Gardaí seek to warn the public, in particular vulnerable older people, about a scam tricking them into purchasing iTunes gift cards.
In recent weeks, a number of people have fallen victim to this scam. In counties Wicklow and Tipperary two individuals fell victim to the scam and purchased in excess of €1,000 of vouchers. In Co. Galway another victim was scammed out of €2,200. In Dublin, one person attempted to purchase €1,000 in iTunes gift cards at a supermarket, before a member of staff became suspicious and contacted Gardaí.
The scam works as follows: The victim will receive a phone call or voicemail from the scammer, claiming to be a representative of an organisation which they claim the victim owes money. Upon contact with the victim, the scammers will insist immediate payment is required, suggesting the payment needs to be made by purchasing iTunes gift cards from a retailer. In some of these cases, victims are told they are facing criminal charges. Once the victim has purchased these cards, the scammers will ask the victim to share the 16-digit code on the back of the card over the phone. The scammers will then use this code to purchase goods online.
Gardaí are advising people to be vigilant and suspicious of any calls or voicemails from people claiming to represent a company or organisation you may be a customer of. The caller may have some information about you, so don’t trust them just because they use your name or other personal information. No company will request payment via iTunes or any other online vouchers. If you receive a call like this, end the call and contact Gardaí.
Crime Prevention Advice
Always say "NO” to unsolicited callers or texters seeking private information about you. Private information includes your name, address, date of birth, family details, bank account numbers, PIN, Passwords.
Independently verify any requests for information and never use the contact details supplied to you by the caller or texter. Independent means independent of the caller or texter.
The caller may already have some information about you so don’t trust them because they use your name or other personal information.
If you are NOT purchasing an item from the iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, or an Apple Music membership, do NOT make a payment with iTunes Gift Cards. There's no other instance in which you'll be asked to make a payment with an iTunes Gift Card.
An Garda Síochána or your bank will never look for your Banking PIN number or Password or ask you to transfer money, or come to your home to collect your payment card, cheque book or cash.
The aims of community policing
- To provide the people in an area with their own dedicated Garda, someone with whom they can discuss everyday occurrences and build up a strong and supportive personal relationship.
- To help the residents of the area to prevent crime by supporting crime prevention initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert.
- To work with other social agencies in the area to help curb crime and vandalism. (Guidelines for Making a Victim Impact Statement are available on the Garda Victim Liaison Office Tab)
** Kindly note that all enquiries in relation to local policing issues should be referred to your local Garda Station.
If you have any specific queries in relation to the National Model of Community Policing, the Garda National Community Policing Office can be contacted at:
Garda National Community Policing Office
Garda National Community Engagement Bureau
An Garda Síochána Headquarters
J Block
Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08 HN3X
Tel: +353 1 666 0000
Garda National Diversity Unit
The Garda Commissioner established the Garda Racial, Intercultural & Diversity Office, now know as the Garda National Diversity Unit in April 2000. Staff members of the unit coordinate, monitor and advise on all aspects of policing in the area of diversity.
Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau
The Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau (GNYDB) has responsibility for overseeing and developing the Diversion Programme nationally, which was put on a statutory basis under Part 4 of the Children Act 2001.
The Garda Charter “Working with our Communities”
The Garda Charter is available to download from this page in English, Irish and a number of other languages – please use the links on the right hand side.
The Garda Charter outlines An Garda Síochána’s commitment to honesty, accountability, respect and professionalism in all Garda dealings with members of the community.
The Charter has been developed as a way to communicate our commitment to developing and maintaining our relationships with the people who live, work and travel to our communities across the country.
The Garda Charter outlines important commitments we have made to members of the community. We will continue to work with members of the community, and statutory and voluntary bodies, to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour, reduce the fear of crime, promote inter-agency problem solving, bring offenders to justice and improve the overall quality of life in communities all over Ireland.
The Charter sets out a commitment that Gardaí will behave professionally, fairly, openly and with honesty towards all members of the public, accepting individual accountability and ensuring public accountability.
We will take special cognisance of the priorities and needs of local communities and endeavour to make them safer places to live, visit and work in.
The Charter acknowledges the central role community policing plays in the daily work of An Garda Síochána. We place the community at the heart of everything we do, as this alliance is our greatest asset in our work in preventing and detecting crime and protecting the safety of the people we serve, allowing us to find local solutions to local problems and increase safety and security in our society.
Where can I get a copy of the Garda Charter?
The Charter is available to download in Irish, English and a number of other languages here. The Garda Charter is available in Braille from Inspector, Policy & Planning Unit. Tel: 01 666 7474 Copies of the Garda Charter will also be available in Garda Stations around the country. To see contact information for your local Garda Station, please click here
What are Joint Policing Committees?
Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) aim to develop greater consultation, cooperation and synergy on policing and crime issues between An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities and elected local representatives. JPCs also facilitate the participation of the community and voluntary sectors in this regard.
A JPC is made up of:-
- Chairperson – Local Authority representative
- Garda Officers nominated by the Garda Commissioner
- Local Authority members
- Members of Oireachtas for area
- Community/Voluntary sector representatives
What are the functions of JPCs?
- Serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on policing and crime issues within Local Authority administrative areas
- Review levels and patterns of crime and related underlying factors
- Establish and coordinate Local Policing Fora
- Meet twice yearly (minimum)
- Annual public meetings
Are JPCs monitored?
Chief Superintendent, Community Relations & Community Policing is in charge of monitoring the JPC process. The functions of the National JPC Monitoring Office include:-
- Coordinating and advising on policy development
- Providing information and literature where appropriate
- Facilitating meetings and seminars
- Attending JPC meetings
- Managing a database of contact details and information about JPC meetings
- Monitoring and reviewing internet information
- Liaising with Police Services and Agencies
What are the responsibilities of JPCs?
All of the partners involved in JPCs have their own distinct perspective and inputs to offer. An Garda Síochána has adopted a proactive approach in developing and maintaining links with key stakeholders. It also provides Central Statistics Office and PULSE crime statistics and publishes a report.
The JPC partners also have their own responsibilities in ensuring that society’s policing needs are effectively met and safe and secure communities maintained.
How many JPCs are in operation?
An Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a JPC in each of the 114 Local Authority administrative areas. Due to the innovative nature of the JPC scheme and the number to be established, a pilot phase is in operation in 29 Local Authority areas.
What matters cannot be discussed by JPCs?
Matters relating to a specific criminal investigation or prosecution or matters relating to the security of the State. (Section 36 (4), An Garda Síochána Act 2005).
JPCs may not discuss matters which may:-
- Endanger security of individual(s)
- Relate to an individual
- Expose information received in confidence
- Prejudice crime prevention or detection
What is the legal basis for JPCs?
Section 35 of An Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of JPCs.
Useful Links:
www.cso.ie
www.environ.ie
www.justice.ie
www.oireachtas.ie
The National JPC Monitoring Office can be contacted at:-
National JPC Monitoring Office
Garda Community Relations Bureau
6 Ely Place Upper
Dublin 2
D02 TY02
Tel: +353 1 6663823/14