The Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation wish to advise the public of the following issues which have come to their attention.
A number of Irish banks are recently experiencing a significant increase in email phishing attacks by criminals, which trick internet banking customers into providing their internet banking security details. The public are reminded that your bank will never request this type of information from you by email request or by a text message to your mobile phone. Any email of this type which purports to come from your bank should not be opened as it may contain a computer virus or malware. It should be quarantined by anti-virus software, which should always be kept up to date. Anyone with concerns in relation to this type of crime should contact their Financial Institution or their local Garda Station.
Gardaí would also like to advise the public in relation to an increase in fraudulent activity, aimed at hardware, construction, co-op and agricultural supply companies. A criminal gang are targeting these industries by attempting to purchase significant quantities of goods for delivery. The culprits sometimes indicate that delivery is required urgently. They are targeting fertiliser, silage, round bale wrapping and agricultural chemicals. They are using counterfeit Irish bank drafts to pay for these goods when delivered (usually to a location and name unfamiliar to the seller).
No goods should be delivered to any customer not know to or vouched for by someone known to them.
No goods should be delivered which are purchased on foot of a bank draft before the draft has been verified as genuine by your bank.
No deliveries should be made at the side of the road or to an unfamiliar location or address.
Extreme caution should always be used when delivering goods to the side of the road.
Anybody who has become a victim of either of these types of crime is asked to contact their local Garda station.
Garda Press Office
Note to Editors. No interviews will be facilitated with regards to advice contained in this release.
