Fraudsters spoof PSNI phone number in latest alarming Northern Ireland scam attempt

A scam caller using the PSNI’s own switchboard number in an apparent attempt to steal banking information has prompted a fresh public warning from police after a Northern Ireland resident narrowly avoided being defrauded.

Police say the incident has raised serious concerns after fraudsters appeared to spoof the official PSNI number while attempting to pressure a member of the public into handing over sensitive financial details and purchasing gift cards.

The attempted scam was reported to police at around 4.20pm on Monday, June 1, after a person in the Cromwell Road area received a call from what appeared to be a legitimate UK number matching the PSNI switchboard.

According to officers, the caller falsely claimed there was an investigation linked to the victim’s name involving money transfers to “narcotic-related countries”.

Caller demanded bank details and gift cards

Inspector Walker said the caller then attempted to extract banking information from the individual in South Belfast before escalating the pressure further.

He said:

“The caller told the person there was an investigation linked to their name involving money transfers to narcotic-related countries and was subsequently asked to provide information about their bank cards.

“The caller then asked them to purchase gift cards and send across the codes for those, stating that this was part of the investigation process and that the money would be returned to them.

“This made the reporting party suspicious, however and, thankfully, the victim didn’t share any of their personal or bank details with the caller, who they then blocked.”

Police confirmed no personal or banking details were handed over in this case.

Police describe spoofed PSNI number as ‘very concerning’

The use of the PSNI switchboard number has added an especially worrying dimension to the attempted fraud, with officers warning that criminals are increasingly using technology designed to make scam calls appear genuine.

Inspector Walker said:

“This is a very concerning situation where the PSNI switchboard number was used to call someone in an attempt at fraudulent activity.

“Our enquiries into this report remain ongoing and we would appeal to the public to be alert to potential scams such as these and to contact police – as well as their bank and Action Fraud – if they believe they’ve been a victim of fraud.

“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.”

The warning comes amid continued concern over sophisticated scam operations targeting people across Northern Ireland using impersonation tactics, fake investigations, banking threats and urgent financial demands.

Police say fraudsters often attempt to create panic or pressure victims into acting quickly before they have time to verify who they are speaking to.

Public urged to follow ‘Stop. Check. Report.’ advice

Police are urging the public to remember three key steps if they receive suspicious contact:

• Stop – Before transferring money or sharing personal details with anyone you do not know.

• Check – Verify who you are speaking to using a trusted source or separate phone line where possible.

• Report – Contact police, your bank and Action Fraud immediately if you believe you have been targeted.

Officers stressed that genuine organisations will never pressure people into rushing payments, purchasing gift cards or revealing banking information unexpectedly over the phone.

How to report scams and fraud attempts

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam can:

• Report online to PSNI at: https://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

• Call police on 101

• Contact Action Fraud online at: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

• Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

• Forward scam text messages to 7726

Further scam awareness advice is available at:

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni

Updates and alerts are also shared via the ScamwiseNI Facebook page: @scamwiseni

The latest incident serves as another reminder that even familiar or official-looking phone numbers cannot always be trusted, with police urging the public to pause, verify and report suspicious contact before any money or information changes hands.