A number of victims have fallen prey to ‘smishing’ and ‘vishing’ attacks on bank account holders.
Two arrests have been made following an investigation into ‘smishing’ and ‘vishing’ attacks on bank account holders in Ireland.
‘Smishing’ refers to the fraudulent practice of sending text messages purporting to represent reputable companies in order to encourage those targeted to reveal sensitive information, such as bank account or credit card details.
Such scams have been frequently reported throughout the country in 2021.
In one such case related to the current Gardaí investigation, a victim lost €7,500.
The money was later laundered through the accounts of a 22-year-old woman.
On Monday (13 December), personnel attached to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) conducted a search operation in Tallaght.
The woman whose accounts were used for money laundering was arrested and has been detained at Rathfarnam Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
GNECB also followed up on reports that a man, presenting himself as a bank employee, was calling to the homes of account holders who had received ‘vishing’ calls.
‘Vishing’ refers to a situation in which phone calls or voice messages purporting to be from reputable companies urge the individual to reveal personal information.
The man in question was collecting bank cards directly from people.
Given that the fraudsters already had access to the victims’ PINs, he was then able to use the cards to make withdrawals and purchases.
Following the successful identification of the man – who is 21 years old – Gardaí arrested him on Monday morning.
He has been detained at Clondalkin Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
Investigations are ongoing.
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