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14/12/2017
Elderly Couple Scammed Out Of £15,000
An elderly couple have been scammed out of £15,000 by a people posing to be from BT, according to the PSNI.
The scammer contacted the couple by phone and said that they needed access to their computer to fix a fault.
They talked the victim through a process which allowed them remote access to their computer.
It was then discovered that £15,000 had been stolen from their bank accounts.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "If you have an elderly or vulnerable friend or family member, sit down and talk to them. All too often we put this advice out, and people don't bother to talk to their loved ones and make sure the message is heeded. A simple conversation could save heartbreak and significant loss down the line.
"If anyone phones looking access to your computer, don't give it. Confirm what company they are allegedly with, take their contact details, and then contact that company on your own terms- find their LEGITIMATE website and contact details, call them, and confirm whether they were making such calls. It is rare that companies require remote access. Not unknown, but rare."
(CD/LM)
The scammer contacted the couple by phone and said that they needed access to their computer to fix a fault.
They talked the victim through a process which allowed them remote access to their computer.
It was then discovered that £15,000 had been stolen from their bank accounts.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "If you have an elderly or vulnerable friend or family member, sit down and talk to them. All too often we put this advice out, and people don't bother to talk to their loved ones and make sure the message is heeded. A simple conversation could save heartbreak and significant loss down the line.
"If anyone phones looking access to your computer, don't give it. Confirm what company they are allegedly with, take their contact details, and then contact that company on your own terms- find their LEGITIMATE website and contact details, call them, and confirm whether they were making such calls. It is rare that companies require remote access. Not unknown, but rare."
(CD/LM)
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