseni or on their Facebook page @scamwiseni.

Posted: December 10, 2022 at 2:00 p.m

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