People are being warned to watch out for an ATM scam that has conned members of the public out of large sums of cash.
The scam typically involves an individual claiming to have lost their bank card and needing money to get home. They ask someone to withdraw cash from an ATM in exchange for an electronic bank transfer.
The money never arrives in the person’s account, however, and some victims have been defrauded out of over €500, it has been reported.
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The scam has been spotted in Belfast, where the people behind the trick have claimed to be from the south of the country and say they have no way of getting home.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have urged people to be vigilant and report any fraudulent activity of this type immediately, Belfast Live reports.
"In recent weeks, police have received reports from members of the public who have been approached by a group of people, or individuals, claiming to be from the south of Ireland," said Chief Inspector Alan Lowry.
"These fraudsters claim they have forgotten or lost their wallet/bank card and have no way to get home – and no money or way to pay for transport.
"They then ask people to withdraw money from a cash machine in exchange for an immediate bank transfer – showing proof on a mobile phone of the exchange leading the victim to believe the money has already been deposited into their account.
"However, the money never arrives into the victim’s bank account. Sums ranging up to £500 (€574) in cash have been taken by criminals from accounts.
"Our enquiries remain ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who believes they have been targeted in this way recently, but have not reported it, to do so now to police, to their bank and to Action Fraud."
In a statement, the PSNI said: "Criminals use every trick in the book to steal your money, and can sound so convincing it's understandable how people can be persuaded they are genuine. However, they’re anything but.
"Our advice is that you should never disclose your personal or financial details over the phone, in person, or by email, to someone you don’t know. Guarding your personal and banking details is essential."
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