An Garda Síochána has noted an increase in fraudulent ‘smishing’ texts being received by members of the public in recent weeks.
There has been a 61% increase in smishing/vishing offences in the first 10 days of 2022, in comparison with the same period in 2021.
Members of the public have reported receiving false texts from Permanent TSB. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau have advised the public to be wary of such texts, even if the message thread includes previous genuine texts from your bank, to NEVER EVER click on links within texts because by doing so you are accessing cloned websites. Garda also caution against sharing personal data such as PIN numbers or passwords and say that these should be changed if you have been a victim of fraud.
Those who think or know they have been victims of fraud or a malicious contact are advised to report the matter to their bank asking them to recall any transactions which may have taken place, and to report the matter to An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána say Permanent TSB will never send a text message containing a link.
