SCAMMERS cloned the phone number of Shannon Garda Station and persuaded a local man to lodge €5,000 cash into a Bitcoin machine, writes Jessica Quinn. Fortunately, after contacting gardaí in Shannon the man was able to retrieve his money. This is just one of numerous reports of scams operating in Clare during the week. Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Triona Brooks has warned, “Never give out your information be it over the phone, text or email.” She outlined that the Shannon resident received a call from a 085 number. The man on the phone said that there was a warrant out for his arrest and asked him what was his local Garda Station, with the victim replying Shannon. “The caller then told him he would get a further call with instructions. He then received another call from a male saying that he was a police officer from Shannon Garda Station. The number of Shannon Garda Station had been cloned by the …
Read More »Gardaí warn of latest phone and text scam
GARDAÍ and the Department of Social Protection are advising the public to be aware of fraudulent phone calls and texts requesting their personal data. Gardaí say they are aware of a recent scam where members of the public have been receiving phone calls and texts from persons fraudulently advising they are a named official of the Department of Social Protection and being advised their PPS number has been compromised. The person receiving the call is then requested to verify their name, PPS number, and, in some cases, bank account details. This personal data will then be used by the persons calling for fraudulent purposes. Gardaí would like to advise members of the public to be wary of such calls and; • Do not engage with the caller or return the call • Never share personal information data with such callers or with people who make contact by text • A member of An Garda Siochana or a Department of Social …
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