Gardaí say text message scam is causing ‘panic’

Gardaí in Donegal have warned about a text message scam which “creates a sense of panic” asking people to transfer money from their accounts.

An Garda Siochana has been informed about a scam text in circulation which purports to have been sent on behalf of a bank - Permanent TSB in most recent cases.

The text message notifies the recipient that an attempt was made to transfer a large amount of money from their account and asks the individual to confirm this was not a legitimate transaction. The scammer proceeds to give a phone number to contact in relation to the matter.

“This text message creates a sense of panic and has an air of urgency to it and that is the intention of these scammers,” A Garda spokesperson said. “If anybody receives this type of text message, we advise them not to panic and to instead make contact with their bank through a verified phone number or email address. Do not contact the number provided within the text message. Do not click on any links contained within these types of messages. Never disclose your personal or banking information to anybody.”