Warning over fake cheques post scam

INCREASINGLY sophisticated mail and internet scams are on the increase as fraudsters use the recession to exploit vulnerable people in need of extra cash.

The National Consumer Agency (NCA) has warned people to be extra vigilant about disclosing personal information following the discovery of a scam where people are posted fake Bank of Ireland cheques for almost €1,500 and then asked for their personal details.

A letter claiming to be from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is attached indicating the recipient has been approved for a government grant of €5,000.

The scammers indicate candidates for the grant have been selected from lists of individuals held by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the NCA.

A “cheque” for €1,460 is included in the correspondence to cover “taxes and administrative fees” associated with the processing of the grant. Recipients are requested to telephone a contact number and complete a ‘Grant Release Form’, which seeks various personal information.

Director of consumer practices with the NCA John Shine warned people against disclosing any personal information if they receive such correspondence.

“This is a scam. There is no such grant scheme in operation. Under no circumstances should members of the public provide any information on foot of such correspondence,” he said.

Mr Shine pointed out such scams were becoming more sophisticated referencing Government agencies and departments in an effort to appear legitimate.

While such scams can be spotted with vigilance, vulnerable people under pressure financially may be taken in, he added.

“They are certainly becoming more sophisticated using logos of various agencies and Government departments, customising the scam to Irish circumstances,” he said.

Other frauds which have been highlighted in recent months include emails claiming to be from various Irish banks asking customers to enter their personal details, while letters purporting to be from the Revenue Commissioners seeking personal details have also been sent.

Mr Shine also said the NCA expected work-from-home schemes to be on the increase in the coming months and warned people to fully investigate such offers.

“Some of these adverts that come through the door are offering people to work from home and earn huge amounts of money. People need to be extremely wary of these things,” he said.

Consumers can find more information in relation to these and other scams on the NCA website www.consumerconnect.ie.

Anyone who receives the fake MABS communication is asked to contact the Garda Fraud Bureau on 01-6663741 or make contact with their local Garda station.