Gardai have issued an updated warning after a recent rise in cases of fraudsters making calls to members of the public while pretending to be members of An Garda Síochána.
The number that's calling appears to be a genuine Garda station but this is just one of the stages in the elaborate scam.
The authorities have asked the public to be aware of these four steps of the scam;
1. The person receiving the call is subjected to a pre-recorded or automated message that prompts them to select an option.
2. The person is then put through to a person alleging to be a member of An Garda Síochána.
3. The scammer either looks for personal information or informs the person that their details have been involved or linked to a crime.
4. After giving over personal details the victim receives a follow-up call from another scammer seeking more details on behalf of An Garda Síochána (This call appears to be coming from a genuine Garda station number).
Gardai have also reminded the public that they will never make contact in this fashion.
In recent weeks, Gardai have issued several statements of this nature, however, they warn that "a section of society may be more susceptible to this type of fraud."
Gardai have also confirmed that they're reaching out to various telecommunications networks to highlight this scam.
If anyone receives a fraudulent phone call like this, they're being asked to follow these six steps;
• Do not engage with the caller.
• Do not return the call.
• Do not follow the automated instructions – Do not press 1 etc.
• Never transfer money.
• Never disclose personal or financial information.
• Hang up and end the call.
Gardaí are asking the public to spread the following warning as they bid to prevent more people from being scammed.
They state: "In many cases, the subsequent call from the fraudsters appears to provide reassurance to the victim that this is a legitimate call, which it is not. If you believe you may have fallen victim to this scam, contact your financial institution and report the matter to your local Garda station.
