"Be warned" - Kilkenny gardaí share serious message as scam catches out locals

Kilkenny gardaí have issued a warning to the public following an increase in the volume of calls 'spoofing UK numbers (like +44) to trick people into answering.'

"Be warned - Scam Calls," a garda post read online.

"If you dont recognise the number or there is no apparent reason for someone from the UK to call you, please never answer. Legitimate callers will leave a message.

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"These callers can be automated voices or live scammers, sometimes purporting to be working for private companies or tech support for a bank or other organisation, and they will usually attempt to get some personal or sensitive information from the person being called," the post continued.

"If you answer, it notifies them that the number is active. When a number is active, it can be sold to telemarketers for a higher price or to another scammer, leading to more unwanted calls. If you respond/answer a question, the scammer might record your voice. Your 'Yes'  response could be recorded and used to voice-authorise charges to an account.

"Please DONT ENGAGE," it concluded.

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