Police investigate Belfast scam robbing older people of thousands

Police are investigating an impersonation scam that has robbed victims of thousands of pounds.

The phone scam operating primarily in Belfast has been linked to 29 police reports. Of these reports, three have resulted in a total loss of £20,000.

The people targeted are mostly aged in their seventies and eighties.

The scam involves a male claiming to be a police officer or bank official asking the victims for information on the amount of cash in their home.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson said: “All the reports made to us describe a male with a Northern Irish accent claiming to be a police officer, or working for what was described as ‘the Department of Work and Pensions’ or that they were bank officials.

“Some have been asked if they keep cash in their homes and, if so, how much and if they live alone.

“Some callers were threatened with arrest of themselves or their loved ones if they didn’t give the scammer money and were told a courier would come to their home to collect it.

“Some of those who reported the scam to the police realised the call was not genuine but others who felt threatened by the caller lost a significant amount.”

Mr Wilson said it was a distressing experience for victims of the scam.

“While a number of people realised this was a scam and no money was lost, unfortunately some others believed it was genuine. Consequently, a significant amount of money has been lost and that is really distressing for those impacted,” he said.

“They believed this caller to be genuine and due to the fear he instilled in them with threats of arrest to themselves or family members, they did what they thought was the right thing.

“It is despicable and extremely cruel, and those impacted will need time and support to recover.”

Mr Wilson said police want to hear from anyone who has been targeted in this scam but has not yet reported it.

“This means we can build a picture of offending and identify a pattern, or patterns, which could prove crucial in apprehending the criminal or criminals behind this sickening scam. It’s never too late to report this type of incident to police, to your bank or building society or Action Fraud,” he said.

Mr Wilson also said that knowing what tactics scammers use can help prevent someone from becoming a victim of this type of crime.

“Police officers or civil servants will never call you out of the blue and ask you to withdraw or transfer money, or if you keep money in the house and live alone,” he said.

“If you receive a call like this out of the blue, it’s a scam and you must terminate the call immediately Fraudsters can be extremely convincing and use a variety of scenarios to make their victims believe they are genuine, which is why being aware of this type of crime is crucial.

“It’s also important if you have older relatives to have a conversation about this type of crime and reassure them help is available. Having a conversation and raising awareness about how to stop the scammers could make all the difference.”

Action Fraud can be contacted via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040, or call police on the non-emergency number 101.