Fraudulent activity is rife in Ireland at the moment with faux callers causing havoc for many.
Today, An Garda Síochána has issued a new warning specifically to agriculture businesses across Ireland after a number of reported scam phone transactions in Cavan this week.
According to the report, the scammers are contacting businesses so they can place orders of up to 80 rolls of silage wrap - the value of which is usually around €6,000 and €7,000.
They are then processing their payment over the phone with a credit card and a courier is sent to pick up the goods.
While one seller initially received payment they were later contacted by the bank to say the card used for the payment was cloned and they would take the money back, losing the seller thousands in the cost of goods.
In Co Cavan there have been four incidents of this kind, but there have been similar scams also reported in Co Laois, Co Roscommon, and Co Donegal.
In relation to the first incident, a second attempt was made to buy 80 rolls of Silage Wrap from an agri-business in Co Cavan.
However, on this occasion, Gardaí were present when the goods were collected and two people were arrested.
They were taken to Cavan Garda Station and have been released without charge with a file going to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
An Garda Síochána is “appealing to all businesses and in particular those in the Agri-Business sector to remain vigilant to customers wishing to pay for substantial goods over the phone particularly if they are not familiar with the person.
“It is advisable for businesses to exercise due diligence in relation to taking card payments by phone that the card and cardholder are one in the same.
“Where a business has been the victim of such a crime they are asked to report any transactions which have been found to be fraudulent.”
