Limerick gardai investigating after ‘significant financial loss’ suffered in scam

LIMERICK gardai have launched an investigation after a woman in her 20s suffered “significant financial loss” in a banking fraud.

A woman in her 20s in the Clonlara area reported getting a text that appeared to be from her bank, alerting her that someone had logged into her online banking in a different part of the country. The message provided a phone number and urged her to call,” explained Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street garda station.

“She rang and spoke with someone who asked her to confirm some transactions - no personal info, just yes or no. They told her the account had been compromised and asked if she had a different banking APP.  Again, she was told to transfer her money ‘for security reasons’.

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She moved the money from her bank account to a different banking APP. 

“Then, on the morning of July 1, she got another call. She was told a new bank account had been set up, even receiving texts from her ‘bank’ confirming the new IBAN. She was then persuaded to transfer her funds into this ‘new’ account in five separate transactions,” said Sgt O’Halloran.

The crime prevention officer confirmed the woman “remains at a significant financial loss”.  

“Unfortunately,  we’re continuing to see new frauds pop up week after week. We all need to stop, think, and be vigilant, these scammers can be extremely persuasive, leading to one believing they are genuine,” he said.

“Do not click on links in texts or emails unless you’re sure they’re genuine. Do not call numbers provided in suspicious messages. And never share banking details or move money unless you’ve spoken to your bank directly using verified contact information,” stressed Sgt O’Halloran.

“These scams are becoming more sophisticated, and the more we know, the better we can protect ourselves and each other.”