SCAM and fraud prevention are top of the policing agenda, Clare’s most senior Garda has pledged.
Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran made that commitment after telling the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) that incidents of fraud and economic crime have more than doubled in recent times.
Figures released by the Chief show an increase of 110% in such crimes over the three months from November to January, when compared to the same period last year.
The revelation coincided with a letter to the JPC from Clare Older People’s Council who raised concerns about a spate of scam calls.
JPC administrator Karen Fennessy said the organisation was looking for advice from Gardaí and that the calls were causing “great stress and upset”.
Superintendent John Galvin agreed the problem is widespread and he appealed to people not to open suspicious text messages in particular. “We are looking into all aspects of this issue,’ he said.
“It’s a national and international problem. A lot of these incidents are arising from overseas and the advice is not to open messages unless you are sure about who they are from.”
Outlining the figures, the Chief Superintendent described fraud incidents as “very sophisticated”.
“These include official looking texts pretending to be from banks. Don’t open anything and don’t provide any details unless you are 100% satisfied you’re giving them to someone you know.
“As a society, we have to be a lot smarter with our data and details. Everyone with a phone or social media will be bombarded. People are more aware, but there are still persons who are vulnerable.”
“We regularly highlight this issue through the work of our Crime Prevention Office and through media campaigns. If something looks too good to be true, it usually is.”
Councillor Michael Begley remarked that he had recently had someone offer him €4.3million and all that was needed was my bank details. “I felt a bit sad having to delete the message,” he said, “but there are probably people out there who would be curious.”
Councillor Pat Daly said people are getting texts advising them how to make large sums of money. “This is a dangerous situation and the Gardaí need to get to the bottom to if,” he said.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor PJ Ryan, noted that the issue is a big one for those in business.
“If you’re expecting a parcel, you might get a call, supposedly form the logistics company letting you know about a short costs shortfall and looking for card details,” he outlined.
“Nine times out of ten, this is a scam to get your card and empty your account. Genuine people don’t do that. I had this experience recently and asked the caller for a number. When I rang it back, it was for a medical centre in Dublin. People need to be aware of this issue.
Responding to the discussion, the Chief Superintendent said the issue had been raised with the divisional management team. He urged people to report any incidents and said the force could act quickly in response.
“We work closely with national units,” he said. “I will look at a unit for the division. It’s a matter of resources and it is top of our agenda.”
In the Clare Division, there were 52 reported incidents of fraud or economic crime between November and January of 2020/21. In the same period to January of this year, there were 109 reported incidents.