Online shoppers - take note.
With online shopping and parcel deliveries increasing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Gardaí have warned the public of the potential risk to their personal and payment data.
An Garda Síochána has become aware of a scam that is operating where emails and texts are being circulated under the branding of various courier companies.
In these emails/texts it is requested that the recipient has to pay an additional cost for customs clearance prior to delivery of their parcel.
In some instances these emails/texts have been circulated in Irish.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of fraud is asked to report the matter to their local Garda station.
An Garda Síochána is advising the following:
- Those who receive unsolicited correspondence and are awaiting a package to first independently verify the status of their package with the relevant postal service or courier
- Never click on links in an unsolicited text or email, never provide payment details or give away personal data like your PIN, card numbers or passwords
- Do not respond to such messages and delete straight away
- Never open attachments in unsolicited emails and to make sure your computer has the most up-to-date anti-virus software installed
- Be wary of unsolicited phone calls
Gardaí also urged people to do the following to avoid being scammed:
- Only use secure sites and make sure you are on the real site. Check the URL and look for the trust seals.
- Make sure to check these sites privacy policy, refunds policy and contact us section
- Use trusted payment methods and never send cash
- Use sites where a padlock symbol is shown beside the website address
- Do not under any circumstances use public Wi-Fi when making payments - switch to 3G/4G on your phone if necessary
- Independently visit the website of the online sales company as opposed to clicking on social media or pop-up adverts
- Be cautious about claiming outrageous offers - if it sounds too good to be true it probably is
- Stick to well-known websites or websites that you are familiar with or websites associated with high street retail outlets
