Police in Northern Ireland have issued urgent warnings about the surge of financial scams preying on individuals, reporting losses amounting to nearly £19 million over the past year. More than 5,200 reports of fraud have been documented by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) between November 2023 and October 2024. The alarming figures reveal widespread criminal activity encompassing various types of scams, including impersonation, romance, and investment schemes.
Among the most noteworthy incidents, one individual fell victim to a bank impersonation scam, resulting in over £100,000 lost. Scammers contacted the victim, claiming suspicious activity had been detected on their bank account and requested the transfer of funds to "safe" accounts. Such tactics have heightened fears as they showcase the increasingly sophisticated methods criminals employ.
Online romance scams have also seen individuals losing significant amounts. One case involved the transfer of nearly £50,000 to someone posing as a romantic partner who convinced the victim to send money for purported business opportunities. Another investment scam persuaded victims they were entering legitimate business ventures, only to discover too late they were trapped in fraudulent schemes.
Superintendent Joanne Gibson, chair of the ScamwiseNI Partnership, emphasized the emotional toll of these scams, stating, "Criminals don’t care who they steal from, or the cruel impact of their crime. Losing money to fraud can also be really traumatic and emotionally distressing. For some, it can be devastating.” This statement reflects the grave reality faced by many victims who, upon discovering the scam, grapple not only with financial losses but also with emotional distress.
Scams evolve with technology and can present themselves as highly legitimate, often ensnaring unsuspecting individuals. Superintendent Gibson advised, “Scams are presented in so many different ways and, with advances in technology, they can appear genuine.” Victims frequently don’t recognize the red flags until they have already lost substantial amounts.
This past year's reports have shown diverse scams, each with unique approaches but unified by the underlying motive: access to personal and financial details. Cases range from ticket scams resulting in losses of hundreds to high-stakes investment scams where individuals lost hundreds of thousands.
To combat these frauds, Superintendent Gibson encourages vigilance, advising individuals to take their time, verify who they are dealing with, and never rush to transfer money or share personal details. "Check and verify who you are communicating with using a trusted source. Take time to verify callers on another phone line where possible," she stated.
Taking preventative measures is key. For example, having different passwords for various accounts, not disclosing personal information to unsolicited inquiries, and maintaining open conversations about scam awareness can help protect individuals and their loved ones from falling victim. Gibson stressed, “If you have lost money in a scam please report it—to police, your bank and Action Fraud as soon as possible.” Reporting not only aids victims but may help prevent others from similar fates.
To help the public navigate safely through these challenging waters, the PSNI has provided helpful resources and tips on their website, highlighting strategies for spotting scams: Always pause before transferring money or sharing personal information and check who you are communicating with. Superintendent Gibson elaborated, "No one is immune to fraud; anyone can be impacted." This truth serves as pressing advice for the community, urging everyone to raise awareness about scams within conversations with friends and family.
For anyone uncertain about scams, the PSNI offers detailed guidance on how to combat fraud and safeguard personal information, urging public cooperation to increase awareness and diminish these unlawful activities.
To read more about identifying and protecting against scams, visit the PSNI's official safety and support page: www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/scams-and-fraud.
