Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer is warning people to be on the lookout for phishing online.
Phishing is a form of online fraud, which typically involves an e-mail, supposedly from a legitimate company or financial institution, asking you to ‘verify’ or ‘re-submit’ confidential information.
Fraudsters may ask you to complete an online form or seek bank account and credit card numbers, passwords or personal identification numbers like PINs.
Sergeant Triona Brooks is advising that if people inadvertently respond, these details could be used to make unauthorized withdrawals from your bank account or to pay for online purchases.
“Trust your instincts, if a message looks fraudulent or offers something that looks too good to be true, it probably is.
“Some phrases that may be used in a phishing e-mail are: ‘Verify your account, ‘respond within 48 hours or your account will be closed’, ‘dear valued customer’, ‘click on the link below to gain access to your account’.
“Trust your instincts. Ask yourself why you are being contacted or asked for this information.
“Never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited e-mail, pop-up advertisement or unexpected website address.
“Review credit card and bank statements for any inconsistencies”.
If you suspect that you are a victim alert the relevant organization and the Gardaí. Find out more at www.makeITsecure.ie
