Gardaí in Donegal are urging the public to be aware of two scams that have arisen recently.
The scams pretend to be from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU Ireland) of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) and from the government’s Immigration Service Delivery.
In the first scam, a person will take a call from what appears to be a legitimate mobile number, but will hear an automated voice which claims to be calling from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU Ireland) of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB).
The automated, pre-recorded message states that Garda FIU are alerting the person to suspicious transactions on their bank account. The person is then prompted to “Dial 1” and so on to provide their personal bank details over the phone.
“We are advising people that this is not An Garda Síochána – we do not contact a person in this way,” a spokesperson said.
“Please be wary of unsolicited and automated calls, and if you do take one it is best to stop and think before responding or pressing any digits.”
The second scam is purported to link to the Department of Justice.
Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has been notified that some members of the public have received scam calls purporting to be an official from ISD.
A spokesperson said: “While the calls appear to be coming from the Immigration Service Delivery contact number, the Department wishes to make it absolutely clear that members of the public will never be contacted regarding such matters by phone or SMS.
“We urge members of the public not to engage with these callers, not to return calls to these numbers, and not to share any personal information with these callers. An Garda Síochána have been made aware of these calls.”
