The fraudsters tell people that they are being investigated in relation to suspicious activity linked to their PPS number.
A warning has been issued over a nationwide scam where callers pretend to be Gardaí and tell people that their PPS number has been linked to suspicious activity.
In recent days, Gardaí have received reports nationwide, including from Donegal, Monaghan, Dublin and Kilkenny, relating to automated scam phone calls.
The recipient is called and advised via a recorded message that An Garda Síochána is investigating them in relation to suspicious activity linked to their PPS number.
In order to rectify the situation, the recipient is then advised to press a number to speak to someone further in relation to the matter.
Gardaí said that the scam calls are mainly coming from numbers with the 087 prefix.
Gardaí are asking people not to engage with the scam callers, to be vigilant and never disclose personal information, and to block the numbers where possible.
On receipt of these communications, the advice of An Garda Síochána is as follows:
• Do not engage with the caller.
• Do not return the call.
• Do not follow the automated instructions – Do not press 1 etc.
• Never disclose personal or financial information.
• Hang up and block the number if possible.
Gardaí are urging the public to spread the word of fraud prevention and stay alert as “people continue to fall victim to scams on a daily basis”.
People who fear they may have fallen victim to the scam should contact their bank or financial institution and report the situation at their local Garda station, Gardaí said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Whilst the scammers may change their stories and methods, their goal is always the same – they want to access your sensitive information and get their hands on your money,” the statement penned.
“If you believe you may have fallen victim to this scam, contact your financial institution and report the matter to local Gardaí.”
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