Gardaí warn phone users not to engage with scam calls from UK numbers
An Garda Siochana said: 'Scammers are spoofing UK numbers (like +44) to trick people into answering. If you don't recognise the number or there is no apparent reason for someone from the UK to call you, please never answer'
An Garda Síochána has warned about a significant increase in the number of scam calls from the United Kingdom lately.
They said: "Scammers are spoofing UK numbers (like +44) to trick people into answering. If you don't recognise the number or there is no apparent reason for someone from the UK to call you, please never answer.
"Legitimate callers will leave a message. These callers can be automated voices or live scammers, sometimes purporting to be working for private companies or tech support for a bank or other organisation, and they will usually attempt to get some personal or sensitive information from the person being called.
"If you answer, it notifies them that the number is active. When a number is active, it can be sold to telemarketers for a higher price or to another scammer, leading to more unwanted calls. If you respond/answer a question, the scammer might record your voice. Your 'Yes' response could be recorded and used to voice-authorise charges to an account. Please do not engage."