Garda National Economic Crime Bureau - advice and reassurance on a number of frauds and scams

Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan was in studio to offer advice and reassurance on a number of frauds and scams that have emerged or increased following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Detective Superintendent Cryan focused on three main topics:

1. Phishing / vishing / smishing

There appears to be an increase in this issue due to the amount of time people are spending at home online on social media. This is where the fraudster is after your bank account details and contacts you via call, text or email. They try to get you to click on a link, go to a site, pay a small amount and this way they get access to your credit card / bank account details. They can remove money from your account or use your card to buy high value goods.

2. Invoice re-directs / CEO fraud

Potential for increases in this area as more and more people are working from home.

3. Shopping & Auction Fraud

Potential for increases in this area as more people have to purchase online. They can be scammed by going onto cloned websites, being tricked to moving offsite or purchasing goods that don’t exist, are not delivered or get counterfeit worthless goods. People are also giving over credit card details and personal details to fraudsters here.

Further information is available here