Farmers – beware of scam 'department' phone calls

FARMERS are being warned to be alert to a phone scam where calls are being received from a person claiming to be from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.

The department has become aware of a number of phone calls to farmers from a person purporting to represent the department, seeking bank details. They state that they need these details to allegedly offer refunds or seek due payments.

The department never seeks bank details or any other personal information by phone or by text message.

If you receive a telephone call purporting to be from the department and seeking this type of information, please do not share your information.

None of the department's staff will mind you taking their name and ringing back on one of the official numbers listed on the website – do not use the number such a caller gives you.

You can also report phone calls to the quality service unit at (076) 1064468.

Anyone who mistakenly provides personal information in response to these types of fraudulent phone calls should contact their bank or credit card company immediately and also alert the gardaí.

These types of scams do not involve the department’s systems or security - they are designed to get your bank details.