Two arrests have been made by police as part of an investigation into recent scams targeting vulnerable and older people in the community
Two houses in south Belfast were searched today (Sunday 3 May) as part of the investigation.
The 52-year-old woman and 31-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences and remain in police custody at this time.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Economic Crime Unit carried out the operation.
Police say this year has seen numerous attempts to defraud members of the community by fraudsters phoning victims, and portraying themselves to be either police officers or employees of utility companies.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson from the PSNI’s Economic Crime Unit warned that the police will relentlessly pursue all those involved in scams of this nature.
He said: “We are committed to keeping people safe by tackling those involved in fraud and bringing them to justice. This action by police today forms part of our continuing efforts to tackle this type of crime.
“Police will never make contact and ask members of the public to provide PIN Codes, divulge passwords, or hand over bank cards in relation to their finances,” he said.
And he said even during the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that scammers will stop at nothing to target people which can have a life changing impact on their victims.
“With more people spending time at home, it is important to be vigilant of potential fraudulent activity aimed at gaining access to your bank details. Never ever give out any personal or financial information to an unverified source via email, text or over the phone. Only ever give that type of sensitive information to a verified source. If you receive any similar types of correspondence, please do not interact or reply to the scammers, but forward it through to Action Fraud or contact police,” he said.
And he added: “If you are concerned by unsolicited calls, text messages, emails or letters then please report it to Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040, or call police on the non-emergency number 101.”
For further advice and information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni