Warning: Fraudulent Schemes and Scams on the Rise

Be aware of the latest fraudulent schemes and scams targeting unsuspecting individuals. These scammers are using clever tactics to trick you into revealing sensitive information or making financial transactions that may result in significant losses.

Unsolicited Calls and Texts: Be Cautious

• When receiving unsolicited calls or texts, be wary of requests for personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, family details, bank account numbers, PIN, or passwords.
• Don’t trust scammers even if they use your name or other personal details. They may already have some information about you.

Verify Information and Transactions

• Independently verify any requests for information or transactions.
• Never use the contact details provided by the caller or texter, as these may be fake.
• Be cautious of requests to transfer money to non-identifiable locations such as PO Boxes or through Money Transfer companies rather than bank accounts.

Advance Fee Fraud: Be Aware

• Advance fee fraud is a common scheme where criminals target victims with promises of large sums of money in exchange for an upfront payment.
• Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. These scammers may use fake documents, emails, and phone calls to deceive you into making payments.

Report Suspicious Activity

• If you suspect fraudulent activity or have been a victim of fraud, report the incident immediately to your local Garda station.
• Keep any evidence that may assist in the investigation, such as copies of emails or transactions.

Protect Yourself

• Always be vigilant about who is contacting you and identify whether contact was initiated by you.
• Never transfer money to unknown sources, and never send money to people you don’t know through unsolicited emails or messages.

Compliance with Laws

• If you are a business entity or individual, you are required to comply with the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 by making a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) to An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

Additional Resources

• Residential Tenancies Board - ‘Checklist for Students Renting for the First Time’
• Threshold: ‘Be Careful of Rent Scams’
• Property Services Regulatory Authority’s Website
• Competition and Consumer Protection Commission

Remember, knowledge is power. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and protect yourself from fraudulent schemes and scams.