Press Releases
Increased risk of scams
Information for members in Northern Ireland
The Financial Conduct Authority has advised that during this period of uncertainty around the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, there is a greater risk of scams.
Information on staying safe from scams is available from Consumerline (0300 123 6262), the Scamwise NI Facebook page or nidirect.gov.uk/scams
Please note the following advice:
– Beware of all unexpected calls, emails and text messages;
– A genuine bank or organisation will not ask for your PIN, full password, or to move money to another account;
– Never give out your personal or financial details unless it is for a service you want to use, and where you trust the provider; and
– Do not be pressurised into acting quickly – a genuine bank or financial services firm will not mind giving you time to think.
Remember the ScamwiseNI advice – if you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
The four main Churches and the Irish Council of Churches are supporting the Scamwise NI campaign through the Church Leaders Group. The above information is sourced from nidirect.gov.uk/brexit
Information for members in the Republic of Ireland
Scamwise NI relates to Northern Ireland but, as many scams cross borders, members of the Church living in the Republic may also find the above general points of advice helpful. An Garda Síochána has provided a listing of local crime prevention officers who will be able to assist with this and other policing matters. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau also provides guidance on preventing and tackling fraud.