Local police issue warning over bogus telephone calls

POLICE in Ballymena are warning local retailers to be wary of bogus telephone calls.

The advice follows recent reports whereby staff have been phoned by a person claiming to be from PayPoint technical services and have then been asked to follow instructions to ‘update the system’ or ‘repair a fault’.

This then enables money to be taken from the business via the online payment system.

Retailers and members of the public are reminded never to give out personal details over the phone to unsolicited callers. If you are unsure of a caller or feel that something is not right then ask for details to ascertain their identity. Ask where they are phoning from, where they have got your details from and where they have obtained your telephone number.

Also, ask them if there is a number you can phone them back on or if there is another representative from their company that you can contact

If you are still unsure about them then contact the company or business to check if the call is genuine. Legitimate companies won’t have a problem with you calling them back.

Anyone who believes they may have been victim of this type of scam or has any concerns should contact Police on 0845 600 8000.