ALERT: Carlow gardaí issue warning to locals following 'large' numbers of phone scams

Carlow gardaí have issued a warning to Carlow locals following a large number of complaints in relation to phone scams affecting people on the county.

In a Facebook post on the An Garda Síochána account gardaí warn of a "large numbers of complaints in relation to phone scams." And are warning the people of Carlow to be "fraud smart."

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The gardaí also outlined a number of ways scammers attempt to fool people including, vishing, which is phone scam, that is a mix of voice and phishing. The caller calls you claiming to be a bank worker or a technician or something along those lines, in an attempt to gather sensitive information.

They also warn about SMS/ text message fraud, these messages often times contain a link that will bring you to a fake website or to call a number that will put you through to a fraudster.

They have included some tips that will help locals keep safe against fraudsters:

"To protect yourself from fraud follow these simple steps:

1. Be informed

· Don’t assume you can trust the incoming call or message

· Fraudsters may already have some basic information about you in their possession – don’t assume the call is genuine because they have these details.

2. Be alert

· To unexpected calls or text messages claiming to be from a financial institution.

· Always check your financial statements to see if there are any unusual transactions if so report them to your financial institution

3. Be secure

· Do the relevant checks and independently verify any requests."

The full post by the Carlow gardaí can be found on their Facebook page HERE or by following the post below this article.