Limerick sergeant issues advice to public amid influx of fraudulent phone calls
If you receive a call of this nature and are concerned, you should hang up and contact the organisation in question using a trusted phone number
A LIMERICK sergeant has issued advice to the public following reports of fraudulent phone calls targeting people throughout the county.
According to gardai, in one incident, a woman in her seventies received a call, where it was claimed that her Visa card had been ‘hacked’ and money was taken from her account.
From here, she was instructed to download an app and transfer money through it by the fraudster.
The victim in this case followed the instructions but became suspicious when a further request for money was made.
In a separate incident in Caherconlish, a woman received a call from someone claiming to represent her internet service provider.
She provided her Visa debit card details and security code. A sum of money was then subsequently transferred from her account.
Following these reports, Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick city, commented on the main warning signs people should look out for in terms of these fraudulent phone calls.
Sergeant O’Halloran said: “Be suspicious of unexpected calls claiming there is a problem with your bank account, card or internet service. Fraudsters often create panic and pressure people into acting quickly.
“Never disclose your PIN, passwords, one-time passcodes or card security details to an unexpected caller. Your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a supposedly safe account or download an app at the direction of a caller to protect your funds.”
She said if you receive a call of this nature and are concerned, you should hang up and contact the organisation in question using a trusted number from its official website or your bank card.
“If you have shared details or transferred money, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to Gardaí.
“Please remember that anyone can be targeted, and there is no need to feel embarrassed about reporting fraud,” the Crime Prevention Officer concluded.