Increase in Phone Scams Prompts Warnings Across UK and Ireland

Authorities across various regions are issuing urgent warnings about a surge in phone scams targeting residents. In Cheshire, police report a rise in courier fraud where scammers impersonate officers and bank officials to extract personal information from victims, often targeting the elderly. In Ireland, Gardai are alerting the public to professional-looking cold callers selling overpriced safety equipment, urging residents to report suspicious activity. Meanwhile, reports from the Netherlands highlight a significant increase in fraud calls, with criminals using spoofing techniques to impersonate major companies. Hong Kong is also grappling with a spike in scam-related crimes, prompting local police to engage the public through a new app to report suspicious numbers. Across the board, experts emphasize the need for vigilance, as scammers are increasingly sophisticated and persistent.