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Beware of phone scam
fraudsters
20.02.19
AN GARDA Síochána in association with FraudSMART are
advising people in Inishowen 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.
Detective Superintendent Gerard Walsh 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.” |
Beware of the
following:
• A utility company, broadband provider or software
company calls offering to "fix” your 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.
Niamh Davenport, who leads the FraudSMART programme,
offers the following advice to consumers: "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.”
For advice on fraud prevention visit
www.FraudSMART.ie
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