Scamwiseni

17/12/2025

Fraud alert: Fake Parking Charge text messages

We’re seeing fake “Parking Charge Notice (PCN)” text messages circulating, claiming you have an unpaid parking fine and urging you to click a link to pay immediately.

🚩 Red flags to watch for:

Unexpected text from an unknown mobile number

Urgent language and threats (licence revoked, credit score affected)

A link that isn’t an official government or council website

Requests to enter your vehicle registration or payment details

❗ Do not click the link or provide any information.
If you’re unsure whether you owe a parking fine, always check directly with your local council or the official organisation using contact details you find yourself — not links in messages.

📲 What to do next:

Delete the message

Report it to your mobile network (forward to 7726)

If you’ve clicked the link or entered details, contact your bank immediately

Share this post to help others avoid falling victim.

01/12/2025

Cyber Monday Scam Alert – Stay Safe Online

As online shopping surges for Cyber Monday, scammers are ready to take advantage of rushed purchases and tempting “flash deals.”

Before you click Buy Now, take a moment to protect yourself:

STOP – Don’t rush because of countdown timers or urgent messages.
CHECK – Use trusted retailers and double-check website URLs.
PAY SAFELY – Use secure payment methods; avoid bank transfers.
THINK – If it looks too good to be true… it usually is.

Help keep people safe today — please share and spread the message.

24/11/2025

Runners urged to beware of online scams ahead of Seeley Cup Race

With the growing popularity of local running events, police and running organisers are warning athletes to be cautious when buying or transferring race entries online, following reports of fraudulent ticket offers circulating on social media ahead of the popular Podium4Sport Seeley Cup on 29th November.

With demand for events like the Seeley Cup at an all-time high, organisers and police are reminding participants that legitimate race transfers should always go through official event websites or verified partners. Buying through unofficial sources or private sellers increases the risk of losing both money and race entry.

Criminals are quick to take advantage of demand for popular events, so it’s important to stay cautious if someone contacts you online, especially if they ask for payment by bank transfer or via unsecured methods. Check with the official organiser before parting with your money.

The Willowfield Temperance Harriers Committee said: “The Seeley Cup is one of the most popular races in the local running calendar, and with demand so high it’s easy to see how scammers might try and take advantage. We want to remind runners to not get scammed at the start line. Only buy or transfer entries through official channels, and never purchase a place from someone you don’t know or trust. A fake entry could ruin more than just your race. We very much look forward to welcoming everyone to the Podium4Sport Seeley Cup on 29th November for a great day of running.”

Inspector Tori Anderson from the ScamwiseNI partnership also commented: “We’re urging runners to stay alert and not to get scammed at the start line. If you missed out on a Seeley Cup entry, be cautious of anyone offering a place for sale online. Check that transfers are done through official race organisers, avoid paying by bank transfer, and don’t share personal or financial details with strangers. My message applies to all running events, if a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is, so pleased don’t be fooled. It could cost you money as well as a personal best!”

If you have been a victim of a scam, report it to police on 101, to your bank immediately, and online at https://orlo.uk/Wli13 or call 0300 123 2040. Information and advice is also available at https://orlo.uk/i1lbE or via the ScamwiseNI page Scamwiseni

Pictured below:
(L-R) Carol McAdam from Willowfield Temperance Harriers, Inspector Tori Anderson from Scamwise, Darren McCracken from Willowfield Temperance Harriers.

17/11/2025

Police are warning shoppers to secure online accounts, following increase in reports linked to retail apps. Read more here:

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is urging the public to take extra precautions with their online shopping accounts in the run-up to Christmas, following a recent increase in reports of hacking attempts linked to retail apps.Across the UK, the Protect Network has observed a rise in incidents w...

24/10/2025

Stay vigilant about banking app scams!

Following a number of recent reports of scams involving fake banking apps in the Fermanagh and Omagh area, we’re urging members of the public to remain vigilant about these financial scams.

Fake banking app scams often involve people losing money after selling items on online selling platforms. Bogus buyers make contact with the sellers and once the transaction is agreed, the ‘buyer’ shows what appears to be a completed transfer into the victim’s account. However, these transfers are carried out on fake banking apps and no money is actually sent. The seller may be told that funds have been transferred but will take a few days, however, the funds then never appear.

Financial crime can cause a huge amount of distress and worry for the victim and criminals are constantly changing their scams – and becoming more sophisticated with these – to lure people in.

We would advise people to never hand over goods until they have payment, either in the form of cash in their hand or in their bank account, which they have checked online.Once funds have been transferred, they usually appear in an account within minutes, so always take the time to check before parting with goods.

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 also essential.

Always remember the following advice:

Stop. Check. Report.

The best way to fight scams and not lose money is to Stop. Check. 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 callers will always give you time to consider your options.

Check - Check and verify who you are communicating with using a trusted source. Take time to verify callers on another phone line where possible and check images via an image search. If you are in any doubt do not transfer any money or goods.

Report - If you have been a victim of a scam, report it to police online at https://orlo.uk/8TDjz or call on 101, to your bank immediately, online at https://orlo.uk/zGyUk or call 0300 123 2040. You can also forward scam texts to 7726.

Information and advice is also available at https://orlo.uk/N0m79 or the ScamwiseNI page Scamwiseni

You can also find information and advice on scams and frauds on our website at https://orlo.uk/3FF1M

19/09/2025

We want to encourage everyone to take a stand against hate crime. Whether you’re a victim or a witness, you can report it to us.

Learn more about how we support victims of hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity at https://orlo.uk/AskOB

Support is also available from Hate Crime Advocacy Service

19/09/2025

BOGUS EMERGENCY ALERT TEST EMAILS

Scammers are exploiting recent emergency alert tests by sending fake emails pretending to be from the government and asking for feedback.

-Do not click on links
-Do not share personal or financial information
-Report suspicious emails to [email protected]

Stop. Think Fraud.

18/09/2025

Heading out tonight? Stay safe and plan ahead.

- Always share you plans with someone you trust.
- Stay with your friends throughout the night.
Arrive together and leave together.
- Know how you’re getting home before the night
begins.

17/09/2025

On a date that isn’t working out?

Is someone not taking ‘no’ for an answer?

‘Ask for Angela’ in registered venues and trained staff there will know you need help.

Learn more at https://orlo.uk/xdWnm

17/09/2025

We are warning the public about a recent scam where an individual is impersonating a police officer in an attempt to defraud victims, following reports in the Clogher and Belleek areas.

Inspector Anderson said: “It’s understood the scammer is using a fake name and says he is from Northumberland Police, he also appears to be targeting Priests in the local area which is very concerning.

“Police will never demand payment, request gift cards, or ask for banking information over the phone and if you receive such a call, please hang up immediately and contact your local police to make a report.

“Anyone who has been targeted is urged to report the incident to police immediately via 101 or online at https://orlo.uk/tWjBL or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at .”

We're an independent charity that gives people the power to speak up to stop crime 100% anonymously.

16/09/2025

If you are a student and beginning your academic year we hope you never become a victim of crime, but if you do need us it is important that you know how to contact us.

If a crime has already happened, you can call us on 101 or report online at https://orlo.uk/uTLOA

15/09/2025

We want all students to have a safe start to the term. When you’re out and about, take a moment to look after yourself and your friends.
- Drink responsibly
- Stick with your group of friends
- Plan how you’ll get home (taxi, public transport, or a lift from a designated driver)

If you need us, call 101 or report online at https://orlo.uk/Axlsn

Always call 999 in an emergency.