Gardaí issue warning over fraud phone calls 

Gardaí are warning people to be wary of phone fraud following reports of automated scam calls pertaining to be An Garda Siochana in recent days.

Gardaí are urging the public to spread the word of fraud prevention as people continue to fall victim to scams on a daily basis.

In recent days Gardaí have received reports nationwide including reports from Counties Donegal, Monaghan, Dublin and Kilkenny relating to automated scam phone calls.

The advice also follows incidents and Garda warnings for the North Cork area where people were pretending to be from An Garda Síochána, Social Welfare, the Attorney General’s Office, banks, delivery companies and other businesses.

The recipient is called and advised via a recorded message that An Garda Síochána is investigating them in relation to suspicious activity linked to their PPS number.

In order to rectify the situation, the recipient is then advised to press a number to speak to someone further in relation to the matter. These scam calls are mainly coming from numbers with the 087 prefix.

The advice of An Garda Síochána is as follows:

• Do not engage with the caller.

• Do not return the call.

• Do not follow the automated instructions – Do not press 1 etc.

• Never disclose personal or financial information.

• Hang up and block the number if possible.

“If you believe you may have fallen victim to this scam, contact your financial institution and report the matter to local Gardaí.”