Three arrested after pensioners targeted in scams

By Rebecca Black, PA

Three people have been arrested following a spate of scams across counties Down and Antrim.

In one incident, a woman in her 70s in Bangor was persuaded to withdraw cash for a man to check. He then took the money and did not return.

In Newtownabbey, a woman in her 90s was tricked into leaving her bank card to be photographed by a man who claimed to be from a fraud team. She later discovered a sum of money had been taken from her account.

In south Belfast, a woman in her 80s was tricked by a man claiming to be a telecoms provider. He claimed money had been taken from her account and asked to check her bank card.

Even though no address details were passed, he turned up at her home in the Four Winds area, pushed past her causing her to fall, and then fled with her bank card.

The PSNI said detectives have arrested three people in relation to the incidents.

A woman, 52, has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. Two men, aged 46 and 55, have each been arrested on suspicion of three counts of fraud by false representation and burglary.

Detective Inspector Joanne Harris urged the public to be vigilant to potential scams.

She said: "I want to take this opportunity to encourage people to take extra precautions to protect themselves and I also want to appeal to family members to do all they can to let their loved ones know, especially those who are older and vulnerable, to never give out their financial details without official verification from their bank.

"Tell them that if they're at all suspicious about a call they receive, hang up and phone the organisation the person is purporting to represent to check their authenticity.

"Scammers are creative and will do whatever they can to con people out of money. They don't care who their victim is, they just want the money and will employ whatever tactic is necessary.

"Guarding your personal and banking details is essential. Never disclose them to any unauthorised person.

"Anyone concerned they have been a victim of a scam either report the matter to Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040. Police can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101."