Surge in scam victims as Gardaí reveal over 140 people targeted since New Year

Gardaí are warning people to 'be extremely wary' of suspicious calls, texts and emails as they reveal over 140 people have fallen victim to scams since the beginning of the year. 

An Garda Síochána today (January 24) confirmed they have received 144 reports from people who have found their bank accounts tampered with and their money laundered or stolen in the first three weeks of 2024 alone. 

In a statement, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochana stated: "Phishing, Smishing and Vishing are all forms of fraud with the only difference being how you are contacted in an illegal attempt to obtain your personal information, be that your credit and debit card numbers or your online banking password. 

"Some will contact you by text, email or by phone call pretending to be from a reputable company - chances are one that you already use like a streaming service, common neobank, delivery company or large, well-known online retailer.

"They often sound the real-deal but these guys are criminals. The text messages and emails appear authentic, and you wouldn’t be foolish for being tricked to click on a link." 

According to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, the number of reports received by gardaí from victims of fraudulent texts in 2023 has increased by over 30%. 

They estimate the amount of money stolen via these texts from victims across Ireland last year is set to exceed €10 million. 

Gardaí urge anyone who has become a victim of fraud to speak with them.