Gardaí have issued a fresh public warning about a sophisticated phone scam in which fraudsters impersonate members of An Garda Síochána in an attempt to extract sensitive personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims.
The scam involves callers who falsely claim that the recipient is under investigation for criminal activity. Victims are then told they must pay a fine or risk arrest. Gardaí have emphasised that these calls are entirely fraudulent and are urging the public to remain vigilant.
“We want the public to be aware that we will never contact them by phone to allege that they have engaged in criminal activity, and we will never demand bank details or the payment of a fine over the phone,” a Garda spokesperson stated.
According to Gardaí, the calls may come from Irish mobile numbers or international numbers. In many cases, the scammers assert that there is a warrant out for the recipient’s arrest and pressure them to pay an immediate fine, often demanding bank account or credit card details.
Sophisticated and Alarming Tactics
This scam is part of a wider trend of fraud attempts in Ireland, often involving increasingly believable tactics. Victims are sometimes shown fake caller IDs or are told false Garda badge numbers to enhance credibility.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau has been actively monitoring the rise in phone scams and other cyber-enabled frauds in recent months. Similar scams have led to financial losses across Ireland and the EU, prompting renewed calls for public education and awareness.
“These calls are designed to instil fear and urgency in the victim, making it more likely they’ll comply with demands,” the Garda spokesperson explained. “We do not and will not make contact with a person who is under investigation by phone in this way.”
Advice to the Public: Be Cautious and Verify
Authorities are reminding people not to engage with any unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails requesting personal or financial information. Instead, individuals should take steps to verify any such contact independently.
Gardaí Advise the Public to:
- Never provide personal or financial details to unknown callers.
- Hang up immediately if a call seems suspicious.
- Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.
- If in doubt, verify contact through official channels – not the information provided by the caller or sender.
“If you believe that the call or email is from a genuine source, verify this independently of the person who has made contact,” Gardaí added. “Never use the contact details they provide.”
Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to this or a similar scam is urged to contact their local Garda station immediately. Early reporting can be vital in limiting the damage and potentially recovering stolen funds.
Growing Concerns Around Scam Victims in Ireland
The warning comes amid rising concern over cybercrime and fraudulent activity targeting people across Ireland. From phishing emails to SMS fraud (smishing) and social media scams, criminals are exploiting modern technology to reach victims in more deceptive ways.
A recent report on online fraud in Ireland highlighted a sharp increase in reports to Gardaí and financial institutions, with over €100 million lost to scams in 2023 alone.
The impact of such scams is not only financial. Victims often report feeling violated and anxious, with trust in institutions and technology shaken.
A National Call for Awareness and Prevention
Gardaí are continuing to work alongside telecommunications providers and international law enforcement partners to trace and disrupt the networks behind these calls. However, they stress that public cooperation and awareness are key to stopping scammers in their tracks.
“It’s very easy to have inadvertently or otherwise engaged with this scam or similar scams and have subsequently found yourself to be a victim of fraud,” the spokesperson said. “If you have fallen victim to any type of scam, please contact us so we can help.”
For more on how to protect yourself from scams and fraud, visit the Garda Crime Prevention Website.
