Massive increase in one particular type of crime in Offaly in last year

A Garda spokesman told the Midland Tribune this week that there has been a massive increase in Fraud Offences in Offaly during the last year.

He said fraud offences include the following categories: Account Take Over fraud, Card not Present Fraud, Investment Fraud, Romance Fraud and Phishing / Vishing / Smishing Frauds).

He said the criminals behind these frauds prey on vulnerable people. He pointed out that sometimes the frauds are sophisticated and plausible.

He strongly advised members of the public to never give out personal financial details, over the phone or via electronic means, to anyone purporting to be a financial institution or other kind of facade.

"These crimes are very stressful for those who suffer from them," he said. "We strongly advise people to always err on the side of caution."

He pointed out that smartphone users are often being hit by these fraudulent actions.

The Garda Press Office told the Tribune that fraud offences in 2021, nationwide, increased by 111%