SCAM calls coming for “plausible looking” numbers are being highlighted by Clare’s Independent TD. 

Deputy Michael McNamara said he is aware of two situations, in recent days, where people received a call from scammers purporting to be from Revenue. “In one case, a constituent got a call from what appeared to the a Clare number,” he outlined. “When the constituent asked him what part of the county he was calling from, he became abusive and hung up. In another situation, a young professional received a call from a Dublin number, again from someone looking for a funds transfer to Revenue. When that person Googled the number, a Court Service number appeared. They were so worried they actually transferred the money. You can imagine how vulnerable older people could be to these scams.”

The Scariff-based TD said the facility of scammers to make numbers appear official, is a matter of concern. “These people are clearly able to appropriate numbers to make calls seem more credible,” he said. “Revenue don’t cold call people asking them to transfer money. I really would warn people to be careful. You could ask these people to send a letter, because they’re not interested in that kind of communication. Alternatively, hang up the phone.”

In recent days, Revenue has issued a warning about scammers looking for credit/debit card or bank details. The service also said they are aware of fraudsters looking for the immediate payment of a bill “sometimes to avoid a criminal case being taken. “This person is not calling from Revenue,” a statement said. “Revenue never asks customers to provide personal information via telephone calls or text messages. If you receive a telephone call purporting to be from Revenue about which you have any doubts, particularly if the call is unexpected, you should contact your Revenue Office. If you receive contact demanding payment of tax about which you have any doubt, you should contact our Collector General’s Division through MyEnquiries, our secure online service.

“Anyone who mistakenly provides personal information in response to these types of fraudulent phone calls should contact their bank or credit card company immediately and alert the Gardaí.”