PSNI warns o ver bo gus police officer phone scams
Duke (99) returns to Windsor after heart op
THE PSNI is urging the public to be extra vigilant after 12 scams were reported recently in which the caller claimed to be a police officer.
Detectives from the Economic Crime Unit say in one report a man received a call from someone claiming to be an officer from Bangor PSNI.
He was told a warrant had been issued for his arrest following an allegation and he was advised to leave all the money he could find in his car.
The man followed the instructions given to him and unfortunately lost over £3,000.
Multiple reports have also been received where older people in Belfast and Dundonald have been contacted by people claiming to be police officers and asked about the amount of money or valuables they keep in their home.
One man was asked if house had an alarm system.
Detective Inspector Joanne Harris said: “I want to take this opportunity to urge people to take extra precautions to protect themselves as we have received a number of reports of people imitating police officers.
“Fraudsters are continuously coming up with advanced and sophisticated ways of targeting people, especially those who are more vulnerable or older within our society.
“Our message is simple: never disclose your personal or banking details to anyone over the phone or online, no matter how convincing they may seem.
“Please also remember that police would never ask for cash or valuables to be left at a location for collection.
“I also want to appeal to family members to do all they can to let their loved ones know to never give out their financial details or personal information.
“Tell them that if they’re at all suspicious about a call they receive, hang up and phone the organisation the person is purporting to represent to check their authenticity.
“Ideally, make the call from another telephone so you can be sure the original caller has not remained on the line.
“Scammers don’t care who theirvictimis,theyjustwantthe money and will employ whatever tactic is necessary.”
Anyone concerned they have been a victim of a scam should eitherreportthemattertoaction Fraud via its website www. actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040.
Police can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101. For further advice and information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the Scamwiseni Facebook page @scamwiseni
his
THE Duke of Edinburgh has been reunited with the Queen after leaving hospital following a month-long stay receiving treatment.
Philip (99) is said to be in good spirits after spending 28 nights as an in-patient — his longest everstay.
He was initially receiving care for an infection then underwent heart surgery for a pre-existing condition.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The Duke of Edinburgh has today been discharged from King Edward VII’S Hospital and has returned to Windsor Castle, following treatment for an infection and a successful procedure for a pre-existing condition.
“His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII’S Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes.”
Philip was pushed in a wheelchair to a waiting car when he left the private hospital in central London on Tuesday morning, after first being admitted on February 16.
The duke was partially obscured by a screen erected at the rear of the hospital but a man appeared to help him into the chauffeur-driven saloon.
Wearing a white shirt and yellow jumper, Philip turned to look at the large media presence outside King Edward VII’S as the car pulled away, and he was driven to Windsor.
He was initially taken to King Edward VII’S Hospital by car a month ago after feeling unwell at Windsor.
But two weeks later was moved to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London by ambulance.
He then underwent a successful procedure on a pre-existing heart condition on March 3, just three months before his 100th birthday.
A few days later he was transferred back to King Edward’s to recuperate and to continue his treatment.
Throughout his time in hospital the royal family continued with their official duties.
Philip was visited just once on
‘The duke wishes to thank medical staff for their care’
February 20 by his eldest son, the Prince of Wales, who made a 200-mile round trip from his Gloucestershire home and stayed for around 30 minutes.
But the Earl of Wessex revealed he had been speaking to his father by phone and when the duke was into his second week of treatment Edward said Philip was “looking forward to getting out” and the family were keeping
their “fingers crossed”.
Concern had been heightened for the duke because of his advanced age and amid troubled times for the royals.
The monarchy was plunged into crisis while Philip was in hospital following the shocking allegations of racism made by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their interview with chat show host Oprah Winfrey.