New voucher scam warning from Ballymena police

BALLYMENA PSNI are reminding residents to exercise caution when dealing with unexpected callers, either to their door or over the phone, after an elderly person was scammed by a caller purporting to be from a loan company.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd May 2012, 13:45 BST

A police spokesperson said that some instances people have applied for loans, been refused but subsequently received a call from someone offering them a loan. In order to process the loan they are requested to make a payment for admin. fees in the form of UKash vouchers. Some people have made these payments without realising they are dealing with a bogus caller.

In this incident, the elderly person went to buy £400 worth for UKash Vouchers in return for a sum 10 times the amount. A vigilant member of the community notified this person this was a scam and not to take any further action.

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Ballymena Inspector John Allen said: “These are scams targeting the vulnerable members of our community. I would appeal to local community to be vigilant and protect themselves against unscrupulous criminals who are constantly identifying and developing new methods to defraud innocent people.

“Do not send UKASH codes to anyone calling you and claiming to be able to release money owed to you or offering you a loan. You may be asked to send a fee in the form of a UKASH voucher code by email, or over the telephone. This is a fraud and you will lose your money.”

Anyone who has information on these type of scams should report it to local police on 0845 600 8000.

Related topics:Ballymena