Keep up with Armagh i

Elderly couple cruelly swindled out of £15,000 in scam BT call

The callers gained remote access to their computer

An elderly couple in the borough were cruelly swindled out of £15,000 in a scam BT phone call on Tuesday evening.

The ruse took the form of a computer fault which needed to be fixed remotely.

However, the unsuspecting victims were duped and their bank accounts raided of their savings.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “We’re investigating a rather nasty incident yesterday when scammers contacted an elderly couple by phone, persuading them they were from BT and that they needed access to their computer to fix a fault.

“They proceeded to talk the victim through a process of allowing remote access to their computer.

“As a result, £15000 was taken from bank accounts.”

The spokesperson added: “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.

“Take some time with family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are aware of this simple advice.”

Watch: Moment man brazenly walks off with unpaid goods from Armagh supermarket

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Most read today

NEWRY – SHOP LOCAL

More in Armagh