Scammers hit consumers with increasingly sophisticated ploys

A growing number of people are falling victim to consumer scams, including to increasingly sophisticated online “phishing” operations.

The National Consumer Agency yesterday urged consumers to be more vigilant after revealing that it received 835 scam-related queries in the past 12 months.

Of those, 44% were PC phishing scams, where the consumer was contacted directly by someone purporting to represent a company and advising them of a problem with their computer.

The aim is to gain access to the consumer’s computer so as to install malware that will then steal sensitive data such as online banking details or credit card numbers.

Of the callers to the NCA’s helpline in the past year, 679 had been contacted by scammers over the phone, far more than the number of people contacted by email, through a website, by post, or another method.

The range of scams go beyond phishing, taking in fake lotteries where a scammer contacts a consumer claiming they have won money only to find they must transfer fees to claim the prize, and unsolicited home repair, where someone calls to the door offering home or garden repairs and then charging for uncompleted or shoddy work.

Karen O’Leary, director of the public awareness and financial education division of the NCA, said: “It is sometimes harder to recognise a scammer if you are dealing with them over the phone or if they use an e-mail to contact you.

“We would always urge consumers to be vigilant and never give any personal details, such as their PIN to a caller, even if they claim to be calling from your bank and appear helpful. Reputable organisations will never contact you and ask you to verify personal details such as your PIN over the phone.

“Scammers target those who are most vulnerable, revisiting consumers who have been scammed before. Many of us have a parent, friend, or neighbour who would benefit from a gentle reminder about the types of scams out there and how they might be targeted.”

She said the ease with which phone scammers can access phone numbers means anyone unsure over the veracity of a call should offer to hang up and call the person back. Details of the caller should be available online or on letters if they are genuine.

“If you or someone you know is aware of a scam, you can contact the NCA to tell us about it and we can warn other consumers,” she said. “If you have been the victim of a scam, contact the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigations or your local Garda station immediately.”

See www.nca.ie for information on scams, or phone [phone].