“When I realised what had happened, I felt so ashamed, I was mortified.”
Scammers are preparing to target customers ahead of a busy weekend of online shopping(Image: Getty Images)
A Belfast woman is urging people to speak out after she was scammed out of thousands of pounds from someone impersonating her bank.
Retailers are ready for Black Friday later this week on November 28 but sadly, scammers are also prepared to target customers ahead of a busy weekend of online shopping.
Sam from Belfast is urging people not to stay quiet if they’ve lost money to a scam, as new research from the Money and Pensions Service finds more than a third of people in Northern Ireland admitted to feeling uncomfortable telling their friends they’ve been scammed.
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As Sam knows only too well, scams can happen to anyone. She was scammed out of £6,000 and is now encouraging people to report it and speak up.
The 51-year-old said: “I thought falling for a scam was something that only happened to older or more vulnerable people. I’m very good with money and check my bank every day.
“I did everything you shouldn’t do – I gave him codes he asked for and even thanked him, as he warned me of fraudulent activity on my account. When I realised what had happened, I felt so ashamed, I was mortified.
“I got help from the police and Victim Support and told close colleagues and friends. I would urge other people affected by scams to tell someone they trust, report it, and get support from MoneyHelper.”
In the run-up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the Money and Pensions Service is urging people not to stay quiet on scams, as new research finds more than a third of people in Northern Ireland (34%) would be uncomfortable telling their friends they’ve been scammed.
Additionally, less than half of people (48%) said they would be comfortable telling their families if they had lost money to a scam.
People were concerned that speaking up would make them feel embarrassed, stupid, or foolish. They also feared being judged and didn’t want to worry others.
MaPS is encouraging people who have been affected by scams to talk to an expert at MoneyHelper for free, non-judgemental, confidential support.
MoneyHelper can help by understanding the situation, warning about the risks of secondary scamming, and providing a route to recovery. Make sure you also report the scam to Action Fraud.
Janine Maher, Northern Ireland Manager at the Money and Pensions Service said:
“If you’re planning on shopping for online deals, be vigilant around scams. Don’t rush into purchases and only shop from trusted retailers.
“If you believe you have lost money to a scam, there’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. You are the victim of a crime,, and you are not to blame.
“The first step is to report the scam. It can also be helpful to talk to someone you trust or contact MoneyHelper for free and confidential support.”
Visit the MoneyHelper website for more information about scams and how to protect yourself.
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