Gardai are warning the public of the dangers posed by scammers in the build-up to the festive season.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) is urging caution from the public as they do their Christmas shopping online this year.
With an increase in online shopping and deliveries expected this year due to the pandemic, the potential risk to personal and payment data is far higher.
The GNECB is advising the public to avoid clicking on unsolicited texts or emails while urging never to give away our personal data, such as PIN and card numbers.
Gardai are encouraging people to screenshot such emails and report it to their local Garda station.
With online shopping & parcel deliveries increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic & with further increases expected around the Christmas season, Gardaí at the GNECB would like to warn the public of the potential risk to their personal and payment data: https://t.co/GM4q6SouBN pic.twitter.com/ouDIkrIgui
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) November 21, 2020
People are also being advised not to open attachments in unsolicited emails as they could contain harmful files that could infect your computer.
A warning is also being issued on the potential for scammers to use the guise of a charity to steal donations from people over the Christmas.
If you encounter any such person claiming to be from a charity, look to see their ID and collection permit.
If in doubt, do not contribute and contact Gardaí.
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