Police are warning the public to be vigilant following recent reports of fraudsters attempting to gain bank details across County Armagh by using ‘vishing’ and ‘phishing’ scam methods.
Detective Sergeant Dolaghan, E District Fraud Unit, said: “Organised criminals and individual fraudsters are continually developing ever more sophisticated tactics to target business and personal bank customers. Focused phone, which are known as vishing attacks, and email tactics, which are known as phishing attacks, are used to try and trick users into giving them their customer log-in and payment authorisation details.
“The fraudsters use a process of ‘social engineering’, which put simply can be described as ‘grooming’ their victims in order to make them comply with their requests. They say they represent the bank or another well known company and have already garnered some information about the company or individual.
“During the course of a phone call or email, they elicit enough information to take control of the online banking. The people behind this are organised and knowledgeable both about systems and the companies they claim to represent, as well as the people that they victimise.”
She continued “You as the customer are the first and best line of defence against this kind of fraud. It is vital that each individual is aware of online security threats, can spot attempted fraud and take steps to avoid this.”
Always remember that:
1. Legitimate companies and banks will NEVER ask for your full PIN and password online.
2. Legitimate companies and banks will NEVER telephone you to ask for your banking PIN and password. Telephone calls asking for these details will not be from the bank or company, therefore the person calling is likely to be a fraudster.
Any unsolicited communication or contact from your bank or another company should be checked. Please contact the bank or company in the event that you are approached by phone. Try and use a separate phone from the one that you have been contacted on as the fraudsters can hold open your phone line and trick you into believing that you are contacting your bank.
DO NOT disclose account details or access arrangements with anyone from the bank unless you have contacted them directly.
If you have been approached or have fallen victim to this type of scam you are advised to report this to the bank or company immediately and report the matter to your local police station on the new non-emergency number 101 or in an emergency please phone 999.
Action Fraud can also be contacted by telephoning 0300 123 2040 or by visiting their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk/home
If you have any concerns or require any further advice, please contact your local Crime Prevention Office on 101.
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