An Garda Siochana are making the public aware of a current phone based fraud where a person receives text messages claiming to be from An Garda Síochána.
The messages indicate that they have an unpaid Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) and directs them to a link where they may make payment.
This text and the corresponding linked website are neither sent nor operated by An Garda Síochána or by any party on their behalf.
An Garda Síochána does not communicate with individuals regarding Fixed Charge Notices by SMS message.
All Fixed Charge Notice correspondence is issued by post, including reminders for unpaid FCNs.
Gardai advice to help avoid becoming a victim of phone fraud by text (also known as “smishing”):
– Don’t respond to unsolicited texters seeking private information about you. Private information includes your name, address, date of birth, family details, bank account numbers, PIN, Passwords.
– Never click on a link in an unsolicited text message.
– Independently verify any requests for information and never use the contact details supplied to you by the texter. Independent means independent of the texter.
– The texter may already have some information about you so don’t trust them because they use your name or other personal information.
– An Garda Síochána will never look for your Banking PIN number or Password or ask you to transfer money, or come to your home to collect your payment card, cheque book or cash.
An Garda Siochana say “It is very easy to have inadvertently or otherwise engaged with this scam or another similar scam, and subsequently found yourself a victim of fraud – do not hesitate to drop into or call us in your local Garda Station so that we can help: https://www.garda.ie/en/contact-us/station-directory/”.
