A number of people across the county have reported that they have been targeted by yet another phone scam.
Gardai in Donegal have received a number of report from people who have received phone calls from scammers purporting to be representatives of a phone company.
An attempt was made to withdraw €1600 from one person’s account on Tuesday but it was stopped in time.
Gardai in Donegal are warning that 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.
The scammer in some cases was even 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.
An attempt was made to withdraw €1600 from one person’s account on Tuesday 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.
Gardai are warning people to never provide personal/bank details over the phone, by text message or by email and never download an app at the request of a caller, regardless of who they say they are.
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 Gardaí.
