Phishy business: Kilkenny residents targeted in new phone and text scam

Kilkenny residents are being urged to watch out for yet another, and convincing, phishing scam doing the rounds locally.

An Garda Síochána issued a warning about the latest scam, in which members of the public receive calls and texts from people pretending to be from the Department of Social Protection telling them that their PPS number has been compromised.

The callers and texters fraudulently claim they are a department official, and then ask potential victims to verify certain private information such as their name, their PPS number or address.

Gardai have again urged people never to return the call or share personal information data with callers or people who make contact by text.

A local Garda spokesperson said: “A member of An Garda Siochana or a Department of Social Protection employee would never request bank account details or personal data in a cold call or text.

“(They) would never advise a member of the public to move money from their account or to purchase cryptocurrency or move their money anywhere to keep it safe.

“If you or someone you know has received such a phone call or text, we would advise you to contact your bank and the Department’s helpline number 1890 800 024 (between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday), as well as your local Garda Station,” the spokesperson added.