Fraudsters claiming to be from BT are targeting residents in Armagh in a bid to hack their computers.
A number of people have contacted Armagh I regarding the relentless and unsolicited calls over the last number of days.
Deedee Connolly was one of those targeted.
She said the callers have tried several times to persuade her to allow them access to her computer.
Speaking to Armagh I, she said: “I have had five of these types of calls already so I contacted police and Action Fraud.
“The callers claim they are from BT and want you to switch on you computer so they can scan it for hackers.
“I put a warning on my Facebook page and have had about ten responses of similar calls around Armagh.”
She added: “This morning I had another call from them; this time a girl claimed to be from BT and I asked her to verify who she talking to and she told me to shut up and slammed the phone down.
“I was just hoping to people’s attention to this scam.”
One woman wasn’t so fortunate, after the callers managed to install an application, meaning she has had to seek the help of a technician to remove the offending software.
Have you received a call from a suspected fraudster? Please comment below and alert others to the potential dangers.
You can also report any unsolicited or dubious calls to Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.
Meanwhile, police have issued a some advice on what to do when faced with an unwanted cold caller to your door.
Supt. Simon Walls said: “Older and more vulnerable members of the community may feel pressurised into accepting goods or service from cold callers therefore the following advice should be shared with anyone you know who lives alone or requires extra support.
• Think before you open the door – use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them.
• Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradespeople should carry a photographic identification card. Check this carefully.
• Be wary of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or there is something wrong with one of the utilities in your home.– they may have an accomplice who is waiting to act on this distraction.
• If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don’t let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return. If a person’s behaviour is suspicious call the police on 101 or in an emergency 999.
“Police also have a Nominated Neighbour Scheme whereby if a caller arrives when you are alone in the house, they can be shown a card instructing them to contact your ‘Nominated Neighbour’, who will then try and check the caller’s identity avoiding the need for you to open your front door.
“The forms can be downloaded from our website or contact a local officer who can provide them free of charge https://www.psni.police.uk/news/campaigns/nominated-neighbour-scheme/.
“For details of current scams and how to avoid becoming a victim of a scam go to the Scamwise NI internet site at www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/scamwiseni.”
