Alert on scam phone calls and text messages

Scams and attempted fraud are very common. They can happen at any time.

Government departments and agencies or your bank will never phone, text, email or video call you unexpectedly asking for your bank details.

Never give your bank details, passwords or personal details if it seems a bit odd or out of the blue.

Do not engage with anyone who contacts you saying that they have your PPS number.

If you believe you are a victim of a cyber-crime, contact your local Garda station and take screenshots of texts, emails or other communications.

Some of the most common types of scams involve the use of fake emails, calls or texts pretending to be from real companies.

You can see a list of how to protect yourself from common scams and fraud on the Garda website.

19 October 2023

We are aware of texts being sent to people telling them to click on a link to claim an energy credit. These texts link to a site that looks like gov.ie. There is no such scheme being offered by the government and people are warned not to click on the link or enter any personal details.

Be careful of texts or emails that ask for personal details or ask you to click a link.

Do

• check the URL or address of the site - links from government will always have gov.ie as part of the address
• take a screenshot of any suspicious email or text message so that you have a record of it
• contact your local Garda station if you believe you are a victim of a cyber-crime
• change your online passwords to secure passwords - keep your passwords private

Don't

• do not click on any suspicious links in emails or text messages
• do not respond to suspicious messages that direct you to send money or change your bank details
• do not share content from untrusted sources on social media - this can create fear among people

Be careful of suspicious phone calls.

Do

• check the number on the government department or agency website if they say they are from one of these. Call them back if you think the call may be genuine
• save the phone numbers of people you know
• contact your local Garda station if you believe you are a victim of a cyber-crime

Don't

• do not talk with the caller if you are suspicious of them - hang up
• do not give any personal details
• do not give your bank account details or card information
• do not call the same number back after hanging up
• do not call back a number you do not recognise - a genuine caller will call you back or leave a voicemail

Do

• check your bank account activity regularly
• report any suspicious or unfamiliar transactions on your bank account to your bank
• keep your online bank details safe and secure

Don't

• do not share your online bank details or passwords with anyone
• do not give any financial information unless you fully trust the person or company you are giving it to

If anyone contacts you and says that they have your personal, medical or financial details:

• do not engage with them
• do not give them any personal information
• do not click on any links in emails or text messages

The simplest thing to do is to ignore them or hang up.

If you are unsure if the contact is genuine, hang up. Find the contact details yourself of the organisation they claim to be calling from and contact them directly.

If you believe you are a victim of a fraud or a scam:

• screenshot the email, text message or other communication for Gardaí
• contact your local Garda station