The Director of Consumer Affairs is taking the fight to fraudsters with a new publicity campaign.
Director of Consumer Affairs Carmel Foley
Ms Carmel Foley is targeting scams often disguised as promotions, prizes or free offers; including ones which seek bank account or credit card numbers. These swindles most often target the public through e-mail, post and door-to-door callers.
"If an offer sounds too good to be true it's time to use your common sense and check it out," Ms Foley said.
Her office has posted a section on its Website with a checklist consumers can use it they are concerned they are being targeted by fraudsters. Posters will also be distributed to Citizens Information Centres.
The campaign advises the public to be particularly careful about lotteries and prize draws; holidays offers; make-money-quick and work-from-home schemes; and fake investment plans.
Warning signs include agents rushing the consumer to make a decision and requests for financial and personal details. The public should also be wary of companies giving PO box numbers as an address and offers that entail phoning premium rate numbers.