Gardai are urging the Irish public to be vigilant after they observed an increased prevalence of one type of scam attempt.
‘Advance fee fraud’ sees scammers try to part people with their money by asking them to pay a fee for a loan that is never issued.
Members of the force warn of several websites offering hassle-free loans to people which actually turn out to be scams.
They explained how the fraud works and the ‘red flags’ people should be aware of.
Gardai for the Laois/Offaly division said on Thursday: “Advance fee fraud requires individuals to pay a fee before receiving a promised sum of money which is never paid.
“Garda have noticed an increase in this practice recently with a number of websites offering quick, easy, unsecured loans. The victim is required to fill in a short application that looks for their details.
(Image: DPA/PA Images)
“Once these details have been submitted a follow up phone call is received from what appears to be an Irish number. The victim is informed via the telephone call that their loan has been approved but they are required to make a payment in advance of the loan being paid into their account.”
Gardai said that reasons for fees vary but can include insurance fees, set up fees or asking for the first instalment in advance.
They said: “The websites used in these scams look professional in nature but there are a number of red flags which the…
