Gardai have warned people about the latest scam to hit the country as thousands of people report calls from spoofers claiming to be from government and state agencies.
People have received scam calls from numbers with a 085 and 087 prefix who have claimed to be calling from the Department of Social Protection.
Scams have continued to become more common and more sophisticated since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.
Con-artists are now using software to disguise their phone numbers, making it look as if they are calling from a legitimate organisation.
When the caller answers the phone to the latest scam call, they will hear an automated message informing them that their PPS number has been compromised.
The message then requests the call recipient to press one to speak to an investigator or official.
Gardai have warned people never to engage with these calls and to hang up immediately when this request is made.
If the caller does press one, they are asked to provide the fraudsters with personal information, giving them access to their accounts.
In a statement, a garda spokesperson said, "On receipt of these communications, the advice of An Garda Síochána is as follows:
• Do not engage with the caller.
• Do not follow the automated instructions – Do not press 1 etc.
• Never disclose personal or financial information.
• Hang up and end the call.
• Do not return the call.
“Gardaí are urging the public to spread the word of fraud prevention as people continue to fall victim to scams on a daily basis.
“If you believe you have fallen victim to this scam, report the matter at your local Garda Station. Always keep your personal information safe and be fraud aware.”
People across the country have reported various scam calls received over the past few months as fraudsters attempt to come up with scams that will scare people into handing over their details.
One Facebook user said, “I got one saying I was a drugs dealer and the police will at my home to arrest me in 15 mins, the next one said my order from ASDA will be delivered soon, ASDA in Ireland, where?”
Another user said, “I spent 1hr20m with the guy on the phone. It’s was a waist of time for me, but it kept him busy and for 80m he wasn’t be able to scam anyone else.”
