GARDA INVESTIGATIONS are underway into a phishing scam in Ennis.
Members of the public are being advised to be extra vigilant and not to give out their financial details over the phone.
Ennis Gardaí are investigating a phishing scam or a fraud incident, whereby the injured party received a text message purporting to be from their bank, stating that a standing order had been approved, and if they hadn’t authorised this standing order then to ring a number given.
Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails or other messages purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.
Sergeant Edel Burke told The Clare Echo, “The injured party rang the number and unfortunately was coerced into giving out more information and the fraudsters had access to his full account then”.
She urged the public to “make themselves aware of how their own bank deals with cases of fraud or suspicious activity on their account so that they know if it is actually their bank they are dealing with. Banks do not ask you for access codes over the phone, they do not ask you to log out of your banking app or to delete the app, they also do not ask you to send back your bank card through courier or taxi, if you are asked for these details you are dealing with a fraudsters.
“If you are unsure and need more advice, call into your local bank and ask to speak to an advisor. You can also ring your banks fraud section 24 hours a day to report suspicious transactions on your account,” she added.
Details on the extent of money lost by this individual have not been revealed.
