Gardaí continue to receive reports from the public of Spam automated calls to mobile phones from fraudsters claiming to be from Government and State Agencies or Garda stations.
Typically purporting to be from the Department of Social Protection.An automated message informs the recipient that their PPS number has been compromised and requests them to Press 1 to speak with an investigator or official. The caller is then asked to provide personal data. In some case a second call is received from a different person reassuring the victim that the incident is genuine.
On receipt of these communications, the advice of An Garda Síochána is as follows:
- Do not engage with the caller.
- Do not follow the automated instructions – Do not press 1 etc.
- Never disclose personal or financial information.
- Never transfer money if requested to do so.
- Hang up and end the call.
- Do not return the call.
Gardaí are urging the public to spread the word of fraud prevention as people continue to fall victim to scams on a daily basis. If you believe you have fallen victim to this scam report the matter at your local Garda Station. Always keep your personal information safe and be fraud aware.