A person will take a call from what appears to be a legitimate mobile number, but will hear an automated voice which claims to be calling from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU Ireland) of our Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB).

The automated, pre-recorded message states that Garda FIU are alerting the person to suspicious transactions on their bank account.

The person is then prompted to “Dial 1” and so on to provide their personal bank details over the phone.

A statement issued by Gardaí said, “We are advising people that this is not An Garda Síochána – we do not contact a person in this way.

“Please be wary of unsolicited and automated calls, and if you do take one it is best to stop and think before responding or pressing any digits.”

If you are concerned that you or someone close to you has inadvertently provided personal information including bank details in this way take these following steps:

⦿ Change passwords and pins on mobile banking, apps etc..

⦿ Report to any Garda station

⦿ Contact your bank and make them aware so as to flag any transactions and how to proceed.

Additional fraud prevention advice can be found here on our webpage: https://tinyurl.com/2p84v37e