Gardai are warning the public to be aware of phone calls from scammers claiming to be from a phone company.
Once the caller has falsely introduced themselves, the recipient of the call is then instructed to download an app to their mobile device. If the suggested app is downloaded, the scammer then takes control of the device remotely.
In some cases, the scammer may even be able to send text messages remotely. The scammer then informs the recipient of the call that they are owed a refund and they request bank details in order to forward said refund but when/if the bank details are provided to them, they then attempt to make a withdrawal.
Read more: Gardai warn of devious new text scam impersonating banks
Officers on the Meath Crime Prevention page have have issued a warning in recent days about the new scam, warning people not to answer it or download the bogus app. Gardai said: "An attempt was made to withdraw €1,600 from one person's account but thankfully it was stopped in time. The scammer was even able to provide this person with their correct name and address when they were asked which unfortunately had caused the person concerned to believe that the scam caller was genuine.
"Scammers are constantly thinking up new ways of swindling people out of their hard earned money. Do not make life easy for them! Never provide personal/bank details over the phone, by text message or by email. Never download an app at the request of a caller, regardless of who they say they are."
If you receive a similar type of call and you are in fact a customer of the company named by the caller, hang up and contact the company via a verified number directly to enquire about the call. If you are not a customer of the company named, simply hang up.
If you think that you may have fallen victim to this or any other type of scam, contact your bank immediately and also report the matter to Gardai. Further fraud prevention advice can be found here
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