Community alert sent to Galway areas warning locals 'watch out for these men'
Locals have been warned ‘do not engage with them and contact gardai if they become intimidating or aggressive’
A community alert has been issued to several Galway areas after a spate of suspicious activity.
Residents in Clonbur, Cloghbrack and Oughterard have been warned about bogus tradesmen who are targeting people in the area at the moment.
The message, sent out to locals on Tuesday night, warned people that these con builders were “driving a northern reg van” adding “do not engage with them and contact 999 or 095 22500 if they become intimidating or aggressive”.
It comes as Galway gardai have shared information with the public about new scam techniques being used to deceive people after one person was stung for €75,000.
Gardai across each station in Ireland are issuing alerts regarding ongoing scams where con artists are targeting people with fake bank text messages.
In one week alone seven known victims were defrauded of around €150,000 with one victim, who the gardai are calling Margaret, conned out of €75,000.
Other victims who were hit separately according to gardai were: Lorna €10,000; James €2,500; Mike €10,500; Yvonne €4,000; Susan €21,000 and Martin €10,000.
The Garda National Cybercrime Bureau is warning people to be wary of unsolicited calls and texts and to never share personal details.
They urge people to never open a cryptocurrency account or wallet on someone else’s instruction or transfer savings on the promise of guaranteed returns or under the pretense of a new account.
You should not grant someone remote access to your computer or electronic device and if possible, talk to someone you trust, or meet in-person with your Bank or Credit Union before moving money.
A spokesman for gardai said: “It all starts with a fake text. Victims receive a text claiming that they have an outstanding payment urging them to call a phone number immediately to resolve the issue.
“When the victim calls the number provided, someone very polished and professional answers, tricking them into trusting that they are speaking to actual bank staff.
“The scammer convinces them to hand over online banking logins; approve a two-factor authentication prompt or set up a Crypto Account where money can be transferred before draining their savings in minutes.
“The scammer can move the money quickly by withdrawing or exchanging for Cryptocurrency.
“Remind your loved ones that their real bank will never ask for login details or passwords over the phone. If in doubt, hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
“If you believe you’ve engaged with such a scam, please contact your local Garda station.”