Consumers are advised to be on the alert to a phone scam in which fraudsters claim to be calling from utility companies on the pretence that there are issues with the customer’s broadband service.
An Garda Síochána, in association with the FraudSMART, a fraud awareness initiative led by Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), is urging people to take precautions as a result.
Key details of the scam:
A utility company (eg telephone/mobile phone provider, broadband provider or software company) calls offering to fix computer or broadband problems. The caller will attempt to trick you into revealing your banking or card details and providing codes from your card reader to access your online banking and make fraudulent payments.You may be asked to allow the caller to take remote control of your computer to assist you. However, this could allow the fraudster to show you fraudulent screens.The callers are professional and will be able to transfer you to their supervisor should you request this. They sound genuine.Detective Superintendent Gerard Walsh of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau gave the following advice: "If you have received a suspicious call, hang up and phone the company the person is purporting to be from directly yourself. Do not use a number given to you by the caller and make sure you hear a dial tone before making the call.
“If you are concerned that you may have fallen victim to a scam, contact your local garda station and also your bank.”
Niamh Davenport, who leads the BPFI FraudSMART programme, said: "Always be wary of any unexpected calls or texts, especially those asking for personal details or payments. Never give your financial or personal information in order to release money, refund fees, or access to your computer.
“Fraudsters are very convincing but don’t be afraid to take the time to make the relevant checks. The caller will try to rush you or make you feel foolish and negligent if you don’t follow their instructions, but this is all designed to panic you into doing something you wouldn’t otherwise do,” she said.
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Consumers are advised to be on the alert to a phone scam in which fraudsters claim to be calling from utility companies on the pretence that there are issues with the customer’s broadband service.
An Garda Síochána, in association with the FraudSMART, a fraud awareness initiative led by Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), is urging people to take precautions as a result.
Key details of the scam:
A utility company (eg telephone/mobile phone provider, broadband provider or software company) calls offering to fix computer or broadband problems. The caller will attempt to trick you into revealing your banking or card details and providing codes from your card reader to access your online banking and make fraudulent payments.You may be asked to allow the caller to take remote control of your computer to assist you. However, this could allow the fraudster to show you fraudulent screens.The callers are professional and will be able to transfer you to their supervisor should you request this. They sound genuine.Detective Superintendent Gerard Walsh of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau gave the following advice: "If you have received a suspicious call, hang up and phone the company the person is purporting to be from directly yourself. Do not use a number given to you by the caller and make sure you hear a dial tone before making the call.
“If you are concerned that you may have fallen victim to a scam, contact your local garda station and also your bank.”
Niamh Davenport, who leads the BPFI FraudSMART programme, said: "Always be wary of any unexpected calls or texts, especially those asking for personal details or payments. Never give your financial or personal information in order to release money, refund fees, or access to your computer.
“Fraudsters are very convincing but don’t be afraid to take the time to make the relevant checks. The caller will try to rush you or make you feel foolish and negligent if you don’t follow their instructions, but this is all designed to panic you into doing something you wouldn’t otherwise do,” she said.
Read more
Tractor scam costs farmers thousands
Elderly lady pressured into buying chainsaws, generators and power washers
Hedge-cutting conmen target Tipperary farmers
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