03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Police

Cold-callers play upon people’s instinct to help

FRAUDSTERS claiming to work for well-known firms such as Sky and Amazon are using people’s good nature against them, police have warned.

Dyfed-Powys Police has received several reports of people being called out of the blue and asked to help investigate one of the company’s ‘fraudulent employees’.

Residents are asked to download or install an app that allows the caller remote access to their devices, and are then instructed to open their online bank account.

The caller will say they are putting money into your account to help catch a fraudulent employee, but in reality they will now have access to your account and your money.

Some tricksters even go so far as to transfer money from one of your accounts to another, to make it appear as if they have made a deposit.

DC Gareth Jordan from the Cyber Crime Team said: “These types of crime play upon people’s instincts to be helpful.

“Callers claim they need assistance to catch fraudulent employees, when in fact they are the fraudulent ones.

“Do not install any software or apps that allow others to connect to your computer, tablet or mobile device, and report any suspicious calls to the police.”

DC Jordan has also warned people to be vigilant for cold-callers offering faster internet speeds, but then adopting the same tactics as above.
You can help protect yourself from these types of scams by following this advice:

• If you receive a call like this, remember: Amazon or Sky are not calling, it is a criminal is trying to access your money. Never be afraid to hang up.
• Reputable firms will never ask for your help to track down fraudulent activity by one of their employees – they have all the resources they need to do that already.
• If someone on a cold call asks you to download any kind of software, or asks you to access your bank account, end the call.
• Do not sign into your bank account if you have installed remote access software – you could lose money.
• If you have received a call like this and are worried you have transferred or lost money, contact your bank by calling the number on the back of your bank card.
• You should never be embarrassed to contact police if you think you may have fallen victim to fraud. Your report could help with investigations, and prevent other people avoid making the same mistake.
• You can call police for free on 101, fill in a form online at bit.ly/DPPReportOnline, or email contactcentre@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk

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