ALERT: Garda warning amid rise in phone and internet scams across Kilkenny

Local gardai have issued another alert over text and online scams following a rise in reports from residents across the county.

The scams are occurring through many different avenues, via text messages, direct calling and emails. All have one one ultimate aim – to obtain your personal information.

The rise in recent prompted Kilkenny gardai to issue fresh advice to members of the public on how to avoid becoming a victim of online fraud and scams.

A local Garda spokesperson said: “Be suspicious of text messages received out of the blue that claim to come from a reputable organisation, such as a bank or credit/debit card issuer.

“Be cautious of text messages that prompt you to call a phone number or visit a website to resolve an issue or verify your details urgently. Do not respond to text messages that request personal information, such as your bank account details, without first independently verifying that they are from a genuine source.”

The Garda spokesperson added: “Never reply to text messages that request your PIN, online banking password, or any other password.”

Examples of recent fraudulent messages that have been received are purporting to be from Revenue, Amazon, various courier and delivery companies, financial institutions and Covid-19 related organisations.

Gardai advised: “Always discuss the situation with a family member or friend before releasing any personal details online. An Garda Siochana requests that we all look out for vulnerable persons with regards to these scams

“Remember never click on unknown links or divulge personal information over the phone and report any concerns to local gardaí.”