Aย YOUNG Limerick woman was swindled out of a large amount of money after responding to a phone call from a man she believed was an employee of her bank, Gardaรญ in Limerick have said.
The woman, who is in her 20s, received a phone call from a man presenting as a representative from her financial institution, according to Sergeant Michell O’Halloran of the Crime Prevention Office at Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick City.
“The caller stated that there was a suspicious transaction on her account and after some time she disclosed all her banking details to this caller, believing him to be genuine,” said Sergeant O’Halloran.
The Crime Prevention Officer said that “subsequently her account was accessed and a substantial sum of money removed from her account”.
Sergeant O’Halloran added that an investigation is ongoing by Gardaรญ based at at Castleconnell Garda Station.
Sheย is now warning people across Limerick not to respond to such suspect and opportunistic calls.
“Banks and other financial entities will never make unsolicited contact with individuals asking for personal details, account numbers, four-digit pin number or passwords,” Sergeant O’Halloran explained.
“Anyone receiving unsolicited communications looking for these personal details should not reply to the text messages, emails, or other communications and never ever share banking details over the phone.”
“If you do encounter this, contact your bank independently to check on the validity of the communications received before taking any action or providing any information,” Sergeant O’Halloran warned.
