Local Gardaí are reminding people to be vigilant as they continue to receive fraud related reports in the region. Gardaí received a number of reports in October over scam calls and texts from people acting as Banks. On the 10th of October a man aged 40 in Longford reported an incident of fraud after he was contacted by phone by a person claiming to be from Permanent TSB, who requested the expiry date of his credit card, which he gave them. An hour later he was then contacted by an actual employee from the Permanent TSB fraud section to inform him that €975 had been taken from his account.
On the same date, a man in his late fifties from Roscommon received a WhatsApp message, purporting to be from his daughter, looking for help to make a payment, as she wouldn't be set up with her bank until the following day. Following a number of texts, he subsequently contacted the fraud department of his bank to be informed that €7,500 was taken from his account. Investigations are ongoing by the Bank and local Gardaí.
Finally on the 20th of October a woman in her late 40s in Roscommon received a text stating she owed €2.70 of a customs fee. She proceeded to click on the link in the message and paid the fee and on doing so, €1,320 was taken from her Bank account. This incident is also currently being investigated by Bank of Ireland and the Gardaí. Gardaí are reminding people to never share personal banking details, pin numbers or passwords with unknown persons online, by text or by phone.
