Gardaí and Revenue issue scam warning

Gardaí and Revenue have warned the public not to disclose bank account details over the phone following the discovery of a “vishing” scam, so called because the fraudsters typically use voice interaction such as a phonecall.

As part of the scam, a caller states they are from Revenue and informs members of the public that they are entitled to a tax refund, or that Revenue is seeking immediate payment of a tax bill over the phone.

The caller may also give a telephone number for a call back to give credit card details. This call is not from Revenue.

“This is a scam and An Garda Síochána would like to remind the public to be wary of any contact from an unsolicited source, whether it is by telephone or email,” said a Garda spokesman.

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“Do not give out your credit/debit card, bank account, or PPS number to anyone who makes contact with you over the phone. An Garda Síochána, Revenue, nor any financial institution will ever call you and ask for your PPS number or bank account details.”

Anyone who receives such a call requesting personal or financial information should end the call immediately and report the matter to any Garda station or to the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.

Revenue said it was aware of fraudulent emails and text messages purporting to come from its office seeking personal information from taxpayers. “These emails and text messages did not issue from Revenue,” it said adding that it never sends emails or text messages requiring customers to send personal information via email, text or pop-up windows.

“Anyone who receives an email or text message purporting to be from Revenue and suspects it to be fraudulent or a scam should simply delete it. Anyone who is actually awaiting a tax refund should contact their Revenue office to check its status.

“Anyone who provided personal information in response to these fraudulent emails or text messages should contact their bank or credit card company immediately.”