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Paddy Leonard, 28 Sep
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is urging the public to be aware
of scammers sending fake texts claiming to be from the Driver and
Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) asking people to pay traffic-related
fines.
In reports made to The Police Service to date, the texts include a
warning that if the fine isn't paid on time, the person may be
prosecuted. The scam text includes a link to be clicked on to process
the fine.
The DVSA have issued a warning about the scams, stating they do not
issue or deal with parking fines and urge anyone who receives the scam
message to report it.
Addressing the reports made to The Police Service in recent days,
Superintendent Joanne Gibson said: "This, unfortunately, is another
example of how scammers will try to get your personal details, such as
your name, address, date of birth and who you bank with. This can then
be used to commit a more sophisticated scam where the losses can be
substantial. Our advice is never click on any links in any message if
you're not sure it's genuine. You could well find yourself being
scammed and swindled by criminals."
Superintendent Gibson added: "If you have clicked on a link and
provided your personal or financial details you should be cautious as
you may be targeted for further scams. However, you can take action to
protect yourself by reporting to your bank or building society that
your account details may have been compromised. Check your bank account
for suspicious transactions and regularly check your credit file.”
Advice - Police say anyone can be targeted by a scam and criminals will
constantly change how they operate and the best way to stop these types
of scam is to stop, check and report.
Stop - Before you transfer money or disclose any personal details to
anyone you do not know. Do not feel rushed or pressured by timelines -
genuine businesses will always give you time to consider your options.
Check - Check and verify who you are communicating with using a trusted
source. You can check the person or organisation you’re dealing with is
on the Financial Service Register by going
to https://register.fca.org.uk/
READ NEXT: Motorists advised of possible traffic disruption around
Derry this weekend
Report - If you have lost money or been targeted in a scam, report it
to police on online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or call 101,
report it to your bank immediately, online
at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. You can also
forward scam texts to 7726.
Information and advice is also available
at https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/scams-and
-fraud or http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni