'Despicable' - Warning as Offaly family conned out of €2k by scammers imitating Aer Lingus

A warning has been issued after an Offaly family was conned out of €2,000 by scammers imitating to be Aer Lingus booking staff.

The scammers took advantage of the ongoing industrial action at the airline, with in the region of 35,000 passengers’ flights cancelled due to an indefinite work-to-rule due to begin on Wednesday and an eight-hour strike announced for Saturday.

TD Carol Nolan has urged people to be extra vigilant after she was contacted by the family, saying that the industrial action is causing “massive levels of anxiety and stress” as people “let their guard down” when receiving these calls. 

“Unfortunately, these fraudsters never miss an opportunity to make a quick bit of cash off the back of ordinary people’s misfortunes. They are despicable, and I am urging all my constituents to be extremely cautious when giving out any personal or bank details over the phone,” said Deputy Nolan.

“The family I was contacted by had €2,000 cleared from their account, money which they could not afford. They then had to book another flight at double the cost of the initial flight because they had an important family event to attend.”

“These are not what you might term vulnerable people, such as older people unfamiliar with the phenomenon of scamming. However, in this instance they were highly stressed, they let their guard down, and they were roped in by the apparent authenticity of the call.”

“As I understand it their bank is trying to assist with the fraud but whatever happens it has thrown a really dark cloud over what should have been a joyous time for them.

“It is highly likely that this same scam artist tried to contact other people within the constituency. Never give any personal or bank details to anyone that you do not know or completely trust,” concluded Deputy Nolan.