More scams are hitting Irish consumers with gardai warning of several new tricks dropping into message inboxes over the weekend.
Gardaí are asking people to simply ignore all suspect text messages, phone calls and emails going forward, and to never click on links that were not sent by someone you know.
CSO crime statistics for Q1 of 2021, there was a 40% increase in fraud offences in Ireland in the year to June 2021 compared to the previous year.
The increase mostly occurred in Q1 and Q2 of this year and primarily relates to fraudulent attempts to obtain personal or banking information online or by phone as well as fraudulent use of credit and debit card information.
'Missed call' text
A garda spokesperson said: "An Garda Síochána is advising the public to be alert to a recent text message scam
"The text is disguised to look like a missed call text alert
"Do not click on the link of any suspicious text and delete them if they are sent to you."
Three customers targeted
Gardai said: "This time purporting to be from 3 telling you your Internet access is down. Just click on the link and they'll fix it for you, if by fixing it, they mean clearing out your current account!!!
"I'm sure you're as vexed as we are by these infuriating scams."
038 scam
Scam callers using an 038 number are on the rise in Ireland in the last month as hoax calls continue to soar.
Since the start of September the number has become more frequent with clever scam artists attempting to trick unsuspecting phones users.
The numbers similarity to 083 means that many people could be easily tricked into answering the call.
Irish users have been searching "083 area code" in their droves with google data showing the search term saw a 100% rise in mid September compared to any point in the year up to then.
