ORGANISED CRIMINALS and fraudsters are out to get people’s personal bank details, warn the PSNI, stating that they are using sophisticated methods to target customers.

The PSNI said that criminals use “social engineering” known as “grooming” their victims in order to make them comply with their requests, they said.

“They say they represent the bank or another well known company and have already garnered some information about the company or individual,” said the police.

Phone or email

During the course of a phone call or email, they elicit enough information to take control of the online banking.

“The people behind this are organised and knowledgeable both about systems and the companies they claim to represent, as well as the people that they victimise,” said the police.

The added that it is vital that each individual is aware of online security threats, can spot attempted fraud and take steps to avoid this.

Here are some tips from the PSNI to remember:

• Legitimate companies and banks will NEVER ask for your full PIN and password online.
• Legitimate companies and banks will NEVER telephone you to ask for your banking PIN and password.
• Telephone calls asking for these details will not be from the bank or company, therefore the person calling is likely to be a fraudster.
• Any unsolicited communication or contact from your bank or another company should be checked.
• Contact the bank or company in the event that you are approached by phone.
• Try and use a separate phone from the one that you have been contacted on as the fraudsters can hold open your phone line and trick you into believing that you are contacting your bank.

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