PSNI are advising local businesses and schools to be wary of unsolicited phone calls asking them to advertise in magazine they may not be familiar with.
PSNI are advising local businesses and schools to be wary of unsolicited phone calls asking them to advertise in magazine they may not be familiar with.
The advice follows several incidents when calls where received by businessmen who were canvassed to buy an advert in “a police magazine”.
The caller said the advertisement could be paid there and then through a credit card transaction. Throughout the conversation, the caller was evasive and would not identify the publication when pressed nor would he provide a telephone number on which he could be contacted.
This is a well-known scam used by fraudsters throughout the UK. They use the “police magazine” angle in order to gain a measure of extra credibility.
Genuine magazines including those that are cater for the interests of police officers will not hesitate to tell you who they are and where they can be contacted.
Police advice is that you should never disclose financial details or make commitments to pay by credit card to cold callers. Reputable organisations will give you the chance to think about your response.
Do not let anyone put you under pressure to make a commitment. Take your time in coming to a decision. It is your money so think carefully about whether or not you want the advertising exposure that is offered. Don’t agree to something just because you want the conversation over and done with.
Anyone who has been approached in a similar fashion, or who needs advice on any aspect of crime prevention, can contact their local Crime Prevention officer on 0845 600 8000.