MESSAGE FROM AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA
A chara
In recent days Gardaí have received reports of persons receiving phone calls from fraudsters claiming to be members of An Garda Síochána. The number calling appears to be the phone number of a genuine Garda station.
There are several stages to these scam calls –
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).
An Garda Síochána will never make contact with members of the public in this fashion. Most members of the public realise these types of calls are not legitimate and do not engage with scammers.
However, we at An Garda Síochána appreciates that a section of society may have very little to no previous interaction with An Garda Síochána and may be more susceptible to this type of fraud.
With this in mind, the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit have decided to reach out through our various networks to highlight this scam to all.
On receipt of these communications, 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 transfer money.
- Never disclose personal or financial information.
- Hang up and end the call.
Whilst the scammers may change their stories and methods, their goal is always the same – they want to access your sensitive information and get their hands on your money. 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 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.
Dermot Delaney
Dermot Delaney, Sergeant, Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit, Harcourt Square, Dublin 2
Email: dermot.j.delaney@garda.ie
Tel: 01 6663150
Mobile 0858824663
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NOTE: Some of our members have also received similar calls purporting to be from the Department of Social Protection and alleging that there is an issue with the person’s Personal Public Service Number (PPSN). These are also scam calls and are not genuine. The advice on the Department’s website is: If you receive such a call or text, please do not engage with the caller and do not share any part of your PPS Number, bank account details or any other personal information with them.
