Police in Mid and East Antrim have urged the public to be vigilant after a spate of scam phone calls in recent days purporting to be from the ‘Ballymena Police Station’.
A police spokesperson said:
“Over the weekend we received reports of people receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be calling from Ballymena Police Station.
“The telephone number from which these criminals are calling may look authentic but it is not.
“We are advising the public to be vigilant at all times and to be aware that police officers will never call you and ask for cash, bank details or questions about valuable possessions. It is vital people remember this to prevent any further cases happening.
“If you get a similar call please put the phone down and report the call via our 101 system. Do not provide any personal details to the caller. If you have older relatives or family members, please take time to share this information with them so they can be fully aware of this type of scam.”
For further advice and information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni.
If you have any concerns about unsolicited calls, emails or letters then please report it to Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040.
You can also call police on the non-emergency number 101.
If you receive a suspicious message, whether by email, website or text message you can take the following actions:
• Email – if you feel unsure about an email you have received, you can forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Services at report@phishing.gov.uk
• Website – If you have come across a website which you think is fake, you can report it here Report a suspicious website - NCSC.GOV.UK
• Text message – Report suspicious text messages for free to 7726. Your provider can investigate the text and take action if found to be fraudulent.