Mayo gardaí in renewed warning over bogus texts

Gardaí in Mayo have taken steps to issue a renewed warning to the public over bogus texts.

Mobile phone users in the county continue to be plagued by consistent scam texts in which the recipients are urged to press on a link.

Bank accounts across the country have been drained by fraudsters sending these bogus links and there have been a number of Mayo victims.

Superintendent Joe McKenna of the Castlebar District said the issue continues to be a big problem throughout the county.

He elaborated: "Rarely a day passes without complaints being lodged to us about the matter by members of the public, some of whom have fallen victim to the scam.

"Some of the texts might look very genuine to people as if they were sent out by their bank or financial institute about a payment being made on a particular date.

"But they are not genuine, banks don't operate in this manner.

"Our advise is to never, ever press on the links contained in the texts.

"Scammers may change their stories or methods but their goals in always the same - they want to access your sensitive information and your money."

The following advice should be followed:

Do not provide your personal/banking details to anybody regardless of who they say they are or why they need it. Seek advice from a trusted family member/friend/gardaí in relation to this request for your information.

Do not engage with unknown callers.

Do not return a call to any phone number that you are not familiar with.

Do not click on any links in emails or text messages.

Do not send money.

Do not download APPs / remote access software.

Do not withdraw money and lodge it into cryptocurrency ATMs.

Screenshot any suspicious emails, text messages or other communication.

If concerned, please contact your local Garda Station.